Builder's timeline keeps shifting - normal or red flag?

Had a similar situation last year on a passive house build - windows from Europe got stuck at the port for over a month. The builder kept sending updates, even if it was just “still waiting.” It wasn’t ideal, but the transparency made all the difference. The only time I’ve really worried was when a contractor kept dodging questions about delays. That’s when I started digging deeper... and sure enough, there were bigger issues behind the scenes. Sometimes it’s not the delay, but how they handle it that tells you what you need to know.

BUILDER'S TIMELINE KEEPS SHIFTING - NORMAL OR RED FLAG?

That transparency really does make a difference, especially when you’re watching the costs pile up and just hoping nothing major is hiding under the rug. I’m with you - if someone’s upfront about delays, I can deal, but when they start dodging or going silent, that’s when I get nervous. Had a roofer once who kept pushing back the start date “because of weather,” but then wouldn’t answer my emails for a week. Turns out he’d double-booked jobs and was hoping I wouldn’t notice. Ended up costing me more in the long run because I had to find someone new last minute.

I’m curious, for those who’ve been through this - do you usually see delays get reflected in the final bill? Like, if something sits unfinished for weeks, are you paying more for storage, extra labor, or whatever else? I’m always worried that these shifting timelines are gonna sneak extra charges onto the invoice. Or is that just me being paranoid?

Also, how much slack do you give a builder before you start thinking about switching? I want to be fair, but at the same time, I don’t want to get burned if things go off the rails.

I’m always worried that these shifting timelines are gonna sneak extra charges onto the invoice. Or is that just me being paranoid?

Not just you - I worry about the same thing every time I work with a new contractor. In my experience, delays can absolutely end up costing more, but it really depends on the contract. I’ve seen jobs where the builder tries to tack on “site supervision” fees for weeks when nothing’s happening, or storage costs if materials arrive early and just sit there. Once, I had a kitchen reno drag out because the tile guy kept pushing back - ended up paying extra because the cabinetry folks had to reschedule twice, which apparently meant more “mobilization” fees (whatever that means).

On the other hand, sometimes delays are legit and don’t affect the final bill, especially if you’ve got things spelled out in writing. But if they start dodging calls or going silent, like you mentioned, that’s usually a bad sign in my book. I try to give some slack - weather, supply chain stuff, etc. - but if I’m getting the runaround for more than a week or two with no real explanation, I start looking for backup options. There’s being patient, and then there’s being strung along.

I get where you’re coming from, but I actually think a lot of these “extra” fees are avoidable if the contract is clear enough up front.

“delays can absolutely end up costing more, but it really depends on the contract.”

Couldn’t agree more. If you specify in writing that mobilization or storage costs aren’t your responsibility unless you approve them, it’s way harder for them to sneak those in. I’ve pushed back on “supervision” charges before and they dropped off the invoice - sometimes they just try it to see if you’ll notice.

Honestly, I’d rather spend an extra hour upfront on paperwork than deal with surprise charges later.

Honestly, having everything spelled out in the contract is such a lifesaver. I’ve had builders try to add “expediting fees” after the fact - nope, not paying for that unless it’s in writing. It’s wild what they’ll try to sneak in if you’re not on top of it. A little extra paperwork up front really does pay off... beats arguing over invoices later.