Fall is one of the busiest stretches on a builder’s calendar. Crews are racing to close out roofing, siding, and decking projects before winter weather moves in, and the exterior building materials those jobs need don’t always show up as fast as the schedule needs them to.
Order too late, and a project that should wrap up in October slides into December. Our Michigan building materials supplier team has spent more than 130 years helping contractors time their fall orders right.
Here’s what to know about ordering building materials for fall before the season gets away from you.
Why Fall Ordering Windows Are Shrinking
Material prices have been climbing all year. rose at their fastest pace in three years this spring, according to the National Association of Home Builders, with diesel and asphalt among the biggest drivers.
Contractors are noticing. A recent industry outlook from the Associated General Contractors of America found firms are increasingly worried about material costs for the rest of the year. Locking in an order now protects against another price jump before your crew breaks ground.
Which Materials to Order First
Not every material carries the same urgency. Weather-dependent jobs should move to the front of the line:
- Roofing and steel panels, since installation needs dry, moderate temperatures
- and exterior trim, which also depend on weather windows
- Decking and railing, especially pressure-treated lumber with longer mill lead times
- Windows, doors, and caulking, which can often be scheduled slightly later
Ordering early also means avoiding the fall roofing rush that catches contractors who wait too long. If you’re specifying windows or exterior caulking for a fall close-out, our window buying guide and caulk and sealant guide cover what to check before you place the order.
How Lead Times Affect Your Schedule
Lead times vary by product and manufacturer, and they can shift week to week. Before you finalize a schedule with your crew or subcontractors, confirm what’s actually in stock versus what needs to be special-ordered.
It helps to see products in person before you commit to a spec. Stop by our showroom or find the location nearest you to check availability before you lock in a completion date.
Request a Quote for Fall Materials
Eikenhout has supplied roofing, siding, and exterior materials to contractors since 1894. As a trusted Michigan building materials supplier, we work with builders across all 10 of our locations to help projects finish before winter. To lock in your fall order, please call one of our Eikenhout locations today or contact us online.
