Most homeowners have heard horror stories about renovation delays that stall projects for weeks or even months. Fortunately, these cases are actually quite rare, but that doesn’t mean everything will go exactly according to schedule. In almost all cases, renovation delays of a day or two happen at least once. As a homeowner, the most important thing you can do is stay calm and try to be understanding. The more you know about what causes these setbacks can help you cope more effectively. Here, you will learn about four common issues that cause remodeling jobs to come to a halt.
- Bad weather – Typically, inclement weather only affects exterior renovation projects. If, however, that’s what you’re doing on your property, storms and other issues could definitely affect your remodeling schedule. Remember, contractors have as much control as you do over weather patterns (read: none), so don’t get mad if things get pushed back because of rain, snow, or high winds. Good contractors typically have clauses about inclement weather delays in their contracts, so make sure you read your paperwork to find out what your professional’s policies are.
- Budgetary problems – Sometimes, renovation projects get delayed because of budgetary problems on the part of the homeowner. Materials may cost more than they were originally projected to, certain finishes may be upgraded at the last minute, or other expensive changes may be made to the remodeling plans. If you find yourself in a financial bind and it halts construction on your home, you should first talk to your contractor and then to your bank. There may be lending options available that will help you get the job finished.
- Overbooked calendars – This problem is the contractor’s to correct, not yours as a homeowner. It is, however, important for you to be aware of the possibility that this could happen. Sometimes, contracting crews find themselves overbooked, which can lead to delays on all of their projects. If this happens during your remodeling job, speak to your contractor about what can be done to reach a resolution that is satisfactory for both parties.
- Flaky subcontractors – Depending on the scope of your renovation, your primary contractor may hire certain jobs out to subcontractors. While many contracting companies work with reputable subcontractors they know and have long histories with, sometimes new people may be called in for specific projects. If these individuals end-up being unreliable, it can lead to construction setbacks. Some contracts have clauses about this issue, while others don’t, so you will need to look over your documentation to find out what your contractor does in the case of flaky subcontractors. You may, for instance, receive a discount.
At Hatch Homes, we take great pride in serving our clients well and keeping things on-track to the best of our ability. Although unforeseen circumstances can arise, we do everything in our power to complete projects efficiently and beautifully. If you reside in North Carolina or South Carolina, we hope you’ll contact us to discuss your upcoming project soon. We look forward to learning about your plans!