Home remodeling delays occur so frequently that they are practically part of the process, yet nobody warns you about the real culprits behind these timeline disasters. Don’t let that six-week renovation overstay its welcome. Home remodeling in Mountain View is easier than ever with the right home remodeling firm.
Building Permits
Building permits move at the speed of government, which means slow is an understatement. No matter how good your home remodeling firm is, even they aren’t in control of the permit office. Depending on the remodel you hope to achieve, you may need more than one type of permit. Electrical work requires a permit; building, pumping, and other similar work also have their own specific permits and require separate inspections. Be careful not to miss an inspection, as you may be delayed by another week or two.
Material Delays
Delays in materials kill more renovation schedules than anything. Supply chain issues have become a prominent problem in recent years. Special orders take a while, and custom pieces even longer. Even standard basic items like specific door handles or light switches can suddenly become impossible to find. Wood prices also fluctuate significantly from one week to the next. Even one missing component can hold up an entire room.
Contractors
Your general contractor doesn’t directly control the electrician’s schedule. The electrician schedules jobs weeks out. If your project isn’t ready when your appointment arrives, the electrician will move on to the next job, and you will have to reschedule. It could take weeks to schedule an appointment on their calendar. Weather is a common occurrence that throws remodels off schedule. You might think weather delays would only delay exterior remodels, but that isn’t always the case. When bad weather arrives, your contractors may shift indoor crews to cover outdoor delays at other sites.
Hidden Surprises
Opening walls reveals surprises, and they are rarely good ones. Your contractor may uncover termite damage you didn’t expect. Updating your bathroom exposes pipes held together with duct tape and prayer. These new complications aren’t just expensive to repair, but they also cause major delays. The older the home, the more likely you are to encounter a significant surprise. It’s not uncommon to find asbestos insulation, lead paint, or aluminum wiring. With each discovery comes new requirements, such as specialists who handle hazardous materials.
Changing Up
Changes may seem minor in isolation, but they compound quickly. Simply choosing a different bathtub shouldn’t cause too much harm. Wrong. That new tub needs alternate plumbing locations. Moving plumbing typically means moving electrical, and suddenly your small change ripples across the board, adding weeks to the schedule.
Each modification requires new materials, different scheduling, and additional approvals. Contractors book tight schedules; a delay of even a few days could mean waiting weeks for them to return.
Prevention Over Panic
Remodeling is a stressful endeavor to take on. However, taking a few simple steps can save you time and heartache during your renovation. Giving yourself a time buffer will save your sanity. Whatever timeline your contractor recommends, add a minimum of 30% to account for any complications. Get permits approved before starting demolition. Pay for expedited processing when you can order materials early, especially if you plan to implement custom items. Store them yourself if possible to avoid delivery delays.
Choose your home remodeling firm carefully. Inquire about their current project load and ask questions about subcontractor relationships and contingency plans. Better contractors cost more but deliver more predictable timelines. Renovation means expecting delays. However, with a little extra effort, you can avoid a few unnecessary complications.
CTA: Looking to remodel in Mountain View? Give us a call today.
Reference:
Sanchez Law. (n.d.). Common Causes of Construction Delays and What to Do If Your Contractor Is Late