Remodeling a home is a complex process that requires tight coordination between homeowners, contractors, and suppliers. While delays are often blamed on weather, supply chain issues, or contractor mismanagement, homeowners themselves can be a major source of slowdowns.

Most of the time, remodeling delays are caused by contractors, or events not in control by either the homeowner or contractor. However, homeowners must be called out when THEY are the problem.

There are a few power-plays that homeowners can use to ensure they prevent contractors from delaying projects by using delay fines or other agreement terms, it’s important to also understanding when and how YOU may be contributing to remodeling delays. Work to be sure you are not the reason your remodel is behind schedule – the consequences can be costly.

Common Homeowner-Caused Delays

Indecision and Change Orders
One of the most frequent causes of delays is homeowner indecision. Remodeling involves dozens of decisions—materials, finishes, layouts, and fixtures. When homeowners hesitate or change their minds frequently, progress stalls. A bathroom remodel that should take a few weeks might stretch into months if key choices aren’t made on time.

Change orders—modifications to the original scope of work after construction begins—also cause significant disruption. These often require new plans, reordering supplies, or even undoing completed work, leading to schedule slips and increased costs.

Financial Constraints and Payment Delays
Remodeling is expensive. When homeowners underestimate the true cost or run into financial trouble mid-project, payment delays can pause progress. Contractors may halt work until funds are available, creating scheduling chaos and risking subcontractor availability.

Overwhelm and Lack of Responsiveness
Homeowners unfamiliar with remodeling may become overwhelmed by the number of decisions required. Slow approvals or unanswered questions from contractors can bring production to a standstill.

Scheduling Conflicts and Limited Availability
Busy homeowners juggling work and family may miss meetings, walkthroughs, or key approvals. When on-site decisions are delayed, the entire project timeline can be thrown off.

Real-World Examples

• Extended Design Phase: A bathroom remodel was delayed nearly eight months due to constant design revisions and indecision. The contractor moved the project down the priority list until final plans were approved.
• Change Orders Mid-Project: During a kitchen remodel, a homeowner decided to switch from standard cabinets to custom. Construction stopped, partially installed cabinets were removed, and work resumed only after the new cabinets arrived weeks later.
• Payment Delays: A missed milestone payment caused a contractor to pause the job. Subcontractors left the site, and restarting required rescheduling—plus added mobilization costs.

Consequences of Homeowner-Caused Delays

1. Contractor Reprioritization
If homeowners delay payments or decisions, contractors may shift focus to other active projects. Once the homeowner is ready, the crew or subcontractors may no longer be available, further extending the timeline.

2. Additional Costs

Change Orders and Rework
Change orders often account for 10%–25% of the total project cost. For example, a $25,000 kitchen remodel could see an additional $2,500–$6,250 in costs from mid-project changes alone.

Extended Labor and Supervision
Delays due to indecision can require contractors to keep crews on standby or reschedule labor, which may lead to overtime or inefficiency. A four-person crew idled for one week at $50/hour could cost $8,000 in wasted labor.

Idle Subcontractors and Rescheduling Fees
Subcontractors who are delayed or rescheduled may charge fees. If a plumber or electrician imposes a $500 rescheduling fee, and multiple trades are affected, costs can quickly balloon—often to $2,000 or more.

Administrative and Project Management Expenses
Every delay requires updates to the project schedule, new change orders, and added communication. Administrative costs from delays can easily add $500–$1,000 per occurrence.

Interest and Penalty Charges
Contractors may charge interest on late payments—typically around 1.5% per month. A delayed $10,000 payment could cost an extra $150, compounding monthly.

Storage and Equipment Rental Extensions
Material storage and equipment rental costs grow with every delay. Cabinet storage may run $100–$300 per week, and extended rentals on items like lifts or dumpsters can add $200–$500 weekly. A one-month delay could mean $1,200 or more in additional charges.

3. Loss of Use and Opportunity Costs
Homeowners may miss out on planned events, rental income, or find themselves paying for temporary housing if remodels are delayed.

4. Strained Contractor Relationships
Chronic delays or indecision can frustrate contractors and subcontractors. In extreme cases, they may walk off the job, forcing the homeowner to restart the bidding and hiring process mid-project.

How to Avoid Causing Delays

• Make Timely Decisions: Finalize all design and material choices before construction begins—and stick to them.
• Set a Realistic Budget: Include a contingency fund to cover unexpected costs and avoid cash flow interruptions.
• Stay Responsive: Answer questions promptly, attend scheduled meetings, and be available when needed.
• Limit Change Orders: Understand that even minor changes can trigger major delays and expenses.

Conclusion

While many remodeling delays are out of a homeowner’s control, those caused by indecision, financial issues, or poor communication are entirely preventable. By staying engaged, making informed decisions early, and understanding the ripple effects of each choice, homeowners can help keep their projects on time, on budget, and stress-free for everyone involved.