10 Reasons Why Construction Takes Time
(And What You Can Do to Stay on Track)
If you’ve ever built or renovated a property, you know the timeline doesn’t always go according to plan. What starts as a straightforward schedule can quickly stretch out due to a wide range of delays—some preventable, some not. The good news is that most causes of delay can be mitigated with the right team, planning, and communication.
Whether you’re an owner, developer, or tenant, understanding what causes slowdowns and how to avoid them can save you time, stress, and money. So if you’ve ever found yourself wondering, “Why does construction take so long?”—you’re not alone. Let’s break it down.
1. Permits and Inspections
Why it causes delays:
Permitting requirements vary depending on the scope, location, and type of build. Waiting on approvals from city or county departments can be time-consuming, especially during high-volume seasons. Additionally, mandatory inspections during and after construction can add downtime if they’re not passed or scheduled efficiently.
How to mitigate this:
Working with a contractor who not only understands local permitting and inspection timelines but also has strong relationships with reliable subcontractors can significantly reduce unnecessary delays. When your team is well-versed in code requirements and the approval process, it leads to more accurate planning, better communication with city officials, and a smoother path to project completion.
2. Weather Conditions
Why it causes delays:
Las Vegas weather, while mostly sunny, still presents challenges for construction. Extreme heat in the summer can make it unsafe for crews to work outdoors for extended periods and can affect concrete curing and material performance. Occasional high winds, flash floods, and even rare snow can halt site work, delay roofing, exterior painting, or grading, and create scheduling bottlenecks with subcontractors.
How to mitigate this:
Construction schedules should always have some flexibility built in to accommodate weather disruptions. Strategic planning, like setting phased schedules or adjusting working hours, helps ensure that unavoidable delays don’t have a prolonged effect on the overall project timeline.
3. Labor Shortages
Why it causes delays:
The construction industry continues to face labor shortages, particularly in skilled trades like plumbing, electrical, and HVAC. A reduced workforce means tasks can take longer, or you may need to wait for a trade’s availability.
How to mitigate this:
Hiring a contractor with a strong network of reliable, experienced subcontractors can reduce the impact of labor shortages. A proactive approach to staffing ensures that necessary trades are lined up and available when needed, helping keep the project on schedule.
4. Material Delays and Supply Chain Issues
Why it causes delays:
Global supply chains have been strained in recent years, with lead times increasing for everything from steel to windows to specialty lighting. Recent tariffs have added even more pressure, driving up costs and contributing to delays. Even local suppliers can be backlogged, especially when it comes to custom orders or specialty items.
How to mitigate this:
Planning ahead for materials with long lead times and ordering early can make a big difference. By identifying and sourcing critical materials in advance, you can avoid project hold-ups and keep things moving smoothly, even when supply chain issues arise.
5. Design Changes Mid-Project
Why it causes delays:
Once construction is underway, it’s not uncommon for clients to request design changes—whether it's adjusting room layouts, finishes, or even structural elements. These mid-project revisions may seem small, but they can have a domino effect, requiring new approvals, revised plans, and rework that sets the schedule back days or even weeks.
How to mitigate this:
Finalizing the design upfront can prevent delays, but if changes are necessary, making them early in the process allows for smoother integration. Good communication with your contractor helps streamline the approval and implementation of changes, avoiding major disruptions.
6. Utility Company Coordination
Why it causes delays:
Connecting a new building to power, water, sewer, gas, or telecommunications often involves working with outside utility providers—and they run on their own timelines. Delays in scheduling hookups, inspections, or service upgrades can leave a project stuck in limbo even when the building itself is nearly complete.
How to mitigate this:
Being proactive in coordinating with utility companies well in advance ensures that your connections are scheduled as early as possible. Planning for utility work ahead of construction and staying on top of provider timelines can help keep everything running smoothly.
7. Poor Coordination Between Trades
Why it causes delays:
Construction is all about sequencing. If one trade finishes late, the next can’t start. Delays in framing might affect mechanical, electrical or plumbing, which then pushes drywall, painting, and finishes, all of which impacts the final delivery.
How to mitigate this:
Carefully managing trade schedules and maintaining open lines of communication helps ensure that all parties stay on track. A well-organized project management system can streamline coordination between different teams, so everyone’s work flows seamlessly.
8. Limited Working Hours and Site Access
Why it causes delays:
Certain job sites—like those in business parks, shopping centers, or HOA communities—limit when crews can work. Noise ordinances and delivery restrictions can also slow things down.
How to mitigate this:
Understanding site-specific restrictions early on helps in planning construction activities around access and timing limitations. Flexibility and planning for the unexpected—such as shifting delivery schedules—can minimize these types of delays.
9. Project Complexity and Custom Features
Why it causes delays:
The more intricate or customized a project is, the more time it takes to build. Special features like green building systems, custom millwork, or smart technologies require careful installation and often slower pacing.
How to mitigate this:
Providing sufficient time in the schedule for custom elements is essential to avoid last-minute pressure. Early planning and discussion of design options can help identify what’s feasible within your timeline and whether alternatives can be considered to maintain progress.
10. Communication Delays
Why it causes delays:
Sometimes, delays can come from the decision-making process—and while that’s completely normal, it can impact the project timeline more than expected. Approvals, design choices, and answers to key questions are all important steps, and without them, it’s difficult to keep things moving forward. Even small pauses can create a domino effect.
How to mitigate this:
Clear communication and setting realistic timelines for decision-making can keep the project on track. Establishing milestones for approvals and regular check-ins ensures clients remain engaged and that decisions are made promptly.
Construction delays are common—but most of them aren’t inevitable. With proper planning, early decision-making, and a proactive contractor, you can save weeks (or even months) on your project timeline.
Hiring an experienced construction team who understands the nuances of the process and how to manage delays is essential for ensuring a project stays on course. Working with a contractor who can navigate potential issues with foresight can keep the entire process smoother and more efficient.
Let’s build smarter together. Contact Brandise Construction today to get started on your next project.
