Supply Chain Issues
If you have an appliance on its last leg, you may want to order a new one in advance due to supply chain problems. You will be surprised when you can’t walk into a showroom and buy a dryer of the brand you want.
Today due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Ukraine war, and China’s microchip production problems, appliance and fixture delays come up more often than any other product category. Per our friends at Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery, “The industry is seeing an improvement across the board with the supply chain, but consumers should still expect some delays depending on the product and supplier. The lead time for some brands is taking between 3-12 months from placing your order”.
You are going to need to purchase early and store the item or be prepared to buy what is in stock versus the brand that is your first choice. You may have to mix and match manufacturers and finishes in your kitchen instead of getting everything from one brand. If you snooze you may lose.
At the moment, these are the most difficult items to locate industry wide:
• Stackable washer & dryers
• French door refrigerators
• Low flow rate faucets, hand showers, multiple finishes i.e. brushed brass. Some brands only are offering chrome and satin nickel.
• Electrical fixtures
• Flooring
• Vented fans with LED lights
• Tile products from overseas are in short supply.
• Wood material availability has improved but can still be difficult to find
At the Carey Group, we purchase our appliances, lighting, plumbing fixtures, and faucets from Ferguson on Montecito Street. They guide you through the maze of the latest items and their availability. Their customer service is top-notch.
More and more homeowners are downsizing to luxury apartments. It is interesting from recent surveys for 2023 what most new apartments are going to include for the first time (even with supply chain problems).
• Undercounter microwave
• Pull down microwave door
• Rainhead shower heads
• Slot drains in showers
• USB plugs (built into the house and cabinets)
• Backlit mirrors
• Black finish on plumbing fixtures
• Freestanding ice makers
• Freestanding showers
• Induction cooktops
• Marble shower bases
• Pet bathing station
• Pull out recycling
This gives us a better idea of the demands of the apartment industry on the supply chain!
All the best,
Trudi
