3 Tips for Handling Supply Chain Disruptions

By Angi.  

How to make your projects run smoother even though the industry is feeling the strain of the pandemic.  

The effects of the pandemic continue to affect the construction industry. It is no secret that supply chain disruptions and material shortages have plagued contractors ready to help homeowners complete their home projects. The Economy of Everything Home Report from Angi Leads (formally HomeAdvisor Pro)  predicts that the pandemic peak in homeowner spending on home improvement won’t be going away anytime soon. Here are some ways to balance homeowner demands with material shortages and supply chain disruptions. 

1 - Set realistic expectations. 

Because the home services industry continues to experience delays, disruptions and price fluctuation, it’s important to clearly and continuously communicate up-to-date information to homeowners, according to the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC). Even in the earliest stages of planning, setting expectations that current estimates are subject to change can help you get ahead of customer frustrations down the line. 

2 - Talk to the homeowner about options they have. 

While many elements of supply chain disruptions are out of a contractor’s hands, there are ways to make them easier on your customers. For example, you and the homeowner can discuss the best time for ordering materials and other necessary items to complete the project, according to AGC. 

Depending on the available budget, homeowners may want to pay costs upfront for materials to prevent delays or price increases. Other customers may need to space out payments or aren’t able to provide quality storage and security for the materials. Additionally, if a customer is considering changes to design, buying materials early may not be the best choice. 

3 - Stay on top of current costs, schedules and disruptions. 

While the COVID-19 pandemic and other factors have influenced the most recent disruptions, there is historical precedence for major price increases in the construction industry, according to AGC. This includes 2004, 2006, 2017 and 2018. By keeping an eye on current prices and delivery timelines, you can quickly adapt to changes that may frustrate your employees and customers, and even anticipate how individual projects may be affected. 

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Original article source: Angi