4 Common Causes of Renovation Delays and How to Avoid Them

A delayed renovation project is a homeowner’s worst nightmare. Delays in renovation projects cost money and are incredibly inconvenient. An effective renovation plan can help ensure your project stays on schedule. When planning everything down to the last detail before starting your project, you can identify challenges before you run into them.

To help plan your renovation, the residential building experts at Holly Construction have compiled a list of some common causes of renovation delays and how to steer clear of them.

Pre-existing Conditions

If you are renovating an old home, there is a possibility that an unpleasant surprise such as water damage, mold growth or structural damage awaits you. These challenges can derail your project. To minimize the impact of these and other challenges, have a reputable contractor inspect your home before planning your renovation.

An experienced contractor can carry out tests to diagnose problems. They can anticipate potential issues and recommend measures to tackle any structural and other problems. The sooner you address these problems, the better. Have a contingency budget in place so you can cover unexpected costs without exceeding your project budget.

Long Lead Times

Long lead times and backorders are some of the most common causes of renovation delays. If the items you order for your renovation are out of stock or arrive damaged, you may lose precious time communicating with the supplier. Sometimes, products arrive on time, but they are not the ones that the homeowner ordered or the project owner realizes that they want something else.

To overcome these challenges, place your order as early as possible. Before placing an order, make sure the supplier has the product you need in stock. If you are not sure what you want, consult your contractor or visit local building materials stores before ordering materials for your project.

Obtaining Permits

Check with your municipality if you need a permit for your renovation project. Apply for any permits in advance as the process can take several weeks or even a few months, depending on the nature and complexity of your project. Ask your home renovation contractor if they can pull permits for you.

Weather Conditions 

Depending on the scope of your renovation project, bad weather can affect the project timeline. If your project involves renovating/repairing doors, siding, roofing, or painting concrete structures and exterior walls, your contractor’s team may be unable to complete some tasks on rainy days or on a hot or cold day.

Unfortunately, there is not much you can do to manage this factor. The best you can do is take the weather into consideration when planning your project. To ensure your project stays on schedule, set aside some time.

Holly Construction is a renowned residential builder in Marin County. Whether you have a simple small-scale residential project or a complex, large-scale commercial project, we can manage it from start to finish. To talk to one of our experts, call (707) 541-0700.