Materials shortage prompts extra planning
Contents |
[edit] Introduction
Increasingly long lead times for many products in mid-2021 has prompted ECA and SELECT to alert their members to the extended delays and urge them to plan ahead and order early. SELECT is the trade association for the electrical contracting industry in Scotland.
The joint call comes after ECA and SELECT met to identify key strategies and discuss how to continue their close collaboration. The two electrical trade bodies examined skills, training and the green revolution during the virtual meeting as they debated priorities for the second half of 2021 and beyond
[edit] Extended shortages anticipated
The warning by the trade associations comes hot on the heels of an alert from BEAMA that demand was likely to outstrip supply for some period of time.
The manufacturer’s trade association said a dramatic reduction in global steel production in the early days of the 2020/2021 pandemic had led to severe shortages. It added that, since mid-2020, the call for the types of steel used in cable management products, along with other applications, has increased as businesses attempt to meet a growth in demand and complete unfinished projects.
[edit] Comments
Both organisations are urging any members who are experiencing issues or want to find out more, to get in touch. ECA and SELECT are committed to offering advice and finding solutions to help members overcome obstacles created by these unprecedented times.
ECA’s CEO, Steve Bratt said: “When planning a project, bear in mind the world has changed. Delays in availability of some materials are impacting on cost and completion time. Our advice is to order the materials you need in good time to ensure you can finish as planned.”
Alan Wilson, managing director of SELECT, said: “Shortage of materials is an issue that will affect all contractors, so it’s vital for everyone to plan ahead and take proactive measures now.
“We join ECA in urging all members to keep abreast of any updates and recognise that this could well be an issue as the year develops. Ordering well in advance and factoring in for potential shortages and rising costs will help if there is any ongoing disruption to the supply chain.”
This article originally appeared under the headline, 'Materials shortage - ECA and SELECT warn Members to plan ahead'. It was published on 10 May 2021.
--ECA
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Articles by the Electrical Contractors' Association (ECA).
- BEAMA.
- Careful planning required during cable management materials shortages.
- CLC urges inclusion of fluctuations provisions in contracts.
- June 2021 construction product availability statement.
- Q2 2021 trends indicate higher costs, lower employment.
- SELECT Scotland's Electrical Trade Association.
- Shortages of cable management products.
- Steel.
- Supply chains in construction.
Featured articles and news
The Home Energy Model and its wrappers
From SAP to HEM, EPC for MEES and FHS assessment wrappers.
Future Homes Standard Essentials launched
Future Homes Hub launches new campaign to help the homebuilding sector prepare for the implementation of new building standards.
Building Safety recap February, 2026
Our regular run-down of key building safety related events of the month.
Planning reform: draft NPPF and industry responses.
Last chance to comment on proposed changes to the NPPF.
A Regency palace of colour and sensation. Book review.
Delayed, derailed and devalued
How the UK’s planning crisis is undermining British manufacturing.
How much does it cost to build a house?
A brief run down of key considerations from a London based practice.
The need for a National construction careers campaign
Highlighted by CIOB to cut unemployment, reduce skills gap and deliver on housing and infrastructure ambitions.
AI-Driven automation; reducing time, enhancing compliance
Sustainability; not just compliance but rethinking design, material selection, and the supply chains to support them.
Climate Resilience and Adaptation In the Built Environment
New CIOB Technical Information Sheet by Colin Booth, Professor of Smart and Sustainable Infrastructure.
Turning Enquiries into Profitable Construction Projects
Founder of Develop Coaching and author of Building Your Future; Greg Wilkes shares his insights.
IHBC Signpost: Poetry from concrete
Scotland’s fascinating historic concrete and brutalist architecture with the Engine Shed.
Demonstrating that apprenticeships work for business, people and Scotland’s economy.
Scottish parents prioritise construction and apprenticeships
CIOB data released for Scottish Apprenticeship Week shows construction as top potential career path.
From a Green to a White Paper and the proposal of a General Safety Requirement for construction products.
Creativity, conservation and craft at Barley Studio. Book review.
The challenge as PFI agreements come to an end
How construction deals with inherited assets built under long-term contracts.
Skills plan for engineering and building services
Comprehensive industry report highlights persistent skills challenges across the sector.
Choosing the right design team for a D&B Contract
An architect explains the nature and needs of working within this common procurement route.
Statement from the Interim Chief Construction Advisor
Thouria Istephan; Architect and inquiry panel member outlines ongoing work, priorities and next steps.
Comments
Material Shortages Are Your Responsibility!
A common question asked by Specialist Contractors is: “Do material shortages and extended delivery periods entitle me to claim for an extension of time on the basis that this was unforeseen circumstances outside of our control?"
The short answer is no, it probably doesn't!
Extension of Time Explained
Most construction subcontracts allow the construction period to be extended where there are delays that are not the Specialist Contractor's fault due to matters set out in the contract. This is described as an extension of time. Commonly abbreviated to EOT.
Not all Sub-Contracts are the same, and you need to be particularly careful when it comes to contracts drafted by the Contractor, or if the Contractor has heavily amended a standard form contract.
Crucially, even in a Standard Form JCT contract there is no provision for extension of time due to inability to obtain materials!
Is There A Way You Can Avoid The Consequences?
If you delay the Contractor, you become liable for a big thick sandwich of costs.
These are:
• Liquidated Damages (if the delay results in the Contractor incurring them)
• The Contractor's own costs
• Any other Subcontractor's cost (if delayed by your delay)
So, it's imperative that you look carefully to see if there are other arguments to run, such as "force majeure".
One things for sure, and that's it isn't straightforward, because when it comes to risk and money, Employers and Contractors like to pass the former down the supply chain and hang on to the latter!
More information is available at: https://www.streetwisesubbie.com/