Jobsite delays cost time, money, and credibility. One of the most common causes of construction slowdowns is poorly planned material ordering. Whether you’re working on a residential build, commercial project, or agricultural structure, having the right materials on site at the right time is critical.

With proper planning and a reliable supplier, many delays can be avoided altogether.

Start with Accurate Material Estimates

The foundation of efficient material planning is accurate estimating. Ordering too little can halt progress, while over-ordering creates storage issues and unnecessary costs.

Review plans carefully, confirm quantities, and account for waste where appropriate. Taking the time to double-check material lists upfront helps prevent last-minute shortages that slow down crews.

Order Materials in the Right Phases

Not all materials need to arrive at once. Breaking orders into phases allows materials to arrive when they’re actually needed, keeping jobsites organized and safer.

For example:

  • Structural materials early in the build
  • Interior supplies later in the schedule
  • Finishing materials closer to completion

Phased ordering reduces clutter and minimizes the risk of damage or loss.

Build in Lead Time

Some materials require longer lead times due to availability, manufacturing, or transportation. Waiting until the last minute increases the risk of delays.

Planning ahead and ordering early, especially for bulk materials, helps keep projects moving smoothly and avoids schedule disruptions.

Communicate Changes Early

Construction schedules change. When they do, communicating updates to your supplier as early as possible allows delivery schedules to be adjusted accordingly.

Clear communication helps ensure materials arrive when crews are ready, not too early or too late.

Work with a Supplier That Understands Jobsite Logistics

Reliable delivery plays a major role in keeping projects on track. A supplier with the equipment and experience to handle everything from small orders to full truckloads can help ensure materials arrive safely, efficiently, and on schedule.

Having materials delivered directly to the job site reduces downtime and keeps crews productive.

Stay on Schedule with Smarter Planning

Proper material planning helps prevent costly delays, improves jobsite efficiency, and keeps projects moving forward. By estimating accurately, ordering in phases, allowing for lead times, and working with a dependable supplier like Logic Lumber, contractors can avoid many common scheduling issues before they happen.