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Keller Williams Realty Swm
Ryan Arnt, Keller Williams Realty SwmPhone: (269) 470-6666
Email: [email protected]

New Construction Delays: What to Expect

by Ryan Arnt 05/23/2021

Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko from Pexels

A construction crew has to deal with a lot of issues when they're on the job. No matter how careful the preparation is, it's impossible to expect that everything will go exactly as planned. That being said, there are plenty of "professionals" in the market who may try to take advantage of a situation by pushing back deadlines or making excuses. We'll look at the inner workings of this question and how you can tell when the crew has gone too far.

What's Normal

While it's never easy to get bad news, the following reasons are typically legitimate.

Sudden Requested Changes


Beyond anything else, unexpected changes to the plans can have a huge impact on the timeline of your project. This is a difficult one for many people to understand because of the major ripple effects just one change can have. To the future homeowner, it seems like a tiny request. To the builders though, it might mean major adjustments, work reassignments and potentially even redoing certain sections of the home.

Weather


Any outdoor project can quickly be derailed by intense wind, snow or rain. For instance, a hole dug for the foundation can quickly become a pit with enough precipitation. Roofers might not be able to safely get up on the roof in high winds. Even extreme temperatures can put new construction in danger, depending on the specifications of the home. For instance, equipment might not function as well once the thermostat falls below zero.

Supply Shortages


Out-of-stock material doesn't only mean things like custom tile for your bathroom. Construction crews typically use their own tools and supplies. If they need to replace something (e.g., the chain on a forklift), these items might be harder to locate than anticipated. These kinds of delays can be solved quickly with a little ingenuity, but not always.

Why Communication Matters

Even when a construction crew has a solid excuse as to why they're delaying the project, they need to explain their reasons. Bad weather doesn't always mean the project has to shut down completely.

It's important for them to detail why they may need a time extension and how it can affect the rest of the work. The same is true with unexpected requests and supply shortages. The more context a builder gives you, the more confidence it should give you as a homeowner.

What's Excessive

A lot of construction delays can be avoided with the right planning. For example, checking the weather for the week can help builders adjust the work based on conditions. As the owner, you can feel free to push back on a crew for their lack of forethought.

Unfortunately, there can be more serious errors when it comes to construction delays. If the crew is overbooked or the construction company used a poor subcontractor, this isn't necessarily your responsibility. Unless the contract acknowledges that you assume liability for these occurrences, taking advantage of this kind of delay is an example of going too far.

What You Can Do

There are certain excuses that are fairly easy to check on. If you can find a supposedly rare building material on the internet with just a quick Google search, it would be an easy way to confirm that the construction crew is trying to get away with something nefarious.

The best thing that you can do is stay involved from the very beginning. Even before you hire a construction crew, you should be looking at their reviews, learning more about how they communicate and what specific protocols they use to protect homeowners. It's always easier to fool somebody who's too busy to take part in the process.

The Takeaway

As you develop a rapport with the builders and decision-makers, you should feel comfortable asking questions to better understand the magnitude of the delay. If you're getting verifiable information, it's a good sign that the construction crew is doing everything in their power to make good on their original promises.

If you're getting nothing but pushback and vague answers, this should give you more cause for concern. In this case, you could use this as leverage to either renegotiate the budget or hire additional workers at no cost to you.

About the Author
Author

Ryan Arnt

I have provided award-winning service to many clients over the past 25 years. Few other REALTORS are as trusted as I am. My clients trust my advice, and they know that I always look out for their best long-term interests. You can expect, and you will receive personal service that is second to none. When you hire me as your Agent you work with me and only me. I will answer your calls and respond to your text messages. I promise not to hand you off to another member of "My team" like others do. When you hire Ryan, you get Ryan.

I have called Southwest Michigan home for 40 years. My mother's family ran a local locksmith service, and my father served as the Chief Investigator for the County's Prosecutor's office for many years. I love all that this area offers, and I enjoy serving the buyers and sellers who are moving in or out of Southwest Michigan.

My wife and I have two children, and we would not want to raise them anywhere else. Between the award-winning schools and the plethora of youth activities offered in Southwest Michigan, it's a great place to call home. We enjoy spending time with friends at the beach, boating, golfing, hunting, skiing "Up North," and fishing.

We give back generously to the community that has been so good to us. Currently, I serve on the Lakeshore Public Schools Foundation Board (LEF), as Past President of the St. Joe Kickers Sports Club, and as a Rotarian in the Stevensville-Lakeshore Rotary Club. We donate throughout the year to various local organizations, schools, and youth sports groups.

I want to put my experience and knowledge to work for you. Having sold more than 500 properties while earning the trust and respect of my fellow REALTORS, who voted me the "REALTOR of the Year," I am confident I can earn your trust as well.

Looking to buy, sell, or invest in real estate? Please allow me the opportunity to serve you. I promise you will not be disappointed.

Ryan Arnt

Real Estate Broker/Company Owner

Keller Williams of Southwest Michigan

You can reach me anytime, call or text 269.470.6666, or email me at [email protected].

When you need a REALTOR, Rely on Ryan!