Are you considering a home renovation or home improvement project? Whether you are interested in customizing your space to make it work better for your needs or you are getting ready to sell your home, the current state of material shortages requires more thought and planning than it may have in the past.

Since the beginning of COVID there have been material shortages due to the shutdown of manufacturing facilities complying with COVID safety protocols. This is still a factor. Now combine this with the February freeze, a blocked shipping channel that added to already back-logged shipping ports and a hurricane season in full swing creating more demand for home repairs and we have a perfect storm to keep the items used for home repair and renovation in short supply for some time.

Lumber, appliances, paint and furniture are all in high demand due to new home construction, homes in need of repair due to natural disasters and homeowners that are renovating.

On the supply side of this equation all of these items have been affected by manufacturer shutdowns and/or working at reduced levels so that they could comply with COVID safety standards.  Materials with an overseas component have been affected by shipping issues such as the blockage of the Suez Canal and then US ports that were packed with so many ships they had to spend days just waiting to get into the port to be unloaded.

In addition to the above issues, the lumber supply has been affected by wildfires in the northwest that have diminished the forests where trees are harvested and an increase in tariffs on lumber that is shipped in from Canada.

Appliance manufacturing experienced additional issues due to a shortage of computer chips and the February freeze. The freeze temporarily delayed production of petroleum-based products such as plastics needed to manufacture appliances. Paint and furniture items also rely on petroleum-based products. Nearly all paints rely on refined petroleum to be manufactured, as does the foam used in many furniture items.

How Do You Work Around These Issues?

If you are using a contractor, find a good one and get your name on their schedule. Ask them how they are factoring these challenges into their workflow. If you are doing the project yourself, plan ahead and shop for the best prices and availability. Collect the needed supplies so that you have everything you need once you are ready to start. Don’t start your project until you have the materials needed. You do not want to get stuck halfway into the project.

If you have a strict timeline, be ready to substitute for items that are readily available. Shop for in-stock items at local stores. If you still can’t find what you need, check places like Restore or Facebook marketplace. You may find items that will work for your project. This option may not be for everyone but it will be helpful for some.

In summary, prepare to be creative, be flexible and be patient. You can still achieve what you are hoping to do but it may take a little more time and a little more money.

If you are looking to buy or sell a house, let's talk! 

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LaFreta White | Assoc. Broker | Realtor | 325.656.6896 | lafreta@SanAngeloERA.com