The last couple of years have demonstrated how certain events can have a chain reaction on the economy. Workforces were forced to decrease, taxes increased, and everything impacted the costs and availability of materials. It is a constant battle to maintain project budgets and schedules as the construction industry deals with global supply chain disruptions.
Balancing lead times and schedule deadlines can be tricky even under normal circumstances. And while the conditions are proving to be more difficult still, there are ways to prepare and ensure that the supply chain doesn’t hold up construction.
Hire Shelter Ridge
The very first piece of advice is to work with someone that has all the experience in dealing with different suppliers. Working with a build team can help to save you a lot of time and money on new construction projects. Having been in the industry for many years, Shelter Ridge has a trusted list of suppliers that always deliver on time. The Shelter Ridge experts also know where to go and what to do in case one link in the chain falls through. Shelter Ridge also has an expert team that knows all the ins and outs when it comes to environmental laws, building step codes and other frameworks. This ensures that the chain isn’t held up due to materials that fail inspection etc. Hiring a professional will help to streamline your build process. Learn more about Shelter Ridge
Do your research
We understand that sometimes a person may prefer to work with their own suppliers and do things their own way. It is, however, very important that proper research is done on suppliers. This is always the best first step to take when taking on a new project. Do extensive research on prices, company lifespan, promised timelines, and general reviews. Prepare a list of between two and three suppliers to ensure that there is a backup should the need arise. Remember to research options where you can order directly from a supplier or manufacturer, rather than the distributor.
Finalize project plans as quickly as possible
In a period where material price spikes are inevitable, it is extremely important to implement excellent strategic planning and get the scope of work and designs signed off and approved as quickly as possible. Costs can increase between 20 and 30 percent within a couple of months. Approval delays can end up adding extra unwanted costs to the budget.
Pre-order what you can
Before schematic designs are finalized, materials can be purchased, and their prices locked in with suppliers. Down payments can be made to secure items that can be fabricated later. This will not only help to stay within the budget but also ensure that materials have already been acquired before they are needed on site. Keep in mind to contact suppliers and manufacturers directly to cut out any time delays that may arise through a middleman.
Research alternatives
As costs keep soaring and the availability of materials in the global supply chain remain unsure, it is very important to be open-minded and flexible about the materials that are used within designs. You should prepare to make changes if it means that the schedule can stay on track. Project developers and designers at Shelter Ridge have done the research and can provide alternative design suggestions that will prevent kinks in the supply chain, and that will still fit the client’s needs. It is important to keep in mind that while some materials will be preferred over others, delaying the schedule might not be worth it when alternative materials or suppliers are available.
Rearrange your timeline
Sometimes it may be necessary to look at the order of your build and shuffle it (if possible) to prevent delays. To combat the delays brought on by certain materials, you can have a look at the rest of the schedule and decide what can be done next to keep the project running. It is important to be flexible and to read the marketplace and adapt to it, to be able to maintain deadlines and end dates.
For more information, get in touch with Shelter Ridge using our contact form