Work contract - forgetting deadlines! Self-inflicted

:(
We signed our construction contract at the beginning of January.
Unfortunately, we only just realized that we forgot (for whatever reason... excitement, naive, inexperienced) to set a date for the start of construction.
In the printed line "as early as possible/from" there is no handwritten entry. Niente. The sales consultant knew that we had sold our house and wanted to start as soon as possible because we have to move out at some point. Unfortunately, we didn’t pay attention, we only expressed it verbally as "as soon as possible".
There were delays in the construction industry anyway until the end of March due to frost. Therefore, it didn’t bother us that the execution plans came 2 weeks later than announced. But everything is getting delayed. What was "the site manager will contact you at the beginning of the week" apparently turns into "next month". As an "inexperienced builder" you don’t know the individual steps or how long they take. All deadlines that depend on us or other companies (such as stamps from authorities, construction water, this and that) are handled by us or the contractors as quickly as possible. Then you wait again for... the next step.
We really don’t have a problem storing the furniture for a short time after moving out or living in the caravan, all time factored in, building just takes time, but...
The weeks go by, and I have a strong feeling that it’s because we cannot exert pressure or later claim damages (is that the right word?).
What can we still do now? Keep smiling, yoga or maybe apply some pressure?
The only thing that calms me down is last week’s statement that the windows have been ordered... :cool:

Hello Yvonne,

As an "inexperienced builder," you don't know the individual steps or how long they take [...] The weeks pass, and I have a strong feeling that it's because we cannot apply pressure or later hold anyone accountable (is that the correct term?). What can be done now? Keep smiling, yoga, or should we apply pressure after all? The only thing that reassures me is the statement from last week that the windows have been ordered...

You are in a phase of building, or waiting for the start of construction, where all builders become nervous; so you are in good company ;)

You must not forget, despite all the "pawing at the ground," that winter has caused quite a backlog for all suppliers/tradespeople, which they are now gradually catching up on AND have to start new construction projects. So longer waiting periods can occur. As far as I have read on your supplier's website, you would not have had any influence on the start of construction, only possibly on the duration of the actual construction time. So if nothing is stated in the contract/BB about the start of construction, you are initially last in line.

The only means that can still help is to create publicity if the start of construction continues to be delayed; you do have a construction blog. But before that, in your place, I would always try to have a conversation first...

Rhenish greetings

Thank you very much for your reassuring words, Bauexperte. Yes, we seek the conversation when someone responds back ;) I also understand that appointments are being postponed now, construction starts are being delayed. Now we are also 120km away from the company, which doesn't make it easier, not for us nor for the company. Besides, we are now at an age where one becomes more relaxed ;) So I write on my blog, and already order a motorhome for the last months of the year - it can also become an adventure (who camps on their own property?) :P