Every homeowner hits a point during their build or renovation when it feels like everything’s just… stuck.

Nothing’s happening. No one’s on site. You’re waiting for updates. Your emails say “just waiting on a few things.” And you start wondering if this project will ever end.

The truth? Delays are part of the process.

But many of them are manageable if you know where they usually come from. These are the three biggest culprits I see stall a project mid-build (and one bonus one that happens more than you’d think).

Let’s break it down.

1. Waiting on Decisions

Paint colours. Tile layouts. Shower fixtures. Exterior lights.

It all adds up. And most of the time, things come to a screeching halt because someone’s still trying to decide.

What homeowners don’t always realize is that even the smallest design choice often has a ripple effect. Holding off on a decision or waiting too long to choose one product can delay three other trades or stop work altogether. 

2. Supply Chain Delays

Windows. Doors. HVAC units. Custom cabinetry. The longer the lead time, the higher the chance it throws off your timeline. This has been especially common post-2020, but even now, delays still happen more often than people expect.

And when one key piece doesn’t arrive, everything waits.

3. Inspection + Permit Delays

This is one of the most misunderstood (and most frustrating) causes of delay. Inspections are required at nearly every stage of construction, and if something’s not quite right, the whole project pauses.

Sometimes it’s as simple as a small revision. Other times, it’s a much bigger issue, like the work being done no longer matches the original plans.

And if you’ve changed something structurally, you’ll likely need new architectural drawings, new engineering, and another round of approvals before moving forward.

Delays are part of building, but the more prepared you are, the fewer surprise delays you’ll face.

Want to Know What You Can Actually Do About It?

This article covers the 3 top things that stall a new home build or renovation, but if you want the step-by-step strategies to avoid them and help understanding how that would effect your specific project, that's what we talk about with our Private HQ Pro homeowners. If you're in our Private Headquarters, check out the full article here.

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