The Errors of a Schedule During a Residential Renovation

A home renovation schedule is a powerful tool, but it's also very fragile: several common mistakes can create delays, additional costs, and a lot of stress for both the client and the contractor.

Why the Schedule Is So Critical

In a renovation, the schedule isn't just a start and end date; it's a risk management strategy that coordinates tasks, subcontractors, materials, and client decisions. The more complex the project (kitchen, addition, major remodel), the more the consequences of a poorly designed schedule will be felt in terms of costs, quality, and client relations.

Mistake 1 – Underestimating Project Time

One of the most frequent mistakes is believing that a "simple" task will take a few days, when the actual site conditions, unforeseen structural issues, or permit delays can extend the entire schedule. The result: the contractor is constantly playing catch-up, subcontractors are tripping over each other, and the client feels like "nothing is moving forward."

To mitigate this risk, it's essential to base the schedule on real data (past projects, actual team productivity) rather than optimism, and to add a buffer for unforeseen technical issues. For residential projects, several sources recommend allocating at least 10 to 20% extra time to the timeline to absorb surprises, especially in older buildings.

Mistake 2 – Ignoring Material and Subcontractor Lead Times

A schedule can be "perfect" on paper but completely unrealistic if materials and subcontractors aren't available when needed. Today, stock shortages, custom manufacturing lead times (cabinets, windows, countertops), and supply chain challenges are a major cause of renovation delays.

We often see projects stalled because cabinets or specific finishes are late in arriving, or because the same subcontractors are working on multiple sites simultaneously. A realistic schedule takes into account order lead times, confirms team availability, and plans tasks to minimize downtime when something is delayed.

Mistake 3 – Not detailing the steps sufficiently

Another common pitfall is a schedule that's too vague, such as "demolition – structure – mechanical – finishing," without breaking it down into specific tasks with clear dependencies. Without this level of detail, subcontractors don't know exactly when to intervene, coordination becomes reactive rather than proactive, and sequence conflicts multiply.

A good residential renovation schedule should detail the work by room and by batch (e.g., plumbing, electrical, drywall, painting), indicating the estimated duration and prerequisites for each step. This granularity makes it easier to identify delays, reallocate resources as needed, and explain to the client what's really happening on their project.

Mistake 4 – Complying with unrealistic deadlines to please the client

Many schedules are built around a desired delivery date (Christmas, the arrival of a baby, selling the house) rather than the actual work required. Some contractors then artificially compress durations, eliminate flexibility, and schedule tasks in parallel that should be sequential.

This approach creates enormous pressure on the teams, increases the risk of rework, and makes the project highly vulnerable to the slightest unforeseen event. Instead of forcing the project into an arbitrary date, it's healthier to explain the real constraints to the client, present a realistic scenario, and, if necessary, propose work phases to meet their priorities.

Mistake 5 – Forgetting permits, inspections, and external constraints

In reality, a schedule must also include the time needed to obtain municipal permits, coordinate inspections, and comply with neighborhood restrictions. Underestimating these factors or leaving them "outside the schedule" is a very common cause of delays, especially in densely populated neighborhoods where regulations are strict.

Holidays, weather conditions for outdoor work, and noise regulations also directly impact the schedule. Failing to include them in the planning creates "predictable" delays, whereas a simple initial adjustment to the schedule could have absorbed them.

Mistake 6 – Changing the Scope of Work Mid-Project

Modifications to the concept or materials mid-project are a major source of delays and cost overruns. Every significant change necessitates revisions to plans, orders, coordination between subcontractors, and sometimes even rework of previously completed tasks.

A realistic schedule assumes that most decisions (design, materials, colors, equipment) are made before construction begins. The earlier the client finalizes their choices, the more the contractor can secure production deadlines and set credible dates for critical milestones.

Mistake 7 – Neglecting Communication and Follow-Up

Even the best-laid schedule will eventually slip if no one actively monitors it and if communication is poor. Misunderstandings between the architect, contractor, subcontractors, and client are a recurring cause of scheduling conflicts, missed site visits, and tasks started at the wrong time.

Establishing regular check-ins (weekly, for example) to review the schedule, adjust sequences, and inform the client allows for quick recovery from any delays. Digital planning and project management tools also help keep everyone aligned on key dates and responsibilities.

Mistake 8 – Not allowing for contingencies

In renovations, unforeseen events are not an exception; they are part of the project: hidden structural issues, mold, outdated plumbing, non-compliance with current standards, etc. A schedule without contingency time quickly becomes unrealistic as soon as one of these problems arises.

Adding a time buffer to the schedule (in addition to the budget contingency) allows you to absorb these discoveries without everything falling apart. This buffer can be incorporated as breaks between major phases or as a "consolidation" period before final delivery.

For more information

Lineaire, General Contractor, can also provide information about your project, with its team of carpenters and joiners. You can contact them through their website: www.lineaireconstruction.com or on social media @lineaire.entrepreneur.general

Mistakes in scheduling during a residential renovation