Early results from MULTIFAMILY Design+Construction's inaugural Kitchen + Bath survey of multifamily developers, architects, contractors, and other specifiers make it clear that supply chain problems are impacting apartment, condo, and townhome projects.
To take the survey – with a chance to win one of 10 $50 debit cards – go to MFDC K+B Survey. To be qualified to participate, your company must be actively involved in multifamily design, development, or construction, and you must give your name, company name, and email at the end of the survey.
HOW COVID, UKRAINE WAR ARE IMPACTING SPECIFIERS
We asked: "What K+B amenities have you had DIFFICULTY SOURCING due to the Covid pandemic or Ukraine war? What are you doing about this?"
Appliances came up more often than any other product category. "We've been purchasing them early and storing in our own warehouses or changing our spec to purchase models that are in stock/available," said one respondent.
"It's been difficult getting appliance packages with the same manufacturer," said another respondent. "We're needing to mix manufacturers and appliances."
Yet another said, of appliances, "We're ordering early and being more flexible, less committed on specific brands or models."
"We had to take early delivery of the appliances (way ahead of schedule), because otherwise they'd be given to another project," said a respondent. "As a result, we had to find storage for the appliances."
Stackable washer/dryer combos were In short supply, according to one respondent.
THE GREAT REFRIGERATOR VANISHING ACT OF 2022
Refrigerators were the main culprit, according to early survey respondents. One respondent was very specific: "French door refrigerators."
But most would have been happy with any ol' fridge. "We're finding whatever spec is available," said a respondent. "Need to order well in advance and be flexible," advised another.
But the list of shortages was not limited to kitchen appliances. Tile products were a problem for one respondent: "We are having to respecify to domestic manufacturers."
Cabinets were also cited by several repondents. "Unfortunately, playing the waiting game," said a cabinetless respondent.
Another pleaded, "Trying to get locally sourced cabinets, made in the USA." Yet another said, "Diversifying [cabinet] suppliers."
WIDE RANGE OF K+B PRODUCTS STILL MISSING
Other amenities lost in the black hole of the supply chain:
- Vented fans with LED lights
- Porcelain tile
- Faucets
- Stone
- Electrical fixtures
- Plumbing fixtures
- Shower surrounds
- Fiberglass shower units
- Quartz countertops
- Solid surface materials for compartments
- Lighting
- Flooring
The last word on "solving" the K+B amenity shortage problem: "Order way in advance," advised one respondent.
LAST CHANCE TO ENTER FOR $50 GIFT CARD
The survey will close Friday, Oct 7, 2022 at 11:59pm CT, so take the survey now to be eligible for one of 10 $50 gift cards.
(Note: If you've already completed the survey there is no need to repeat it: You are entered in the drawing.)
To take the survey – with a chance to win one of 10 $50 debit cards – go to MFDC K+B Survey. To be qualified to participate, your company must be actively involved in multifamily design, development, or construction, and you must give your name, company name, and email at the end of the survey.
Related Stories
High-rise Construction | May 6, 2015
Two new designs submitted for New York City Riverside Center
Both designs reference the cantilevers and other elements featured in architect Christian de Portzamparc’s original masterplan for the complex, which has now been scrapped.
High-rise Construction | May 6, 2015
Parks in the sky? Subterranean bike paths? Meet the livable city, designed in 3D
Today’s great cities must be resilient—and open—to many things, including the influx of humanity, writes Gensler co-CEO Andy Cohen.
Mixed-Use | May 5, 2015
Miami ‘innovation district’ will have 6.5 million sf of dense, walkable space
Designing a neighborhood from the ground-up, developers aim to create a dense, walkable district that fulfills what is lacking from Miami’s current auto-dependent layout.
Codes and Standards | May 1, 2015
Colorado House kills construction defects bill
The legislation would have made it harder for condo owners to sue builders.
Multifamily Housing | May 1, 2015
Trade groups extend campaign to promote apartment living
The groups claim that there are more than 37 million Americans—12% of the population—living in just under 20 million apartment units nationwide. Apartments and their residents contribute $1.3 trillion annually to the economy.
Multifamily Housing | Apr 28, 2015
Masdar City: Construction on sustainable residential complex begins
The planned city’s new residences will help support Abu Dhabi’s rapid population growth.
Multifamily Housing | Apr 28, 2015
Mace and Make work on London's 40-story residential tower
The tower is one of six residential high-rises planned near London’s City Road, which is undergoing a mini construction boom.
Multifamily Housing | Apr 27, 2015
The empire strikes back: George Lucas proposes new affordable housing complex he'll finance alone
The latest plans are seen by some as payback for community opposition to his past real estate ventures.
Wood | Apr 26, 2015
Building wood towers: How high is up for timber structures?
The recent push for larger and taller wood structures may seem like an architectural fad. But Building Teams around the world are starting to use more large-scale structural wood systems.
Multifamily Housing | Apr 22, 2015
Condo developers covet churches for conversions
Former churches, many of which are sitting on prime urban real estate, are being converted into libraries, restaurants, and with greater frequency condominiums.