Some delays are inevitable. For example, pests and diseases decimate nursery stock availability, subcontractors go broke, and any other myriad fkups can occur on any day. The difference between good contractors and bad contractors is how they deal with the situation. Do they offer acceptable alternatives that can be delivered on time? Can they bring in subcontractors to fill in the workforce gaps? Are they quick to communicate and formulate a path forward? I don't know about you, but conscientiousness and adaptability are qualities I look for in the people I work with. If a contractor fails to respond to external forces and causes delays through neglegence, they'd better be cheap. Otherwise, wrong contractor for the wrong job.

In the process of carrying out any project, delays may occur, so we must be prepared to face such situations. Initially, we need to ask the contractor to explain the delay issues during meetings. Some delays may be due to natural disasters, while others may result from the contractor's shortcomings. It is now up to you whether to continue with the same contractor or to opt for another one. If the contractor was diligent and performing well before the incident of delay, a second chance may be given by setting a new timeline to make up for the delay and get the project back on track. However, if the contractor has repeatedly failed in their duties on the project, it is advisable to consider the option of replacement.

When facing delays with contractors on a project, it's important not to jump to conclusions about where the fault lies. While the question suggests the contractor is at fault, delays can occur for many reasons beyond their control. The idea of incentivising punctuality can come across as condescending, reinforcing unfair stereotypes that contractors are lazy or unreliable, which is far from reality. Many contractors take pride in their work, and their profession is a choice, not a last resort. These professionals often choose their line of work because they enjoy it, and a collaborative approach with mutual respect is the best way to get projects back on track.