Imagine this: You’ve been dreaming about your kitchen remodel for months. You’ve chosen the perfect cabinets—maybe a soft cream shaker with brushed brass pulls. The backsplash? A showstopper. You’ve picked out every finish, planned your new layout down to the inch, and started daydreaming about Thanksgiving in your beautifully remodeled kitchen. And then… remodeling delays.
Instead of sipping wine at your new island, you’re washing dishes in the bathtub, wondering why the project is still crawling along.
If you’ve heard horror stories of remodeling projects running weeks—or even months—behind schedule, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common fears we hear from homeowners, especially those juggling kids, careers, and the emotional weight of renovating a home they love.
So why do remodels take longer than expected? And, more importantly—what can you do to make sure yours doesn’t?
Let’s take a closer look at what really causes remodeling delays—and what you can do to stay ahead of them.
The Top 5 Reasons Remodeling Projects Get Delayed
Remodeling isn’t like buying a couch or painting a room. It’s a layered, multi-step process involving permits, inspections, material lead times, trade coordination, and a little bit of old house detective work. Even with the best planning, hiccups can happen—but some remodeling delays are much more common (and preventable) than others.
Here’s a breakdown of the top five reasons remodeling projects miss deadlines—and what you can do to stay ahead of them.
1. Unexpected Structural or Plumbing Issues
The problem:
You finally start the remodel—demo day is exciting!—and then your contractor opens up a wall and finds rotten floor joists, knob-and-tube wiring, or signs of an old plumbing leak. Suddenly, what looked like a straightforward remodel turns into a repair job
How this causes remodeling delays:
Work pauses while the issue is assessed and repaired. This might mean bringing in a structural engineer, waiting on permits, ordering additional materials, or adjusting the scope of work. In the meantime, your remodel is temporarily on hold.
How to avoid it:
- Get a pre-remodel inspection before the design is finalized. It may add cost up front, but it can save weeks of delay—and thousands of dollars—later.
- Work with a contractor who includes a contingency plan in the schedule. At Rothrock, we build in buffer time for the unexpected so your entire project doesn’t get derailed by a single hiccup.
Even with an experienced team, some issues are only discovered once the walls are open. But being prepared for surprises makes them easier to manage.
2. Material Delays and Backorders
The problem:
You’ve got your heart set on that handcrafted tile from Spain or those custom cabinets with the exact shade of greige. But now you’ve learned they’re on backorder—for 12 weeks!
How this causes remodeling delays:
Your contractor may not be able to move forward without those key materials. For example, cabinetry has to be installed before countertops can be templated. And no countertops means no sink or faucet. The whole timeline slides.
How to avoid it:
- Order all major materials before demo begins. Cabinets, tile, plumbing fixtures, and flooring should all be on-site or scheduled for delivery before the first wall comes down.
- Choose a contractor who guides your selections with availability in mind. At Rothrock, we help our clients fall in love with beautiful, in-stock or short-lead-time materials—or plan the schedule around special orders if it’s worth the wait.
We’ll never ask you to settle. But we will help you make informed choices so you’re not stuck without a kitchen because of a tile shipment stuck in customs.
3. Homeowner Changes Mid-Project
The problem:
You’re halfway through the remodel when inspiration strikes—maybe you want a different sink, or that walk-in shower would be better with a built-in bench. Or maybe you’ve just had second thoughts about the color of your cabinets.
How this causes remodeling delays:
Even small changes can have big ripple effects. A different sink may require new plumbing. A change in cabinet layout can affect countertops, appliances, and electrical plans. And moving a wall might mean applying for new permits or revisiting the design.
How to avoid it:
- Make all your design decisions before construction starts. This is why the design phase is so important. A fully thought-out plan reduces stress and keeps your project moving smoothly.
- Work with a design-build firm that guides you through every choice up front. At Rothrock, we create a full design and material palette before you sign a construction agreement—so you know exactly what’s coming, and we’re not scrambling to accommodate midstream changes.
Of course, changes can still happen. Life’s not always predictable. But when the plan is solid from the beginning, you’re much less likely to second-guess it halfway through.
4. Permitting and Inspection Delays
The problem:
Remodeling isn’t just about pretty finishes—it often involves structural, plumbing or electrical changes, all of which require permits and inspections. Every town is different, and some move at a slower pace than others.
How it causes remodeling delays:
You can’t move to the next phase of construction until the current one passes inspection. If the inspector is booked out—or if the project fails the inspection—it’s a waiting game.
How to avoid it:
- Work with a contractor who knows the local permitting process inside and out. We’ve built relationships with inspectors in the NH Seacoast, and we know what each town expects. That means fewer surprises.
- File permits early and plan for delays. We submit all paperwork as soon as the design is finalized. It’s not glamorous work—but it makes a big difference in keeping your project on track.
If you’re adding anything structural or altering major systems, expect at least one round of permitting and inspection. The key is planning for it, not scrambling to respond to it.
5. Unreliable Contractors or Poor Project Management
The problem:
Sometimes delays have nothing to do with materials or inspections. They’re simply the result of poor communication, overbooked contractors, or a lack of planning.
How it causes remodeling delays:
If tradespeople aren’t scheduled correctly, one delay can snowball. If the tile installer is late, the plumber has to reschedule. And if no one’s clearly managing the schedule, your project may sit idle for days—or weeks.
Why does this happen so often?
To be completely honest, many remodeling contractors start out as skilled carpenters—excellent at hands-on work, but untrained in planning, scheduling, budgeting, or coordinating a full team. They “strike out on their own” and begin taking on full-scale projects without the systems or experience needed to manage them effectively.
It’s not that they aren’t talented—it’s that they’ve only been trained in one part of a much bigger process. And when no one is handling those other parts, the homeowner often ends up managing the chaos.
That’s why working with a contractor who has a proven process is so important. Project management isn’t a bonus. It’s the thing that holds everything else together.
How to avoid it:
- Work with a contractor who has a proven process for project management. Ask how they handle scheduling, how often they update clients, and how they recover from delays.
- Look for red flags like vague timelines or unclear communication. If you don’t feel like your contractor has a handle on logistics, trust that gut feeling.
At Rothrock, we don’t just build beautiful spaces—we manage the process from start to finish. You’ll know every week what’s happening, when and what’s next.
How to Keep Your Remodel on Schedule
Now that we’ve covered why remodels tend to run behind, let’s talk about what you can do to keep yours on track.
Here’s the truth: Some remodeling delays are out of your hands. A storm might delay a delivery, or a town inspector might be out sick the week of your inspection. But most timeline hiccups? They’re preventable with the right planning, team and communication.
So if you like to stay organized, check things off your list and avoid the chaos of a never-ending renovation, these next steps are for you.
1. Plan Every Detail Before Construction Starts
Think of your remodel like a Broadway show. You wouldn’t open the curtain on opening night without rehearsals, costumes and lighting all finalized—right? A remodel is no different. The more you plan before demo day, the smoother things go once the tools come out.
What you can do to avoid delays:
- Finalize your layout, cabinetry, plumbing fixtures, appliances, tile and hardware before anyone swings a hammer.
- Ask your contractor if they’ll provide a full design presentation with selections and drawings before construction starts (spoiler: we do at Rothrock).
- Make sure everyone is on the same page with signed plans and approved selections. Surprises are fun for birthdays—not for remodeling.
2. Order Materials Early
In a perfect world, you’d walk into a showroom, pick out your dream tile and it would magically appear on your doorstep the next morning. But in reality? Some items have 8-12 week lead times—or more. And that’s assuming nothing goes wrong in transit.
What you can do to avoid delays:
- Order long lead items well before construction starts—especially cabinetry, custom vanities, special order tile and appliances.
- Don’t assume everything is in stock even if it’s online. Have your contractor or designer confirm availability.
- Have your contractor track lead times and build your schedule around delivery dates (we do this as part of our process at Rothrock).
Planning ahead isn’t just smart—it’s sanity-saving.
3. Work with a Full-Service Design-Build Contractor
If you’ve ever tried to coordinate a painter, plumber, electrician, and tile installer while keeping your day job, you know how quickly a remodel can turn into a logistical nightmare.
What you can do to avoid delays:
- Look for a design-build contractor who handles everything: design, material procurement, permitting, construction, and project management.
- Ask how they coordinate the team and if they have dedicated staff for client communication and scheduling.
- Choose a firm that takes full ownership of the timeline and keeps you in the loop at every step.
At Rothrock, our clients don’t have to be the middleman between a tile installer and a plumber. We take care of the details so you can enjoy the process and get back to your beautiful, finished space.
4. Be Flexible—But Not Indecisive
Remodeling isn’t always linear. There may be weather delays, permit hiccups or you’ll realize you really want that pull-out pantry after all. Flexibility is important—but there’s a difference between being open-minded and making big decisions on the fly.
What you can do to avoid delays:
- Explore all your options during the design phase before committing.
- Trust your gut and your plan once construction begins.
- If a change is really necessary ask your contractor how it will affect the timeline—and weigh the pros and cons before deciding.
It’s okay to pivot if something doesn’t feel right. Just know that even small changes can add time. When your plan is solid from the start you’ll be much more likely to stay on schedule (and sane).
5. Communicate Often with Your Contractor
Remodeling is a team sport. And like any good team success depends on clear communication. When homeowners and contractors don’t talk regularly small problems grow big, assumptions get made and delays sneak up on you.
What you can do to avoid delays:
- Ask your contractor how often they’ll be sending updates and what will be included.
- Set expectations early for check-ins—whether that’s a weekly call, in-person walkthrough or message in the client portal.
- Don’t be afraid to speak up if something doesn’t make sense. A good contractor will welcome your questions.
At Rothrock we believe clarity is kindness. You’ll always know what’s happening, what’s next and what to expect—because peace of mind is part of the service.
When you combine smart planning, proactive communication and a good team, delays become the exception—not the rule. And when surprises do come up (because this is remodeling after all) your project will have the resilience to stay on track—or get back on track quickly.
What to Do If Your Remodel Falls Behind Schedule
Let’s say you’ve done everything right. You’ve packed the kitchen, made every decision ahead of time, hired a reliable contractor, and stayed in close contact. And still… your remodel falls behind.
We know how frustrating that can be. It’s easy to assume the worst—Is the project falling apart? Will this go on forever?—but take a breath. A remodeling delay doesn’t mean disaster. In fact, it’s how your contractor handles delays that really tells you whether you’re in good hands.
Here’s what to do if your remodel starts running late:
1. Don’t Panic—Ask for a Status Update
The moment you sense the project is drifting off track, check in. Not with panic, but with curiosity and clarity.
Ask your contractor:
- What’s causing the delay?
- Is it a one-day hiccup or a multi-week shift?
- How are you adjusting the schedule to accommodate this?
- Are there any downstream effects I should be aware of?
A good contractor will answer these questions honestly—and proactively. At Rothrock we provide weekly updates so you know what’s going on before delays ever catch you off guard.
2. Request a Revised Timeline
If the delay is more than a few days, ask for an updated project schedule. A transparent team will walk you through the adjustments: what’s moving, what’s staying the same, and what the new estimated completion date is.
3. Communicate Your Needs
If you’ve got a big event coming up—a graduation party, out of town guests or just the end of your sanity line—it’s okay to say, “Hey, I really need this space usable by this date.”
You don’t have to be demanding—but you can be honest. A good contractor will want to meet your needs and they’ll do everything in their power to get you there.
4. Stay Open—but Hold the Team Accountable
Delays don’t always mean someone dropped the ball. But if your contractor is vague, non-communicative, or making excuse after excuse without a clear plan to recover it’s okay to ask for more structure.
What accountability looks like:
- Clear, consistent updates
- A revised schedule
- Ownership of the delay (not blaming others endlessly)
- A genuine effort to make it right
At Rothrock, we take ownership of the process—even when things go sideways. If a delay happens we tell you why, explain the fix, and adjust the plan so you always know what’s next.
How Rothrock Keeps Remodeling Projects on Schedule
At Rothrock, we believe timeliness is about respect—for your time, your home, and your trust. Here’s how we keep things moving:
- Thorough Planning: We complete drawings, selections, and schedules before construction begins.
- Pre-Ordering Materials: All major items are ordered early and tracked to avoid bottlenecks.
- Clear Scheduling: Weekly updates and milestone check-ins keep everyone aligned.
- Professional Project Management: A dedicated manager handles all coordination, inspections, and changes.
- Focused Workload: We don’t overbook. We stay focused on doing your project right.
Conclusion: Avoid Remodeling Delays with the Right Planning & Team
Remodeling your home doesn’t have to be a never ending story of missed deadlines and frustration. Yes, delays can happen—but they don’t have to. With the right planning, the right contractor and a clear plan from the start your remodel can move forward smoothly, on schedule and drama free.
Here’s what we hope you take away:
- Most remodeling delays are preventable with planning.
- The decisions you make before construction starts will save you the most time later.
- A team that communicates well, manages every detail, and respects your time makes all the difference.
At Rothrock Kitchen & Bath Remodeling we’ve built our process around minimizing delays and maximizing peace of mind. From planning to updates we make sure your remodel is as smooth and stress free as possible—so you can enjoy the excitement of seeing your new space come to life.
Ready to start your kitchen or bathroom remodel without the stress of delays? Schedule a call with us today! We’d love to hear about your vision, walk you through the process, and show you how smooth a remodel can really be.
Let’s make your home renovation the success story it should be!