Is Your Build on Track?

You've picked your floorplan, signed the contract, and maybe even popped a bottle of bubbly to celebrate. But then... nothing. Days pass. Weeks creep by. And that little voice in your head starts whispering: Is my builder actually on track?

Welcome to one of the most talked-about topics in the building world right now — “Is Your Builder on Track? How to Know If You’re Behind Schedule.” Why’s it trending? Because even in 2025, we’re still seeing the ripple effects of materials and labour shortages wreaking havoc on build timelines.

So if your build’s dragging out longer than expected, you’re definitely not alone. But here’s the tricky part: how do you tell the difference between a normal hiccup and a full-blown delay? And what can you do if things are sliding off course?

Let’s dive into the signs, solutions, and sanity-saving tips for navigating building delays without losing your mind (or your money).

#1: Signs Your Build Might Be Falling Behind

Some delays are par for the course. Rain happens. Suppliers mess up orders. Tradies get sick. But if you’re seeing these red flags, it could be time to ask some tough questions.

🚧 The Site’s Been Sitting Idle… For Weeks

If it’s been a ghost town on-site — no trucks, no tradies, not even a misplaced shovel — that’s not a great sign. Sure, there are points in the process when it’s quiet (like during council approvals), but prolonged silence? Worth chasing up.

🗕️ Milestones Are Constantly Pushed Back

Was your slab meant to be poured two weeks ago? And now it's "next week"... again? If every stage of your build keeps getting pushed out with vague reasons, you’re likely falling behind.

📞 Communication’s Gone Cold

Not getting returned calls, emails, or updates? That’s a red flag. A good builder will keep you in the loop — even when things aren’t going to plan.

💸 Budget Blowouts with No Explanation

Costs creeping up out of nowhere? While some price changes are fair due to market shifts, unexplained variations might mean they’re trying to catch up from delays elsewhere.

#2: What’s Normal vs. Concerning Delays?

It’s important to cut your builder some slack — to a point. So what’s within reason, and what should make you worry?

✅ Normal Delays

• Bad weather: A week or two of rain can stall progress, especially during excavation or slab pour stages.

• Public holidays or Christmas shutdowns: The industry slows right down in December–January.

• Minor supplier delays: A few days waiting on specific materials isn’t unheard of.

• Council or developer approval wait times: These can vary wildly and are often outside the builder’s control.

Not sure what’s normal for each building stage? You could use the Get Advice feature in the BuildPilot app to get general insights into what typically happens during different phases — from slab to final inspection. It’s a great way to give yourself a frame of reference without needing to call your builder for every small concern.

⚠️ Concerning Delays

• No work for over a month (with no explanation).

• Major construction errors needing rework.

• Repeated no-shows by trades.

• Builder blaming everyone else constantly.

• Changes in ownership or management at the building company — a subtle sign of deeper issues.

Knowing what’s expected vs. what’s off-track is key to staying calm and proactive.

#3: How to Keep Communication Clear with Your Builder

Let’s face it: the relationship with your builder can either make your experience smooth sailing — or send you running for the wine bottle.

Keep It Casual and Clear

Start each conversation in a friendly tone. A little rapport goes a long way. But don’t be afraid to clarify things in writing.

Get a Weekly Update (No Exceptions)

Ask for a simple rundown each week of:

• What was done

• What’s next

• Any current or upcoming delays

Confirm Everything in Writing

Phone chats are great, but follow up with an email:"Just confirming what we discussed — slab to be poured by Friday, weather permitting."

That way, there’s no “he said, she said” later on.

Ask for Photos or Progress Reports

If you can’t be on-site often, ask your builder or supervisor to send weekly photos. It’s an easy way to stay in the loop without hovering.

Use a Project Tracker or App

Some builders offer digital tools, but if yours doesn’t, third-party apps like BuildPilot can help you track what’s been done — and what’s coming up next. The Milestones feature lets you add key dates to your calendar, get reminders, and even store notes about progress. It’s designed for customers, not builders — so you stay in control, regardless of who you’re building with.

#4: Tips for Documenting Everything (Because Future You Will Thank You)

It might feel over the top, but documenting your build is essential — especially if things go sideways.

📝 Keep a Build Diary

Jot down notes from every conversation, meeting, or email. Even a few bullet points can help you piece together timelines later.

📸 Take Lots of Photos

Snap shots at every stage. Not just for the memories (although that’s a bonus), but in case you need to reference what was done — or not done.

📂 Store Everything in One Place

Create a digital folder with all:

• Contracts

• Emails

• Site photos

• Invoices and variations

• Council approvals and plans

Use cloud storage so you’ve got access anytime — even if your computer crashes.

#5: FAQs — When in Doubt, Ask Away!

Q: My builder says it’s just a ‘minor delay’. How long is too long?

A: A few days to a week can be normal. But if “minor” stretches into a month with no activity, that’s a bigger issue. Ask for specifics — what’s causing the delay and when it will be resolved?

Q: Can I withhold payments if they’re behind schedule?

A: Not without legal advice! Payments are usually tied to stages, not time. But if there’s a contract breach or unacceptable delay, get professional guidance before taking action.

Q: Should I visit the site more often?

A: Absolutely. Regular visits help you stay informed and show the builder you’re actively watching progress.

Q: What if I’ve completely lost trust in my builder?

A: Keep a record of all communication and consider speaking to a building consultant or lawyer. In extreme cases, you may need to escalate the issue through consumer affairs or a tribunal.

#6: "Is Your Builder on Track? How to Know If You’re Behind Schedule" — Why This Conversation Matters More Than Ever

The reality is, delays are still common due to materials and labour shortages. It’s the hangover no one ordered — timber’s more expensive, tradies are in short supply, and supply chains are stretched thin.

That’s exactly why tools like the BuildPilot App were created. It’s a third-party platform built for homeowners, not builders — so you’ve got independent support and easy access to guidance, without feeling like you’re bothering your site supervisor every time something looks off.

That’s why the question — “Is Your Builder on Track? How to Know If You’re Behind Schedule” — is showing up more and more in home-building forums, Facebook groups, and even casual backyard chats.

It’s not just about patience. It’s about protection. About planning. And about making sure the biggest investment of your life doesn’t turn into a nightmare.

#7: Quickfire Tips for Staying Sane (and On Track)

• Start a build journal from Day 1.

• Communicate weekly — and always follow up in writing.

• Use a project tracker to spot slippage early.

• Educate yourself on normal build timelines.

• Ask your builder for a recovery plan if delays happen.

• Stay calm, but firm. You're not just a client — you’re a partner in the process.

Conclusion

Building a home isn’t just a project — it’s a journey. And like any journey, it comes with detours, pit stops, and the occasional flat tyre. But by knowing what to look for, what to expect, and how to stay in control, you can turn what feels like chaos into something much more manageable.

If you’ve found yourself typing “Is Your Builder on Track? How to Know If You’re Behind Schedule” into Google at 1am — take a breath. You’ve got this.

Stay informed. Stay proactive. And most importantly, document everything like a boss.

Because at the end of the day, this isn’t just about avoiding delays — it’s about building your future, brick by brick.