Why Replacing Lumber Mid-Project Is Expensive & Risky
When it comes to construction, lumber quality is paramount – it’s everything! Get it wrong and that’s where the need to replace lumber mid-project arises.
Though it is a situation every contractor wishes to avoid, it becomes inescapable if you end up with warped boards or incorrect materials onsite. The outcome is the same if your project happens to demand last-minute design changes.
The problem with mid-job lumber replacement is that it can quickly eat into your project’s budget and schedules while eroding customer trust. A total lose-lose situation. But it can be overcome.
In today’s blog, Fonthill Lumber Inc. – the most trusted lumber yard in Welland, Ontario, will discuss the true cost of mid-project lumber replacement and how you can prevent it from happening.
The Real Cost Of Replacing Lumber Mid-Job
Swapping your existing stock of lumber on a jobsite for a new stack can cost you in more ways than one. Let’s explore.
Increased material cost
This is obvious. You already have a pile of lumber which you can no longer use due to various issues – low quality, differing grades and sizes, warped wood etc. This material is already wasted. Replacing it with new lumber is going to be expensive.
However, timber replacement is never a simple swap. You have to be extra careful when ordering new boards so you do not end up with the same problems again. This means matching dimensions, grades, moisture content, and appearance with the lumber already used, which is no easy task.
Getting an exact match may end up costing more due to factors such as limited availability, rush orders, and changing market prices.
Additional labor cost
If you are going for a head-to-toe lumber swap, you will have to invest extra money in tearing down the structure already built. This means incurring additional labor costs. Crews that have to dismantle already completed work, handle disposal, and then rebuild with the new material will charge more than what you initially allotted for them in your budget.
Not to mention, labor inefficiencies can have a ripple effect. They can delay trades, schedules, and negatively impact onsite productivity, thus turning what you thought was a “small fix” into a real loss.
Delays-induced costs
On a construction site, framing is not the only job. What we mean to say is when framing is delayed due to material replacement, every other aspect of construction gets delayed as well. Processes such as roofing, finishing, and inspections get stalled as new materials arrive for installation. Client timelines get pushed back too, often giving rise to scheduling conflicts that can be tough to reconcile. If you are working on a tight timeline, you know even small delays can jeopardize your delivery commitment and your reputation in the market.
Rising waste and disposal costs
Extra material means extra waste. Lumber you have discarded in favor of its replacement does not always get reused. Especially lumber that is damaged, cut or partially installed. It is likely to end up as waste, thus contributing to increased waste management costs. Disposal fees and clean-up times can silently take chunks of your budget, thus making waste reduction not just a sustainability goal but a financial one as well.
How To Prevent Mid-Job Lumber Replacements
Planning better early is one of the most effective ways to combat the issue of mid-job lumber replacement. By making the right choices initially, you can prevent issues such as incorrect material selection and unclear specifications.
Working with a knowledgeable lumber yard can have the same effect. For example, an experienced partner like Fonthill Lumber Inc. can help you with material selection to ensure you end up with timber of the right grade and moisture content.
Conclusion
Mid-project lumber replacement is not just a hassle – it’s a loss inducing prospect that is best avoided. Regain your time, money, and momentum by partnering with us. Fonthill Lumber Inc. provides the highest quality lumber you will find in all of Ontario. Drop by our lumber yard in Welland to witness the quality yourself. Contact us to discuss the unique lumber requirements of your project.
FAQs
Can replacement lumber always match existing material?
Realistically speaking, it may not always be able to. Issues such as moisture content, grades, and availability can hinder the sourcing of exact match materials.
Does replacing structural lumber affect performance?
Yes. Inconsistencies can arise due to the use of varying lumber, which can give rise to issues such as misalignment, movement, and poor long-term performance.
What costs more – the replaced lumber or additional costs?
The replaced lumber often does not cost as much as the additional expenses builders incur on account of labor and scheduling delays.
