Materials Shortages, Price Increases & Scheduling
We are currently experienceing severe shortages of vinyl, wood & aluminum materials due to ongoing transporation delays and raw materials shortages. Demand has far outpaced production and manufacturers can't keep up due to the supply issues and in some areas workforce constraints. In an effort to service orders vinyl fence suppliers are stopping production on all but white product (since it is the best seller) and aluminum manufacturers are concentrating on the most popular flat top three rail style. Many of our tan or wood look vinyl fence offerings are being back ordered until Fall 2021 or even 2022. Due to the shortages jobs may be pushed back because I just can't get the materials to do them.
Also, due to high demand, lumber prices have risen drastically. This is most prevalent in 4"x4"x8' posts which were $7 in April 2020 and now they are closing in on $16. Price increases are expected across the board for all product lines since demand is high and supply is low. We honor all current contract prices, but estimates more than 30 days old will have to be recalculated to current pricing or I will simply pass on the job. Better to lose a job than to lose money.
Scheduling has also been effected by demand and mateirals shortages. I am currently scheduling about 12 weeks out from time of concrete to installation. Rest assured that if you have a contract you are on the calendar and the time table I gave you is still valid as long as I can find the materials. We are working hard to stay on schedule while working extra days to reduce wait times..