We all want to get building work finished promptly if you are living in the property or aiming for a completion deadline (a new baby, a moving date and summer holidays). However, a tight timeline can also lead to stress, added expenses, and poor workmanship.
So with that being said, here are signs that your timeline needs a reality check.
You only plan for the best case – All projects have surprises to some extent – the pipework you didn’t know was there, or undulating floors and rotten timbers that expose extra remedial work once things are opened up.
You are not giving enough time to your decisions – Selecting tiles, kitchens, flooring, paint colours and fittings takes far longer than anyone ever anticipates – leaving these to the last minute can bring your job grinding to a halt.
Lead times are being ignored – For windows, doors, kitchens and specialist materials these can be weeks in the making. The work cannot be completed if materials are ordered late. For help from Exeter Builders, consider www.silverferndevelopments.co.uk/exeter-builders/
Too many trades are stacked back-to-back – Plaster needs drying time. Screed needs curing time. Paint needs proper prep. When things are booked out “back to back” delays will propagate through the schedule.
You’re assuming perfect weather – However, heavy rain, frost or high winds can mean external work (roofing, rendering and some groundwork) is delayed.
There’s no buffer for inspections – This may be due to the fact that building control visits and sign-offs do not always occur immediately.
A practical timeline leaves white space. Get your builder to give you a basic schedule with key stages, probable lead times and reasons for delays. The longer plan can itself end sooner, by avoiding stop-start and putting off the inevitable.