New national survey reveals a perception gap between the public and construction pros, and highlights how payment timing turns short setbacks into prolonged delays

From detoured commutes to half-finished highways, construction delays are a daily frustration for Americans. According to new research from Mobilization Funding, 91% of U.S. adults say they’ve had to change routes or plans because of construction, with 70% reporting delays affect their daily life. Most point the finger at poor planning or bad weather.

New data shows the story is more complicated. The 2025 Construction Delays and Payment Timing Report, based on surveys of 600 U.S. adults and 400 construction professionals, reveals that payment timing plays a much bigger role than most realize. While unpredictable weather remains the top disruptor, late payments create the most damaging and prolonged setbacks.

Key findings include:

• For the public, disruption is routine. 91% of U.S. adults have changed routes or plans because of construction, and 70% say delays affect daily life.
• Weather is the most frequent disruptor. 43% of construction professionals named unpredictable weather as a major cause of delays, ahead of material shortages (35%), client-side holdups (31%) and permitting (29%).
• Payment delays are less frequent but more damaging when they happen. 25% of pros cited late payments as a major cause; among projects hit by late payments, 76% lose at least a week and 38% lose more than three weeks.
• The perception gap is stark. The public blames mismanagement (63%) and weather (56%); only 19% attribute delays to late contractor payments, and 67% say they’re not or only minimally familiar with how payment timing affects schedules.
• Cash-flow strain limits growth. The biggest payment challenges are high up-front costs (51%) and waiting on payment (38%); more than half (56%) have turned down projects due to cash-flow or payment risks.

Public survey respondents shared how delays impact daily life and livelihoods:

• “We have a highway that is being built that is redirecting a lot of traffic away from my business.”
• “One road in my area has been closed because of a bridge for 6 years!!”

Construction professionals highlighted the on-site realities that extend timelines:

• “Crews are expected to be at a job site for a predetermined amount of time, including an allotment for delays. If that time is delayed further, it can infringe upon the next planned project.”
• “I wish people knew that delay in funding or permits can push back the entire project timeline.”

The report outlines recommended practices to reduce construction delays and improve project outcomes:

• Secure mobilization capital for subs. Subcontractors face high upfront costs before they get paid, so securing funding in advance is critical.
• Set and publish a payment calendar. Lock in release dates so subcontractors know when money is coming and can plan around it.
• Offer accelerated pay paths. Quick-pay programs or opt-in accelerated terms give subs faster access to funds, especially when paired with outside financing.
• Make payment status visible. Distinguish between weather delays and payment delays so subs can plan crews effectively; transparency, combined with working capital, keeps work flowing.

“When people see orange cones and traffic backups with no crew in sight, they assume the problem is bad planning or weather,” said Scott Peper, CEO of Mobilization Funding. “But more often than the public realizes, the problem is subcontractors waiting on checks.”

Peper continued, “On-time delivery is set up for success during the preconstruction phase. Not just the drawings and work schedule, but the cash flow of the project overall. When the money runs with the work, subcontractors don’t carry the float and contractors can deliver at full speed.”

Visit the 2025 Construction Delays and Payment Timing Report at Mobilization Funding’s website for the complete survey results and additional insights.

About Mobilization Funding

Mobilization Funding is a financial lending platform built for commercial construction subcontractors, manufacturers and small business owners. By aligning repayment schedules with project cash flow, Mobilization Funding helps clients cover upfront costs, maintain stability and achieve growth. The company partners with businesses nationwide, offering tailored loan solutions and ongoing support that empower clients to take on new opportunities with confidence.

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