Home remodeling projects can often take longer and cost more than expected, leaving homeowners feeling frustrated and helpless. But why do contractors take so long? The answer lies in the fact that some contractors are looking to make the most money from you. They may hold you hostage due to more lucrative deals, and it's important to contact them directly and let them know that the delay is not acceptable. Have them commit to an end date, and if they can't do it by then, look for other solutions. In many cases, even the threat of a lawsuit will set them in motion.
Construction delays can also be caused by lack of planning, inclement weather, and red tape. If several contractors are working on a project, they may not be collaborating smoothly. However, with proper planning and attention to efficiency, construction can be accelerated. A chain is only as strong as its weakest link, so if a company becomes disorganized and lags behind in its work, the productivity and efficiency of other contractors will suffer. If a contractor begins to miss full days of work and make excuses, it's a red flag that they are likely to encounter delays.
In Maryland, there is only one license level for a general contractor, who must have two years of experience, pass an exam that assesses knowledge of state regulations, show proof of insurance, and meet financial solvency guidelines. Some contractors will take on too many jobs simultaneously knowing full well that this will cause one or more of those jobs to suffer delays. Before taking any drastic steps, consider emailing or sending the contractor a warning letter for delays. There are many ways in which you can end up suffering prolonged delays from contractors. Here are some tips and guidance to help you avoid this or find ways to resolve delay issues that have arisen with a bad contractor: Make sure the contractor has general liability, workers' compensation, and car insurance coverage; create a contingency plan if something goes wrong; estimate how much of the work has been completed; and make sure the contractor isn't taking on too many jobs at once. If a contractor doesn't keep up with the schedule, it can delay the entire construction project schedule and keep everyone waiting. If this happens, you may need to bring in a new contractor.
However, there is a fine line when it comes to contractor delays and surpluses.
