When the Tanseys' windows didn't make it onto the back of a delivery truck, it set off a chain reaction. Without windows, the siding couldn't be put on. Without siding, no insulation could be installed, which meant no drywall, trim, light fixtures or flooring. One snag resulted in a three-week delay.

Torrential rain flooded the basement. The framer came down with pneumonia. The flooring guy shot a nail into a pipe, triggering a leak. Because the Tanseys weren't married to deadlines they were able to cope with the delays. Although they hoped to be in by April, they had signed a month-to-month lease on the apartment they were renting.

Some delays will be beyond your control. If you're trying to have the house finished before the birth of your triplets, you're setting yourself up for a bad case of acid reflux.