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
| May 23, 2014
Big design, small package: AIA Chicago names 2014 Small Project Awards winners
Winning projects include an events center for Mies van der Rohe's landmark Farnsworth House and a new boathouse along the Chicago river.
| May 22, 2014
No time for a trip to Dubai? Team BlackSheep's drone flyover gives a bird's eye view [video]
Team BlackSheep—devotees of filmmaking with drones—has posted a fun video that takes viewers high over the city for spectacular vistas of a modern architectural showcase.
| May 22, 2014
NYC's High Line connects string of high-profile condo projects
The High Line, New York City's elevated park created from a conversion of rail lines, is the organizing principle for a series of luxury condo buildings designed by big names in architecture.
| May 20, 2014
Kinetic Architecture: New book explores innovations in active façades
The book, co-authored by Arup's Russell Fortmeyer, illustrates the various ways architects, consultants, and engineers approach energy and comfort by manipulating air, water, and light through the layers of passive and active building envelope systems.
| May 20, 2014
World's best new skyscrapers: Renzo Piano's The Shard, China's 'doughnut hotel' voted to Emporis list
Eight other high-rise projects were named Emporis Skyscraper Award winners, including DC Tower 1 by Dominique Perrault Architecture and Tour Carpe Diem by Robert A.M. Stern.
| May 16, 2014
BoA, USGBC to offer $25,000 grants for green affordable housing projects
The Affordable Green Neighborhoods Grant Program will offer 14 grants to developers of affordable housing in North America who are committed to building sustainable communities through the LEED for Neighborhood Development program.
| May 13, 2014
19 industry groups team to promote resilient planning and building materials
The industry associations, with more than 700,000 members generating almost $1 trillion in GDP, have issued a joint statement on resilience, pushing design and building solutions for disaster mitigation.
| May 12, 2014
The best of affordable housing: 4 projects honored with 2014 AIA/HUD Secretary Awards [slideshow]
The winners include two dramatic conversions of historic YMCA buildings into modern, affordable multifamily complexes.
| May 11, 2014
Final call for entries: 2014 Giants 300 survey
BD+C's 2014 Giants 300 survey forms are due Wednesday, May 21. Survey results will be published in our July 2014 issue. The annual Giants 300 Report ranks the top AEC firms in commercial construction, by revenue.
| May 5, 2014
Toronto residential tower to feature drawer-like facade scheme
Some of the apartments in the new River City development will protrude from the building at different lengths, creating a drawer-like "push-pull" effect.
