Bad weather conditions, supply chain issues, missing permits – sometimes the journey to building a new home can be a bumpy one with unexpected delays.
The average time to complete a single-family home in the U.S. is roughly nine to 10 months, according to data from the National Association of Home Builders.
But that timeline isn’t set in stone. From weather setbacks to financing hiccups, here’s a look at the most common reasons for construction delays on new homes – and ways to plan ahead to keep your dream home on track.
1. Weather Delays
Why they happen: No mystery here: Bad weather can stop construction in its tracks. We’re talking everything from snow, blizzards, and freezing temperatures to heavy rain and extreme heat.
Even when the forecast looks clear, sudden storms can force contractors to pause operations for safety reasons.
When the skies clear, there are site conditions to consider, such as waterlogged soil, unexpected ground obstructions, or unstable foundations that may take a few days to resolve before construction can carry on.
How long they last: Mother Nature answers to no one. Weather-related delays can stretch from a few days to several weeks, depending on the season, local climate, and where you live. As a general rule of thumb, construction sites lose roughly two to five days a month due to weather delays.
How to prepare:
Ask your builder for a realistic timeline that incorporates potential weather risks
Check that your builder has conducted a thorough site assessment before breaking ground
Schedule construction in dry times – where possible – and opt for weather-resistant materials
Build a buffer time into your move-in schedule
Stay flexible – understand that sometimes nature doesn’t cooperate
2. Supply Chain Issues
Why they happen: Ongoing supply disruptions, especially for materials like lumber, steel, and imported appliances, are causing headline-grabbing slowdowns in construction. Supply chain issues are affecting construction across several fronts: tariff negotiations are creating fluctuating prices, and availability and delivery times are unstable with increasing demand, according to the NAHB.
How long they last: These material shortages can delay parts of your build by several weeks or months.
In a nutshell, the NAHB warned “waiting too long to secure materials can add months to project timelines.” Waiting for even a single component – like an HVAC system or window frames – can halt a home construction site.
How to prepare:
Finalize choices for materials, finishes, and fixtures early so orders can go in promptly
Earmark extra time for special order supplies
Choose domestic appliances and fixtures where possible to avoid international delays
Provide your builder with alternate options ahead of time in case first picks are unavailable
Ask your builder for lead times on critical items
Once again: Be flexible. Keep in constant communication with your builder, while understanding that some issues are out of their hands. This is another reason to build a cushion between projected completion time and move-in day.
3. Skilled Labor Shortages
Why they happen: The nation is grappling with the perfect storm of factors causing labor shortages – experienced workers from the baby boomer generation are retiring, while there’s a lack of interest in the trades from younger generations entering the workforce. Additionally, as the administration continues to crack down on immigration, a significant segment of laborers are affected.
In any given month, there’s a shortage of 200,000 to 400,000 construction workers.
How long they last: Expect build times to stretch by roughly 2 months — or more — especially in areas with pronounced workforce gaps, according to the NAHB.
Small builders experience an even greater delay.
How to prepare:
Choose builders known for strong subcontractor networks
Ask about typical build times in your area and how labor shortages affect them
Opt out of bespoke upgrades and custom layouts, where possible, for a later date if it may delay closing
Stay engaged throughout the process and be proactive about flagging delays early
4. Permits and Inspections
Why they happen: Local government departments oversee permitting and inspections – and if they’re backlogged or errors are found during inspection, your build can stall.
Stop-work orders, legal penalties, and forced changes may surface if this paperwork isn’t sorted out before breaking ground on construction.
How long they last: Delays caused by permitting or inspections can last from several days to a few weeks. In some cases, if a jurisdiction is backlogged, rescheduling a necessary inspection could take months.
How to prepare:
Many homeowners assume their builder handles all approvals but always double check
Ask your builder what the typical permit timeline looks like in your jurisdiction
Request updates on scheduled inspections and outcomes
Ensure all permits and approvals are finalized before construction starts
Take corrections seriously – it’s better to get things built right the first time
5. Financing and Mortgage Rate Locks
Why they happen: Changed timelines can push your closing date past your mortgage rate lock period – potentially meaning you'd have to renegotiate, possibly at higher rates if market conditions have changed.
Mortgage rate locks are agreements between a lender a homebuyer that guarantees a set interest rate for a period, often somewhere between 15 days and two months, according to the National Association of Realtors.
You could lose your locked in rate due to construction delays, but other factors are at play, too: your appraisal comes back at different price or your credit score dips, for example.
How long they last: Rate-lock extensions and financing delays are typically measured in weeks – but can carry tangible cost implications. Even a slight jump in interest rates could mean an additional couple hundred dollars on your monthly mortgage payments.
How to prepare:
Discuss extended-rate-lock options with your lender early on
Keep in close, ongoing contact with your lender as your build progresses
Monitor economic news to see how interest rates are shifting
Have your documents ready so you can close as soon as construction is complete
6. Change Orders and Budget Blowouts
Why they happen: Last minute, you may change your mind on design, fixtures, or materials – or your builder may discover unexpected problems while building the home’s foundation, leading to extra costs not factored into the original quote. Emergency swaps and budget blowouts are to be expected when you’re building from the ground up. The original quote may not always include everything needed.
How long they last: That depends – you may need to special order supplies, which could take a few days to weeks to arrive. Or in the case of a stretched budget, you may need to tap your lender to apply for a larger loan.
How to prepare:
Add 10 to 15% extra to your budget for unexpected costs
Make sure your written agreement includes as many details as possible
Double check your choice on materials, supplies, appliances and fixtures so you won’t second guess choices later on
Ensure there are clauses in your agreement that limit cost increases
Ask what isn’t included in the quote
Bottom Line: Delays are an inevitable part of many new-home builds, but understanding the most common causes can help you plan with confidence. From weather and permitting to supply chains and labor shortages, being prepared allows you to set realistic expectations and keep your project on track. With the right builder and a little flexibility, you’ll still be able to enjoy the reward of moving into a brand-new home designed for you.
Carmen Chai
Carmen Chai is an award-winning Canadian journalist who has lived and reported from major cities such as Vancouver, Toronto, London and Paris. For NewHomeSource, Carmen covers a variety of topics, including insurance, mortgages, and more.