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Estimated read time: 4 minutes, 56 seconds

Supply chain issues have affected consumers worldwide for the past two years. In the commercial construction industry, these shortages have affected everything from structural steel to the computer chips used in HVAC systems. Of course, construction material shortages are not the only challenge faced by commercial builders. Rising material costs, labor shortages, and shipping delays can easily throw construction projects off schedule and cause you to go over budget.

Although things may remain volatile for the foreseeable future, implementing these best practices can help you plan for material delays and keep your project timelines on track.

Gain Visibility into Procurement

Shipping delays are predicted to continue causing material delivery issues. Because of this, it’s important to involve the architects and design teams in procurement conversations and understand where they’re sourcing project materials. Are supplies shipping domestically, or is the flooring coming from Italy? When calculating lead times, remember to consider not only shipping distances but factors affecting production at the manufacturing facility.

Identify Product and Material Alternatives

When the inevitable delays happen, bringing in temporary components can keep things on schedule.�� “While these situations aren’t incredibly common now, they’re becoming more frequent as delivery times continue to be pushed out,�� explains Travis. “Installing temporary components means you’ll need to switch things out again after receiving the parts you originally ordered, but it’s worth it to get your Certificate of Occupancy on time.��

���������ٷ�APP����’s project team used temporary light fixtures on a recent project for Marvin Windows, allowing the customer to utilize their new space without delay. When the permanent fixtures arrived, the project team installed them during an overnight shift, so as not to disturb the customer’s staff.

“Finding and installing temporary fixtures required extra effort on our end,�� says Joanna. “But our creative thinking and planning, along with the flexibility and trust of our customer helped us make it happen.��

Incorporate Prefabricated Components Where Possible

While not ideal for all jobs, using factory-assembled walls also saves time over waiting for individual shipments to arrive. ���������ٷ�APP���� used factory-assembled wall panels from, for a��student housing project at Augustana University��in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The wall panels—delivered complete with sheathing, windows, and air and vapor barriers—resulted in a 40% schedule savings for the project.

“Augustana is a pretty unique project where we discovered new ways to maximize our efficiency and avoid major supply disruptions,�� says Joanna. “Now, we can use that knowledge to help us prevent schedule delays on future projects.”�� ��

We Set the Standard for Project Success

���������ٷ�APP����’s forward-thinking, “don’t give up�� mentality is what allows us to complete projects on time—even with ongoing construction supply chain issues throwing hurdles in the middle of our path. “There are always ways to think differently,�� says Joanna. “You will never have a perfect answer that works for every project. But having experienced, solutions-focused people on each project will help you identify potential concerns in advance and come up with creative solutions."

As a strategic commercial builder, we push the boundaries of what’s possible by driving a culture of innovation. Our Minneapolis construction team’s ingenuity, scalability, and construction management expertise help clients create the spaces they envisioned while reducing time and costs.