What’s the Real Cost of Delays in Home Construction

Building a new home is one of the most exciting journeys you’ll take, but it can also come with a few bumps in the road. One of the most common concerns for homebuyers is construction delays. While it’s normal for timelines to shift slightly during a build, unexpected hold-ups can cost more than just time.

Whats-the-Real-Cost-of-Delays-in-Home-Construction

Financial Costs: The Dollars and Cents

Rent and Temporary Living

If you’re currently renting while your new home is being built, every delay means more weeks or months paying rent, and potentially storage fees if you’ve already packed or downsized.

  • Example: A 3-month delay at $500 per week in rent = $6,000 out of pocket.
  • Add extra for storage units or short-term accommodation if needed.

Loan Repayments

If you’ve already settled your land loan or are making interest-only payments on a construction loan, delays could extend the time you’re paying off two properties at once.

  • You may end up covering interest payments without seeing progress on the build.
  • Delays can also impact your loan approval expiry or redraw conditions.

Price Increases

Labour and materials fluctuate with the market. If delays push your timeline out far enough, suppliers may increase their prices, and you might need to cover the difference, depending on your contract terms.

  • This is particularly relevant for extended delays outside the builder’s control, like severe weather or supply chain issues.

Emotional Toll: Stress and Frustration

The emotional cost of a delayed build is harder to measure but just as real.

  • Stress and uncertainty — especially if you’ve already moved out, started a new job, or enrolled the kids in a new school zone.
  • Strained relationships — delays can place pressure on partners, families, and your wider support network.
  • Loss of excitement — what started as an exciting journey can become frustrating and disheartening when the finish line keeps shifting.

Practical Setbacks: Life Plans on Hold

A delay in construction can impact more than just where you sleep at night.

  • Postponed move-ins can delay furniture deliveries, landscaping, and setting up utilities.
  • Lifestyle plans like hosting family events, starting renovations, or even welcoming a baby into the new home may need to shift.
  • School and work logistics — timing your move to align with new school terms or a change in job location becomes trickier.

Flow-On Effects: The Hidden Delays

Delays can have a ripple effect on other parts of the build and future plans.

  • Trades booked ahead might be unavailable if the schedule shifts, creating further delays.
  • Council approvals and inspections may need rescheduling, which can take weeks.
  • Selling your existing home — if your build doesn’t align with your settlement date, you might need bridging finance or temporary accommodation.

Why Do Delays Happen?

Delays can happen for all sorts of reasons, including:

  • Weather events — Perth’s storm season can slow progress, especially during slab and roof stages.
  • Material shortages — global supply chain issues can impact timber, bricks, and even tiles.
  • Labour shortages — skilled trades are in high demand and sometimes get booked out.
  • Council approvals or certification delays
  • Client variations — making changes after the build has started can push timelines out.

How Aveling Homes Helps Minimise Delays

At Aveling Homes, we understand how important your timeline is. That’s why we:

  • Use fixed timelines where possible and communicate early about any changes.
  • Work with experienced trades and trusted suppliers to avoid last-minute cancellations.
  • Provide transparent progress updates, so you’re never left wondering where things are at.
  • Encourage early selections and decisions to reduce changes during construction.

We also help you understand your build schedule from the start, so you know what to expect and when.

How You Can Stay Ahead

  • Finalise decisions early: From tiles to taps, the quicker you lock in your selections, the smoother your timeline will be.
  • Keep communication open: Respond to your builder’s requests or queries promptly.
  • Understand your contract: Know what clauses cover delays, variations, and dispute resolution.
  • Plan a buffer: Don’t schedule your move-in for the exact day after expected completion. Leave a few weeks of buffer where possible.

Delays in home construction can be more than just inconvenient; they can impact your finances, lifestyle, and stress levels. But with the right planning and a builder who keeps things on track, you can reduce the risk of delays and keep your build moving forward.

At Aveling Homes, we’re committed to helping you build your dream home on time, and with as little stress as possible.

Ready to build with confidence?
Contact our team today to explore our home designs and timelines that work for you.