5 Things That Slow Down Builds (That Have Nothing to do with the Builder)

When you're building a custom home or renovating, it’s natural to keep a close eye on the timeline. And when delays happen, many clients assume the builder is at fault.

But here’s the truth: some of the most common causes of build delays are completely out of the builder’s hands and sometimes even within the client’s control.

At LPC Projects, we build with transparency and communication at the core, so we’re always upfront about what could cause your project to slow down. And this blog is your heads-up to avoid five of the biggest culprits.

Delays in Selections or Client Decisions

This is by far the most common timeline killer.

Waiting on tile choices, tapware, cabinetry colours, lighting, flooring — all of these affect when materials can be ordered and when trades can be booked.

Even a short delay in one selection can have a domino effect:

• Joinery can't be made until the appliances are selected

• Tilers can’t start without your tile choice

• Painters can’t quote until colours are finalised

Solution: Make selections early (ideally before construction starts). We’ll guide you through this during our pre-construction process.

Late Design Changes

Changing your mind is normal — but making major changes once construction is underway almost always causes delays.

Every change may require:

• Redrafting plans

• Amended approvals or certifier sign-off

• Trade rebooking and schedule reshuffling

• New quotes or supplier lead times

Even seemingly small changes (like window size or door positions) can set a project back by weeks.

Solution: Be clear on your priorities upfront, and try to avoid design changes once the build is live.

Approval or Finance Hold-Ups

Builds can’t start without the green light — and this step is often outside the builder’s control.

Delays with:

• Council or CDC approvals

• Engineering or BASIX finalisation

• Finance approvals or bank inspections

…can all push back your planned start date.

Solution: Get your documentation and finance sorted as early as possible. We’ll help you track these milestones to avoid false starts.

Trades Delayed by Access Issues

We’ve seen it all:
- Clients blocking driveways
- Locked gates when deliveries arrive
- Materials not on-site when trades are ready to install

Even a few hours lost to access issues adds up quickly — especially across multiple trades.

Solution: If you’re living on-site or managing deliveries, clear communication is key. We’ll always give notice — and we need you to do the same.

Weather (and Unrealistic Expectations around it)

This is the one external factor everyone underestimates.

Heavy rain can halt excavation, slab pours, roofing, and external cladding. But even moderate rain can delay waterproofing, drying times, or damage exposed materials.

Solution: We always build in weather allowances — but understand that some delays are unavoidable. Trust your builder to work efficiently around it.

Final Thoughts from the Site

At LPC Projects, we run tightly organised construction programs — but we’re also realists.

We know that successful builds come from partnership: between builder, client, designer, and certifier. And by staying ahead of these common slowdown points, you’ll help keep your build on track — and your stress levels low.

Want to learn more about how we set realistic timelines and keep communication clear?

Reach out for a call — we’d love to help.