Understanding Construction Timelines: What Can Delay Your Build?

Building a home is an exciting milestone, often the realization of years of dreaming and careful planning. However, many homeowners are surprised to learn just how flexible and unpredictable construction timelines can be. While Maine home builders can typically offer a general timeframe, numerous factors can impact the schedule, turning a projected move-in date into a moving target.

Understanding how timelines work and what can disrupt them, is key to managing expectations. In this article, we’ll walk you through the standard phases of a home build, explore common causes of delays, and provide practical advice for keeping your project on track. Whether you’re taking on your first project or adding to your portfolio as an experienced real estate investor, this guide will help you navigate the process with greater confidence and clarity.

Typical Timeline

Before exploring the many factors that can cause delays in home construction, it’s helpful to understand the typical phases involved in building a single-family home. The process generally begins with the pre-construction phase, which can last between 1 to 3 months. This stage includes securing permits, finalizing architectural blueprints, preparing the building site, and obtaining financing approval. Once these foundational steps are complete, the foundation phase follows, usually taking 1 to 2 weeks. This involves site excavation, pouring footings, and laying the concrete foundation or slab.

Next comes the framing phase, which typically lasts 1 to 3 weeks. During this time, the skeleton of the home takes shape with the installation of walls, roof trusses, and exterior sheathing. Following framing, the rough-in phase begins, usually lasting 2 to 4 weeks. This includes the initial installation of plumbing, electrical systems, and HVAC, which are then subject to rough-in inspections to ensure compliance with local codes.

Once rough-ins are approved, the project moves into the interior and exterior finishing phase, which can take 1 to 3 months depending on the size and complexity of the home. This stage includes adding insulation and drywall, installing siding and roofing, and completing interior finishes like painting, flooring, and cabinetry. After these elements are completed, the home enters the final inspection and walkthrough phase, typically lasting 1 to 2 weeks. Local inspectors conduct a final review to ensure the home meets all building codes, followed by the homeowner’s walkthrough to address any final punch list items before issuing the Certificate of Occupancy.

On average, building a new home takes between 6 to 12 months from start to finish. However, each of these phases is vulnerable to various challenges, ranging from weather and labor shortages to permit holdups, that can lead to unexpected delays. Understanding this timeline provides a framework for anticipating setbacks and planning accordingly.

Top Causes of Construction Delays

Weather Conditions

Inclement weather is one of the most common and unpredictable causes of delays. Rain, snow, freezing temperatures, and high winds can:

• Halt excavation and foundation work
• Prevent concrete from curing properly
• Delay framing and roofing
• Damage materials stored on site

Tip: If you’re building in a region with seasonal weather concerns, schedule major outdoor work during optimal weather months.

Permitting and Inspections

Building permits can be delayed due to:

• Backlogs in local building departments
• Errors or omissions in the submitted documents
• Additional zoning or environmental approvals

Similarly, required inspections between construction phases can take longer than expected depending on inspector availability.

Tip: Work with a builder who has experience navigating your local permitting process and factor permitting time into your overall schedule.

Labor Shortages

The construction industry is often plagued by skilled labor shortages. When subcontractors (framers, electricians, plumbers) are overbooked:

• They may not be available when needed
• They may rush through jobs, causing rework later
• Delays in one trade often cascade into the next phase, affecting the entire timeline.

Tip: Choose a builder with reliable, consistent subcontractor relationships and ask how the handle labor scheduling.

Supply Chain Issues and Material Shortages

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, material shortages and shipping delays have become more common. Critical items like:

• Windows and doors
• Appliances
• Trusses and beams
• Electrical panels

… can take weeks or even months to arrive, pushing back the build timeline.

Tip: Order long-lead-time items as early as possible and have backup selections approved in case of shortages.

Design Changes (a.k.a. Change Orders)

When homeowners make changes during construction—switching flooring, moving walls, or upgrading fixtures—this often requires:

• New materials
• Revised permits
• Additional labor

Each change may seem minor but can lead to cumulative delays and increased costs.

Tip: Finalize design decisions and stick to them. Build in a contingency budget to accommodate must-have changes.

Financing or Payment Delays

Construction loans are typically disbursed in phases. If a lender delay occurs at any stage, it can:

• Prevent the contractor from ordering materials
• Delay subcontractor scheduling
• Create a ripple effect that pushes out the timeline

Tip: Keep close communication with your lender and stay on top of documentation to ensure timely draws.

Site-Specific Challenges

Each building site has unique characteristics that can lead to unexpected delays:

• Rocky or unstable soil
• Need for retaining walls or special grading
• Tree removal or drainage issues
• Utility access problems
• These issues may not become apparent until work begins.

Tip: Get a thorough geotechnical and site survey before breaking ground to minimize surprises.

Backordered Specialty Items

Custom features, like imported tiles, specialty lighting, or unique fixtures, can cause bottlenecks in finishing stages. Since many of these items are needed toward the end of the build, a delay here can impact your move-in date.

Tip: If you want unique features, place orders well in advance or consider local alternatives with faster shipping.

Project Mismanagement

Poor communication, lack of coordination, or inexperienced project managers can lead to scheduling conflicts, rework, or missed deadlines.

Tip: Choose a reputable builder with solid project management protocols and transparent communication tools.

Unforeseen Circumstances

Events like labor strikes, fuel shortages, natural disasters, and even political disruptions can have ripple effects across construction projects. While rare, these situations can bring work to a halt.

Tip: While you can’t prevent these events, working with experienced professionals gives your project the resilience to recover faster.

How to Minimize Delays

Plan Thoroughly: Spend adequate time in the design and planning phase to minimize changes during construction.

Hire the Right Builder: Vet your builder carefully. Ask for references, review portfolios, and verify licenses and insurance.

Communicate Clearly: Stay engaged with your builder and project manager. Use project management apps or tools for transparency.

Be Flexible (to a Point): While it’s important to stick to plans, some flexibility can help move things along when delays arise.

Budget for Time and Cost Overruns: Have a contingency buffer of 10–20% for both budget and timeline.

Staying on Track

Building a home is one of the most rewarding projects you can undertake, but it’s not without its complications. Understanding construction timelines and the many factors that can influence them, allows you to set realistic expectations, reduce stress, and make informed decisions throughout the process.

While delays are common, they don’t have to derail your project. With proactive planning, solid communication, and the right team, your dream home can become a reality on a timeline that works for you.