You finally decided to invest in that home remodeling project.
You saved, planned and budgeted.
You researched, compared and hired the best remodeling contractor.
You spent weeks or months poring over sample after sample to make the right material choices.
The project seems to be moving right along — that is, until your contractor goes to order those materials and schedule a start date.
If you planned your remodel for 2021, that’s when the conversation likely shifted to “supply shortages,” “not available,” “out of stock” and “back ordered” — all of which can result in delays, higher costs and even waste when contractors try to stock up on products in short supply, but high demand.
A major part of any home remodeling project involves selecting the right materials. What color of paint? What type of flooring? Bathtub or shower? New kitchen cabinets, or refinish? Pendant lighting or can lights? The list of choices can seem endless, but deciding which materials to use ahead of time makes every project go a little more smoothly.
At CCG, we strive to pre-plan for every job to manage expectations and prevent delays. Once we know what the project entails, we order the necessary materials and start lining up our tile installers, plumbers, electricians, etc., so everyone fits into the schedule at just the right time. But even the best laid plans can go awry when contractors can’t get the supplies they need, when they need them.
Effects of Pandemic Linger into 2021
The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) says production of manufactured goods and services slowed during the COVID-19 shutdowns, and demand for construction materials in the first half of 2021 has clearly outpaced material production and delivery.
Other industry experts say the pandemic may have been the tipping point, but high costs and exorbitant material tariffs for products imported from Canada, Mexico and China also play a role in the growing material shortage. For instance, contractors report deficiencies for finding:
- Framing lumber: 52%
- Windows and doors: 65%
- Plywood: 63%
- Oriented Strand Board (OSB): 61%
According to a recent World Construction Today report, 71% of contractors surveyed reported at least one material shortage, with lumber topping the list at 31%, followed by 11% for steel or electrical supplies other than copper wire, and lighting supplies 10%.
In addition, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s quarterly report shows the specific challenges contractors face in 2021 as a result of the global pandemic:
- 83% experiencing product delays
- 71% struggling to meet schedule requirements
- 58% putting in higher bids on projects
- 53% saying major product shutdowns/delays are a top concern
- 41% saying material shortages is a severe consequence of COVID-19
- 39% turning down work opportunities
For CCG clients, we’re discovering many home remodeling materials are on back-order until October or later in Q4. From plumbing fixtures, such as faucets and bathtubs, to floor tile, cabinetry, vanities and decorative lighting, everything requires double the amount of time to order and receive than it did prior to the pandemic.
Plan Your Remodeling Project Now
So, what does all of this mean for the homeowner who simply wants to tackle a remodeling project this year or next? Plan early, don’t wait to order materials and make up your mind before the project starts to avoid any unnecessary delays.
Manage your own expectations by finding a quality contractor now and getting your project on their schedule. A seasoned and professional contractor can walk you through the contract agreement, design work, material selections, and more, so you’ll know what to expect and can plan for any unexpected scheduling issues.
Contact CCG at 317-213-6246. We would love to discuss where you are in the process, the scope of work, and how we can help!
