It has been well publicised that there is currently a global shortage of building materials, stemming both from demand and a disrupted supply chain associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. This has been exacerbated by a very active New Zealand market currently experiencing a ‘once in 20 year’ building boom largely associated with an increased demand for new homes.
With projects often taking long periods of time to design and document, it’s important for specifiers to check-in on the product selections made and ensure that they are still available and remain within the budget/ cost plan.
Our Masterspec platform puts you in direct contact with the manufacturer/supplier through the 'Work Section Support' feature. This provides a great forum to openly discuss the scale of the project, material quantity required, types of products specified and when they are likely required on site. Often with sufficient early notification, the supplier can source the volumes required. The product partners are there to assist- importantly they have a vested interest in seeing their product installed on your special project!
After talking with some of our key partners here are some tips to help smooth the delivery of your project:
- Get in contact early with suppliers, especially if you are aware of current supply chain constraints.
- Discuss any unusually large, special, or custom product requirements, as these may add to the delivery lead time.
- Work with partners to find solutions, sometimes the new solution could provide a better outcome than originally anticipated. Not having that conversation will more than likely limit or compromise your options.
- Most importantly, update the specification to reflect any agreed adjustments and consider noting the lead time requirements to assist the contractor in managing the build.
Why is this so important?
- To mitigate builder-initiated substitutions once the contract is awarded.
- To mitigate delays to the project and increases in cost.
- To maintain the design intent and not being forced to accept an alternative.
- To mitigate research and rework of documentation due to substitutions, including application for Building Consent amendments. This can be costly!
Some recent coverage in the media on this subject:
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/building-materials-shortage-tradespeople-unable-to-offer-fixed-prices-due-to-shortages/TWX5ZBC4VCJAWR7DSMYJNOEWAQ/
https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/126481866/building-supply-shortages-leading-to-upsurge-in-consent-amendments