Almost every industry has had to deal with supply chain issues over the past year, and home decor is no exception. Designers are counting on home furniture, appliances, and products like floor tiles and windows, all of which are among the items hardest hit by supply chain shortages.
It used to take furniture about six to eight weeks to arrive, but now it can take up to six months or up to a year. Prices for some home items have risen 20 to 30 percent, forcing interior designers to get creative with pricing strategies.
Windows are currently taking about three months to arrive, and kitchen appliances can take anywhere from three months to a year. To keep up, the industry needs to plan and check with suppliers to find out what’s in stock when home builders choose finishes.
Communication and transparent scheduling dialogue is a must for overcoming this current supply chain hurdle. Setting clear expectations during the initial discussion of a project is key to building trust and understanding of the situation. While many home builders have heard about the supply chain constraints, they may not understand how they can affect their model home, clubhouse, welcome center, or even a lobby for the interior design completion.
When strategizing new communities, home builders and their partners need to be light years ahead of the curve to be sure selections are chosen well in advance. Please call us for more information and forecasted supply chain delivery times.