Are you planning a new home or renovation and worried that your new home will not be completed on time? That your building works will drag on with no end in sight? You’re not alone. This is a very common concern for homeowners.
Whether you’re paying rent while waiting to move in, facing the stress of a seemingly endless cycle of delays making it impossible for you to plan your life, or simply eager to start enjoying your new home as soon as possible, ensuring your new home is completed on time is essential.
In this blog, you’ll learn why building works are often not completed on time and three steps you can take to ensure that this doesn’t happen to you.
Why do some building projects go way over schedule?
One of the primary reasons for delays is a disorganised builder.
Building or renovating a home involves multiple subcontractors doing a range of tasks which are often interdependent. Often it just takes one subcontractor not completing their works on time to delay the entire project.
But it’s not always an unreliable subcontractor, it may have been the builder who failed to book in the subcontractor in time, to clearly communicate the schedule or to regularly update the subcontractor when the schedule changes. The builder may have left ordering materials or your fixtures & fittings until the last minute, only to find that they are not immediately available.
Another common problem is builders taking on too many projects.
Builders who overcommit themselves may not have sufficient labour resources, or struggle to allocate them effectively, leading to delays across the board. Carpentry teams are rotated around sites, leaving some sites empty for long periods.
The most concerning reason is a builder who is in financial difficulty. Subcontractors may not be willing to complete works because they are owed money or the builder has cash flow problems and is borrowing from new projects to complete existing ones.
Moreover, selecting a builder solely based on a low quote can backfire, as you may find yourself deprioritised in favour of more profitable projects.
How Can You Ensure Your New Home is Completed On Time?
Step 1: Do Your Due Diligence
Before selecting a builder, it’s crucial to conduct thorough research.
Look for signs of organisation and reliability. Requesting a gantt chart—a visual timeline of the construction process—can provide insight into the builder’s planning and scheduling capabilities. Additionally, inquire about their process for managing subcontractors, checking lead in times and ensuring timely deliveries of materials.
Ask questions about their team structure—do they rely on carpentry gangs or do they employ their own team? Builders who have a dedicated carpentry team are often better equipped to maintain control of timelines, consistency and efficiency throughout the project.
Inquire about how they will keep you informed of progress. Online portals with daily job logs & photos and/or regular site visits will enable you to monitor progress of the works against the schedule and act quickly if the works are falling behind.
Seek feedback from previous clients and review testimonials or online reviews. Observing the builder’s projects in the area can also provide valuable insights into the way the builder runs their sites.
Step 2: Insist on a Guaranteed Completion Date
Select a builder who will guarantee their completion date by agreeing to pay you liquidated damages if they don’t finish on time.
This will not only alleviate financial stress for you but also serves as a strong incentive for the builder to adhere to the agreed-upon timeline.
Step 3: Avoid Variations
The Builder’s completion date is based on the scope of works, plans and specifications included in the contract. If you change the scope, plans or specifications, the completion date may need to be extended to accommodate that change.
It could be as simple as changing a tile selection. If there is a long lead in time for your new tile, your completion date may need to be pushed back. If you ask the builder to do additional works/change the works, they may need to add time to the construction period to undertake those works.
In order to avoid delays, before you sign your building contract make sure you are 100% happy with the fixtures, fittings and finishes you have selected and you understand exactly what’s on your plans. Watch our Beginner’s Guide to Reading Plans video by clicking here.
Also, it’s important to be aware that design issues can cause delays. For example, on a renovation project, if the existing house has not been accurately measured or your designer has drawn something that isn’t buildable, the builder may need to stop work while your designer corrects the plans. So do your due diligence on your designer too.
Conclusion
By following these steps and selecting a professional builder (and designer), you will be on the right track to having your new home completed on time.
A reputable builder will not only ensure timely completion of your home but also keep you informed and engaged throughout the process. Even in the face of unexpected challenges, you can trust that they will proactively address issues and manage their team & subcontractors to avoid or minimize any impact on the overall schedule.
By partnering with a reliable and organised builder and securing a guaranteed completion date, you can confidently plan your life and look forward to enjoying your new home.
To help you select the right builder for you & your project, we have prepared a FREE guide: The 7 Critical Questions to Ask Before You Choose Your Builder.
Download it now to learn:
How to check whether your builder is up to the job
How to avoid getting caught out by builders charging you more than you were expecting
and more handy tips
HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT BUILDER FOR YOU
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