✅ You must have a good contract in place. This will integrate penalties as incentive and regulator for the contractor.
✅ All parties have to agree to a reasonable deadline, while taking into consideration all factors that might cause a delay. Get updates on a regular basis and measure progress against the deadlines set.
✅ Establish open communication between all parties. If an issue arises, inform all relevant parties immediately, so that a resolution can be achieved as soon as possible.
✅ Remain conscientious when it comes to drawing sign-off by the client so that the contractor is sure to always have the latest drawings to work from. This will limit misunderstandings between the client, architect and contractor.
✅ Despite the pre-determined project schedule and all the planning that this entails, it is good practice to supplement already built-in project contingencies.
✅ As a rule-of-thumb provide three additional months after the planned completion date to provide for possible delays to date earmarked for moving into your new home.