Construction delays are one of the most common concerns homeowners have when planning a custom home or remodel — everyone wants to know whether the project will stay on schedule. Below, we break down the most common causes of construction delays and how an experienced builder, guided by industry best practices from the National Association of Home Builders, keeps your project on track.
At Scroggs, we understand why. Delays can be frustrating, especially when you’re eager to move into a new home or start enjoying a newly renovated space. While no builder can eliminate every setback, many common delays can be managed through thoughtful planning and communication.
Here are five common causes of construction delays and how experienced builders work to minimize them.
Permitting Delays
Some of the most important work on a construction project happens long before the first shovel hits the ground.
“Everybody wants to know when construction is going to start,” says Kevin Griffin, Vice President of Operations at Scroggs. “What many homeowners don’t realize is that a lot of work happens behind the scenes before crews arrive and construction gets underway.”
Permits, engineering reviews, site planning, and municipal approvals are all part of the pre-construction process. Depending on the scope of the project and the jurisdiction, obtaining those approvals can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks.
While builders cannot control review timelines, experienced teams understand local requirements and work to submit complete, accurate applications from the start. Taking the time to get things right early can help prevent unnecessary delays later.
Material Shortages and Long Lead Times
Products like cabinets, windows, appliances, and specialty finishes can take weeks or even months to arrive, particularly when custom selections are involved.
That’s one reason Scroggs places such a strong emphasis on planning. By helping homeowners make selections early, the team can submit orders sooner and identify potential availability issues before they affect the construction schedule.
“You might not need cabinets for another four or five months, but that doesn’t mean you have four or five months to decide on them,” Kevin says. “Those early decisions can make a big difference when it comes to keeping a project on track.”
Weather Delays
Construction schedules and weather forecasts don’t always agree. Rain, snow, high winds, and extreme temperatures can affect excavation, grading, concrete work, roofing, and other critical phases of construction.
Experienced builders understand that weather-related interruptions are part of the construction process and, rather than planning around perfect conditions, build realistic schedules that account for seasonal weather patterns.
“Weather is one of the few things nobody can control,” Kevin says. “The key is being proactive, communicating with homeowners, and adjusting the plan as conditions change.”
Change Orders and Mid-Project Decisions
Building a custom home or remodel involves a lot of decisions, so it’s completely normal for homeowners to refine their ideas as the project takes shape. At the same time, changes made after construction begins can sometimes impact the schedule.
A different flooring selection, a relocated light fixture, or a layout adjustment may seem minor on its own. But even small changes can create a ripple effect. Materials may need to be reordered, inspections rescheduled, or subcontractors brought back at a different time than originally planned.
Early planning plays an important role in keeping projects on track. Through its design-build approach, Scroggs works closely with homeowners to make key decisions before construction begins, helping them understand how their choices may affect the overall project.
“A little extra time spent planning upfront can save a lot of time later,” Kevin says.
Communication Breakdowns
Communication matters, too. When homeowners, designers, and builders aren’t aligned, even small issues can create unnecessary delays or confusion.
At Scroggs, communication is built into every step of the process. During pre-construction, the team develops a detailed scope of work and project schedule so everyone starts with the same expectations.
The company’s design-build approach also helps keep communication streamlined throughout the project. Because design and construction teams work together under one roof, plan revisions, design clarifications, and other questions can often be addressed quickly. On projects that involve separate architects, designers, and contractors, those same discussions can sometimes add days or even weeks to the timeline.
Once construction begins, each project is assigned a dedicated supervisor who serves as a primary point of contact. Plus, clients receive access to Buildertrend, an online project management platform that allows them to view schedules, track progress, access photos, and stay informed throughout the construction process.
“Nobody likes feeling out of the loop,” Kevin says. “When clients can see progress, review updates, and stay connected to the project, it creates a much better experience from start to finish.”
Keep Your Project Moving Forward
The reality is that every construction project has a few unexpected challenges along the way. Permits can take longer than anticipated, weather can shift plans, and material availability can change with little notice. The key is working with a team that knows how to adapt, communicate, and keep the project moving forward.
At Scroggs, we bring design and construction together under one roof, helping minimize many of the delays that can impact a project’s schedule. The result is a smoother building experience, from the first nail to the last.
Ready to start your project? Contact us today.