Managing Material Lead Times: How to Avoid Project Delays in 2026
No contractor wants to explain project delays to frustrated clients.
In 2026, avoiding these conversations means mastering four strategies: identify long-lead items early, order strategically to lock in availability, build schedule flexibility, and partner with suppliers who prioritize your timeline.
Contractors implementing these approaches are going to have an easier time keeping projects on schedule despite any supply chain disruptions and protecting the reputations they’ve worked years to build.
UNDERSTANDING SUPPLY CHAIN REALITIES
Geopolitical uncertainty, labor shortages, and fluctuating demand will continue disrupting construction supply chains into 2026. As a contractor, this means you may not be able to rely on your previous material lead time data.
Acknowledge upfront that material pricing and delivery dates may shift. This honesty with clients protects your reputation when delays occur.
How do you navigate this uncertainty? Start by getting ahead of the materials that take the longest to arrive.
IDENTIFY LONG-LEAD ITEMS EARLY TO PREVENT LAST-MINUTE SCRAMBLING
To avoid project delays, work with your material suppliers and manufacturers to identify materials with the longest lead times as early as possible. For example, structural steel, specialty lumber, and mechanical and electrical materials often require extended lead times.
Start by requesting historical lead time data on critical materials from your supplier.
While 2026 averages may differ, this data provides a useful starting point to monitor items.
Once you know which materials need the most time, act fast.
ORDER STRATEGICALLY TO LOCK IN PRICING AND AVAILABILITY
Waiting to order key materials can jeopardize your project’s schedule. Once you have your list of long-lead materials, place orders as soon as possible. This might require finding storage space for materials you order early, but doing so can help you save money and relieve stress.
Even with early ordering, delays can happen. That’s where schedule flexibility becomes your safety net.
BUILD SCHEDULE FLEXIBILITY TO KEEP PROJECTS MOVING DESPITE DELAYS
Even when you prepare and do your research, you could still run into material delays. By building flexibility into your project schedule, you can avoid scrambling or delaying project progress.
Think through your project in chunks. If your custom cabinets are delayed, can your team knock out the HVAC installation, tackle some exterior work, or handle the electrical rough-in? The goal is simple: never let a single delayed material bring your entire project to a halt.
Building in these buffers will help you maintain your project schedule and efficiently manage labor even when you face supply chain disruptions.
PARTNER WITH A LOCAL SUPPLIER WHO PRIORITIZES YOUR TIMELINE
At Miller’s Building Supply, our customers are our number one priority. We’re here to partner with you to ensure you have what you need, when you need it. We can even help you find hard-to-locate materials through our special order program.
With competitive pricing and personalized service, we make it easy to get the right materials delivered on time. Stop by 1819 E. Monroe Street in Goshen or call 574-534-3973 today to learn more about what sets Miller's Building Supply apart from the rest.