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Writer's pictureTiffany Tillema

What is taking So Long????

Updated: Dec 30, 2021

The contractor told you it would take two weeks to complete the job, and now it's been TWO MONTHS!


By now, you may be thinking of firing your contractor and finding someone more reliable. It sounds simple but firing a contractor can get complicated, and it may not work out in your favor, especially if you have a contract in place and arrangements are there to protect YOU and the CONTRACTOR.

Most contracts stipulate that the contractor will work in a "timely and professional manner." They are going to want to stick to that. The contract will also mention something about circumstances beyond the contractor's control.

That "beyond control" wording, well, that happens, and it happens ALOT!

Let us go over a few things that may delay your project:





1. Weather

In the construction industry, the biggest obstacle is the weather. Let's take Masonry as an example. Masons work with a unique mix similar to concrete; they call it "mud." This "mud" is specially formulated to create the strongest possible bond with the brick, block, and stone they are working with. They must follow the rules to make sure that the bond is strong. Most people understand we cannot work in freezing weather, and they do not know that the temperature must be 45 degrees and rise before starting work. The strength of the project depends on following such rules. Also, rain and inclement weather can delay a project for days and even weeks. In the south, working hours are often cut short because of severe heat and the crew's safety. #weather #rain #sleet #snow #contractor.


2. Lack of space


Another common problem may be another contractor that needs the space we happen to be in. Subcontractors cannot always work over one another, which is a safety issue. Sometimes one sub can move temporarily to a different area, but this is often impossible. The usual solution is for one sub to hold off working on finishing, so they are not "tripping" over one another.






3. Illness


Something else that is often beyond control is Illness. This has been a huge issue for the last years with COVID-19. OSHA has a specific protocol to follow when an employee tests positive for the virus. When employees test positive, they are out for ten days and cannot return until they have two negative test results. However, The rest of the workers for that company have to be tested and anyone involved in that particular job. This can shut an entire project down! #covid #osha



4. Equipment failure


Equipment often breaks down, and when it does, it can stop a project dead in its tracks.

This can be rental equipment or owned equipment. Rentals can sometimes be replaced in a day or two IF the rental company has a replacement available. If not, it may take several days to repair or replace equipment. Owned equipment is often more complex and takes longer to repair. Waiting on parts, removing the equipment to a shop, replacing the equipment, or finding a rental can take days or weeks to accomplish.




5. Material delays


This is the one I recently had to add to the blog. Three years ago, I would have a delay in materials ONLY when we special ordered something that was not common. That is no longer the case. Today I have to order materials 8-10 WEEKS in advance! If it's not in the yard, then they have to make it. Right now, just about everything is in a special order. I have both homeowners, and general contractors shocked at the timeframe for material deliveries.

I have manufacturers of block and brick that are so far behind on regular materials that they refuse to take special orders. The lack of materials can cause the delays to run into months!


There are many causes of delay that can be beyond the contractor's control. Each industry has its own unique set of problems that can cause a delay. It's always best if you expect delays to happen on every project. A good rule of thumb is to ask the contractor what some common delays are for his specific industry. Then anticipate those delays.

Find out if you can do something to help avoid delay, such as not scheduling subcontractors too close together and not in each other's way.

Most importantly, keep in close communication with the contractor. If there is a delay, ask why and how long they anticipate the wait. Be patient.

Another important way to avoid delay is to always pay by the job and rarely by the hour. A contractor getting paid by the job wants as few delays as possible as delays cost HIM money. In some circumstances, by the hour may be better for you and them, but this is usually rare. If you hire a handyman instead of a contractor, I would suggest never paying by the hour as "delays" will most likely eat your budget.


I hope this helps you understand delays and why firing a contractor can cause even more significant problems.


If you have anything to add or suggest an article in this blog, feel free to comment!


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