BUILDER’S TIMELINE KEEPS SHIFTING—NORMAL OR RED FLAG?
I get where you’re coming from, but sometimes “supply chain issues” really does mean everything’s a mess behind the scenes. My last build, it was literally a different thing every week—one time it was door hardware, then tile, then the appliances. Still, I’d push for specifics. If they can’t tell you what’s missing or delayed, that’s when I’d start to worry. But if they can at least walk you through the list—even if it’s long—it usually means they’re on top of it. Have you tried asking for a weekly update or a punch list? Sometimes just seeing it in writing helps keep everyone honest.
If they can’t tell you what’s missing or delayed, that’s when I’d start to worry.
This is spot on. I had a project where the builder kept blaming “the market” but couldn’t say which items were actually stuck. Turned out he’d just forgotten to order the custom windows... I don’t mind delays if there’s a clear reason, but vague excuses always make me nervous. Did your builder give you any sort of projected delivery schedule for materials? That’s been a game-changer for me in the past—just something basic, even scribbled on paper.
- I get wanting a delivery schedule, but honestly, I’ve had builders hand me those and still miss every single date.
- Sometimes the paper just gives them another thing to fudge.
- For me, it’s less about what’s written down and more about how they communicate when things go sideways.
- If they’re upfront—even if it’s bad news—I can work with that.
- But yeah, “the market” is the classic catch-all excuse... seen it too many times.
- I’d rather have a builder admit they messed up than try to hide behind vague delays.
Honestly, I’ve seen both sides—some builders are just terrible at time management, others get hit with legit curveballs. But when the timeline keeps shifting and the reasons are always vague, that’s when my alarm bells go off. I’d rather hear “we underestimated the tile lead time” than “it’s the market.” Transparency matters way more than a pretty schedule taped to the wall. If they’re dodging specifics, I start wondering what else they’re glossing over.
Transparency matters way more than a pretty schedule taped to the wall.
Couldn’t agree more. Here’s what I do when timelines start shifting: 1) Ask for specifics—what exactly is delayed and why? 2) Request updated schedules in writing. 3) Document every conversation. If they keep dodging, that’s a red flag. Stuff happens, but if they can’t tell you what or why, it’s usually not just “the market.” Had a guy once blame “supply chain” for three weeks, turned out he just forgot to order the cabinets...
