Back to Blog Feb 17 2022

How to handle pandemic supply chain issues

This week we are keeping on with our thoughts of how the last two years have affected the construction industry. Things like windows, copper, mechanical equipment, steel and so much more are usually made overseas, so no wonder the biggest thing hitting construction at the moment isn’t necessarily a lack of employees but supply chain disruptions. Yes, a lack of employees due to social distancing and lockdowns the world over has made it so that not only are materials harder to get, they are a lot more expensive. Inflation usually hovers around 2-3% a year depending on economic trends but in the last year material costs have risen almost 15%. What can we do as an industry to help mitigate this? Some of what we’ve read says paying suppliers up front helps, as well as having a back stock of basic materials can help. There is also the option of paying a bit more for locally sourced materials such as milled wood, concrete and doors.

For more on cost of materials check out the link below:

https://eyeonhousing.org/2021/11/building-materials-prices-post-record-year-to-date-increase-through-october/