The success of a home renovation project can highly depend on whether the schedule that’s set for it is met or not. Delay in the project not only has a negative impact on homeowners but on the contractors as well. This will prompt the owner to adjust for additional costs by not being able to use or occupy their property for its intended purpose due to the prolonged renovation period. Be that as it may, surprises and delays can pop up when least expected so you have to be ready to deal with them every single time that’s why it’s important to understand what and why delays occur to ensure that your project finishes ON TIME!
TYPES OF DELAYS
Excusable Delays
Normally, these result from events that are beyond the contractor or homeowner’s control. Depending on the expressed terms of the contract (if any), the project’s due date can be extended without compensation to the homeowner.
A good example of an excusable delay can be unanticipated bad weather that can jeopardize structural integrity. When planning to do a home renovation project, it’s best to do so during the warmer months when there is less rain or snow. This makes it a lot easier to adapt while there’s work being done on your home.
Inexcusable Delays
These are drawbacks that are completely within the control of the homeowner or the contractor. When a contract is involved, it’s common for these delays to be compensable to the homeowner by payment of liquidated or actual damages caused by the contractor.
If there is a lack or improper scheduling done by the contractor, it can serve as a prime example of an inexcusable delay. This is true if your renovation project involves multiple contractors and requires a number of materials to make sure that everything is working in tandem with each other. For instance, if the arrival of the materials needed for the project gets delayed, you’ll end up paying the person to stand around and do nothing. Having an organized schedule helps move the project along smoothly.
Concurrent Delays
This happens when both the homeowner and contractor bear some of the responsibility for the setback in the renovation. This is very common when there has been multiple delays already during the project period. Since both parties are at fault, it’s for good measure that neither one is entitled to monetary compensation and avoid altercations altogether in order to stay focused on the job at hand.
Obtaining building permits are required depending on your renovation project. The application for such may take quite some time since your local municipality needs to run through your plans. Also, if the project in itself is quite large and involves several areas in your household, expect that obtaining the permit will take longer than expected.
HOW TO STAY ON SCHEDULE
Everything from the unpredictable weather to lack of proper scheduling can throw your project off-the-track. It might not seem like a big deal now, but if you’re planning to list your property on the market as soon as possible, you know that timing is everything. It’s important to not allow one delay to derail your project. To be fair, not every renovation project stays perfectly on schedule all throughout. However, there are some things you can do to deal with renovation delays.
Set REALISTIC expectations
Before your renovation project breaks ground, clear communication is a must. Have a conversation with your contractor or handyman about the schedule and how to deal with any delays. This also applies if you plan to do the project on your own. Try to ask for a second opinion about it. Taking your time to set expectations can help you gain some much-needed perspective about the renovation process. Short delays can be expected and being realistic can save you from future frustration.
Give the project an extension
If for some reason, the completion of your renovation project is delayed and it overlaps with something else like the mortgage end date, it will cause unimaginable headache so make sure to give yourself a little bit of wiggle room to work on. A tight schedule can fall apart if a single delay happens which might drag the entire project down the drain. Adding a week or two will give you the needed breathing room to deal with any unexpected occurrences that might happen along the way.
Minimize any changes
Once you have a plan for the project and the materials have been purchased already, any changes you make no matter how big or small will definitely cause some sort of delay if you don’t follow the initial plan. What might seem like minor changes to tile cutting or window sizes can cause huge adjustments to material orders. Spend more time contemplating on the planning process to make sure that you’re completely satisfied before putting the plan in motion.
Hire professionals for the job
Whether you’re lining up to hire others for the project or fancy yourself a DIY person, it’s always important to have a professional opinion about it. Aside from excusable delays, scheduling issues are bound to happen – especially if this would be your first time to do the project. Enlisting the aid of professionals can make it much easier for the project to reach completion. They also have inside knowledge of what specific building permits to obtain and what type of materials would best suit your project.
The process of renovating or improving your home requires so many working parts that a few delays are to be expected. It’s normal to feel a bit of frustration when these things are met. Let our team of experts at GetPro Construction handle the workload for you! We realize the need to finish a renovation project on schedule and we aim to set it’s completion as close as possible to its due date. To learn more about our services, you can contact us at (734) 822-9595 or reach out to us via email at info@getproco.com.
