Why Timelines Matter
According to industry data, schedule disputes account for roughly 30% of all homeowner complaints filed against contractors. Most disputes stem not from actual delays, but from a lack of communication about what to expect and when.
The Project Timeline Standard addresses this by requiring certified contractors to provide structured milestone schedules and proactive updates, not just a start date and a vague completion estimate.
The Five Required Milestones
Every project managed by a CraftAuthority-certified contractor must include, at minimum, these five documented milestones:
- Pre-work / mobilization: Materials ordered, permits pulled (if applicable), site prep scheduled. The homeowner receives a written start date.
- Rough-in / structural phase: Major structural or system work begins. Homeowner is notified of any inspection requirements.
- Mid-project checkpoint: A formal progress update covering completed work, remaining scope, and any timeline adjustments. This is the contractor's opportunity to flag issues before they become disputes.
- Punch list / pre-completion: Contractor and homeowner walk the project together. Outstanding items are documented in writing with a completion date for each.
- Final completion / handoff: All work is done, final payment terms are met, warranty documentation is delivered, and the homeowner confirms acceptance.
Update Triggers
Beyond scheduled milestones, certified contractors commit to proactive updates whenever certain events occur:
- Material delay: If any material delivery is delayed by more than 3 business days, the homeowner must be notified within 24 hours of the contractor learning of the delay.
- Schedule change: Any shift in the expected completion date of more than 2 business days requires a written update with a revised timeline.
- Scope change: If additional work is identified (e.g., hidden damage, code requirements), the contractor must issue a written change order before proceeding. No work proceeds without homeowner approval.
- Inspection result: Pass or fail, inspection results are shared with the homeowner within 24 hours.
- Weather or force majeure: Events outside the contractor's control must be documented and communicated, with a revised schedule issued within 48 hours.
Delay Protocol
When delays occur, certified contractors follow a structured protocol:
- Notify: Inform the homeowner of the delay cause, expected duration, and impact on the overall schedule.
- Document: Log the delay in the project record with dates, cause, and any supporting evidence (supplier communications, weather records, inspection reports).
- Revise: Issue an updated milestone schedule within 48 hours of the delay becoming known.
- Resolve: If the delay exceeds 10 business days, the contractor must offer a written remediation plan that may include schedule compression, additional resources, or adjusted pricing.
What This Means for Homeowners
If you hire a CraftAuthority-certified contractor, you should expect:
- A written milestone schedule before work begins
- Proactive updates when anything changes
- No surprise delays without communication
- A formal process for handling disruptions
If a certified contractor fails to meet these standards, homeowners can file an Alliance Signal, which is reviewed under our due process framework.
What This Means for Contractors
Meeting the Project Timeline Standard is a condition of maintaining good standing. It is not optional. Contractors who consistently meet or exceed timeline commitments build a documented track record that strengthens their standing page and referral credibility.
The standard is designed to be practical. It does not require expensive project management software. A simple written schedule, email or text updates, and basic documentation are sufficient.