Many people believe homes are never built on time. But with careful planning, clear communication, and a commitment to meeting deadlines, your build can stay on track, allowing you to move into your new home as planned, without the added stress and financial burden of delays.

Sadly, this rarely happens… 

Build times often drag out, leading to you paying your mortgage and rent simultaneously, putting a strain on your finances. Not to mention the emotional toll of uncertainty and the frustration of living in limbo, unable to settle into your new home. 

Delays can disrupt your plans, from moving dates to school enrolments, impacting your work and personal life.

2 Reasons Why Most Homes Aren’t Built on Time

Reason #1: Disorganised Scheduling

A recent two-storey build aimed for completion in December and started in October the previous year. 

However due to poor scheduling around the busy Christmas period, the project’s slab pouring and brickwork were delayed, turning what should have been a 14-month build into an 18-month ordeal. 

This happened because the builder failed to align key milestones with the availability of trades and suppliers, leading to cascading delays that pushed the project well beyond the original timeline.

Instead of a well-coordinated effort where each phase flows smoothly into the next, the build stalled at critical points, with workers standing idle or moving on to other jobs. This kind of disorganised scheduling not only adds months to your build but also inflates costs and turns the excitement of building your dream home into a nightmare of frustration and financial strain.

That’s why it’s critical to ask your builder how they schedule. One of the best methods is via using Gantt charts:

Gantt charts are a project management tool providing a visual timeline of a construction project which can help ensure your home is completed on time, and on budget. 

A builder using this process can easily:

• Inform trades of their schedules well in advance.
• Make sure material deliveries are perfectly timed and trades are on-site exactly when needed.

Make no mistake – using a Gantt chart to schedule trades ensures everyone involved—from bricklayers to electricians—understands their role and timing. This prevents chaos, ensuring critical milestones are met without a hitch.

Reason #2: Not Paying Trades on Time

Maintaining good relationships with trades is critical. Timely payments boost morale and secure loyalty, so your project is prioritised and the team goes the extra mile.

What’s more, it ensures trades stay with the builder over the long haul. 

This is important, because regular use of known, vetted trades ensures the team working on your home is both proven and tested. 

When tradespeople know they can count on prompt payment from the builder, they’re more likely to be committed to your project, showing up on time, adhering to schedules, and delivering high standards of workmanship. 

This not only keeps your project on track but also creates a positive working environment, where everyone is motivated to do their best, resulting in a smoother, more efficient build process.

Bottom line: when choosing your builder, look for those with strong organisational skills combined with excellent people skills and trade relationships. 

Are you ready to begin your home-building journey with confidence? 

To help you, I’ve put together a comprehensive guide filled with essential tips to avoid the common pitfalls and ensure your dream home becomes a reality.

You can download it here:

“Build with Confidence – 7 Things You Must Know Before Designing a New Home“

It’s completely free and can help you steer clear of many of the traps homeowners fall into. Let’s make your dream home happen, efficiently and stress-free.