Commercial construction faces tough challenges right now, including tariffs, labor shortages, and supply chain instability. For developers, these factors can quickly derail a project schedule and push budgets past their limits.
That’s why having a trusted, proactive general contractor has never been more important. The best way to protect your investment is to plan for these risks before they become problems. By getting involved early, identifying long-lead items, and treating every project as if it were our own, we help owners keep projects moving forward with fewer surprises.
We have seen firsthand how procurement strategies during preconstruction make a significant difference. Here’s a closer look at what we’re watching in the market today, and how our team has helped clients save time and money through proactive sourcing.
What We’re Seeing in The Market Right Now
We are seeing major volatility and extended lead times across several core categories. Here are some of the current materials we’re strategically sourcing with clients before construction starts:
- Electrical Equipment: Items like switchgear, transformers, and electrical panels often have extremely long lead times. In some cases, delays here can halt an entire project.
- Roofing Systems: The availability of roofing insulation and membrane systems often fluctuates heavily with market demand and weather events.
- HVAC Equipment: Large rooftop units, chillers, and specialized mechanical components require early ordering. A delay here impacts the building’s ability to achieve climate control for future phases of a project.
- Steel Products: Structural steel, joists, and decking lead times can spike quickly due to market volatility. Early securing of these materials is crucial to take a project vertical.
Project Examples of Proactive Sourcing
Proactive sourcing is a proven method we use to protect our clients. Here are a few examples of how Crain’s early involvement made the difference between delays and successful delivery:
Thompson Machinery
Crain is currently building the new Thompson Machinery facility. Our team identified long-lead electrical gear during schematic design and placed the order early to prevent delays later in the schedule. We also secured the pre-engineered metal building package before design documents were finalized, ensuring materials were available when needed.
Element Hotel
The Element Hotel included five floors of prefabricated wood framing on a concrete podium. Anticipating price increases, our team purchased lumber early, saving the client thousands of dollars. Using prefabricated walls also shaved a month off the installation schedule.
Specialty Dental Brands Headquarters
When supply chain issues doubled the expected lead time for HVAC units, our project management team worked with subcontractors to find creative solutions and keep the project moving. We also executed early buyouts on key supplies to help manage cost escalation and avoid last-minute surprises.
Building Projects and Trust Through Predictability
Involving Crain Construction early in your project is a smart decision. It allows our preconstruction team to apply these proactive sourcing strategies, ensuring a smoother path from concept to completion. Our strategic partnership provides immediate, tangible benefits for you:
- Reduced Risk: Owners can rely on fewer unexpected delays tied to market volatility. Crain manages the complexity so you don’t have to.
- Predictable Budgets: Early identification of risk items protects your budget and prevents cost creep from emergency expedited shipping or expensive redesigns.
- A Trusted Partner: Crain’s ability to navigate supply chain complexity reinforces our role. We are a problem-solver and a strategic partner, not just a contractor.
Are you planning your next commercial project in Nashville or the Southeast? Don’t wait for the supply chain to dictate your schedule.
Contact our team today to discuss your project. Learn how Crain’s proactive approach can protect your investment and build predictability into your project timeline.
