Best Strategies for Handling Building Material Shortages

By ABC Supply. 

Here are the top seven tips for navigating the supply chain issues and building material shortages. 

The roofing industry is not exempt from the recent supply chain issues escalating across the globe. With more people wanting to remodel their homes, demand is far exceeding supply, leaving many people in our industry struggling to keep up. The ABC Supply Pro Council expects these challenges to continue into the next year.  

But there is good news too. There are steps you can take to make navigating the price increases and delayed materials a little easier. Consider these recommendations from our Pro Council. 

1 - Place orders as soon as possible 

Backups in the construction supply chain mean that materials can sometimes be delayed by weeks or even months. That’s why it’s important to order materials as soon as possible. The earlier you order, the better your chances are of receiving materials by the time you’re ready for them. 

2 - Make sure you have accurate data 

With long lead times, the last thing you want to do is redo an estimate or reorder materials because you didn’t have the most current pricing information or measured incorrectly. ABC Supply customers can use myABCsupply to check the latest pricing and review order details for accuracy. Also, be sure to double-check your measurement! Tools to help you measure accurately include: 

• Drones 

• GAF QuickMeasure integration with myABCsupply 

• EagleView and other software 

When in doubt, you can always order a little extra material to ensure you’ll have enough. 

3 - Lean on your suppliers for support 

Keep in close contact with your building materials suppliers, who can keep you updated on what supplies they anticipate having in stock. Your suppliers can also provide letters from manufacturers verifying price increases, which can help justify any additional costs you may need to pass on to your customers. 

4 - Educate your customers 

Your customers are likely aware that there is a boom in building and remodeling. However, they may not be aware of the pandemic’s effect on the construction supply chain. Explain to them that many manufacturers are dealing with backlogs, and the high demand for materials is driving price increases. Be honest about how long it may take for materials to become available. It’s better to be realistic about supply chain issues rather than overpromise on cost or deadlines. 

5 - Consult with lawyers 

Supply chain issues, including a truck driver shortage, may delay when you can start or finish a job, and rising material costs may mean that your initial estimates become outdated quickly. Adding a price escalation clause or language related to delays is crucial to ensure that you’re not in breach of your contract or stuck absorbing material costs you can’t afford. 

6 - Adapt your processes 

Consider any processes you usually follow that could be adapted to better serve your customers during this challenging time. For example, consider what temporary solutions exist for roofing, windows or siding so that interior construction can continue while you wait to receive your exterior materials. You may also want to reconsider the material options that you share with your customers. For example, instead of providing all possible materials when you begin a job, present a smaller selection that you’ll be able to access. Your supplier can help you determine which options are most likely to be in stock. 

7 - Focus on stability 

Consider whether it’s the right time to make large investments in your business. With so much fluctuation happening in the industry, it may be safer to avoid taking unnecessary or costly risks. While there is high demand for construction work, it’s hard to predict how material delays and rising costs will affect your business. 

While the building materials shortage isn’t something you can control, there are actions to mitigate its impact on your business. By making some changes to how you do business and relying on your suppliers for support, you’ll set yourself up for success. Visit the ABC Supply blog to learn more about how contractors are adapting to the challenges of the pandemic. 

Learn more about ABC Supply in their RoofersCoffeeShop® Directory or visit www.abcsupply.com.

Original article source: ABC Supply