Columbus July 2021

ing materials supplier. “This is a shortage
that began during the initial Covid
shutdown and the market has never really
recovered.”
Pippenger goes on to explain that
although lumber suppliers predicted a low
demand, they were actually met with a
surge in demand as builders and remodelers
continued to work—and try to meet a
dramatic increase in home improvement
requests—during the pandemic.
“Supply is loosening up,” Pippenger says.
“Material is becoming more available. My
vendors are even offering specials—which
was unheard of a month ago. It will take a
few weeks before it reaches the retail level,
but prices are starting to correct.”
Whether you are buying,
renovating or building...
the supply chain has been affected on
almost every level. Along with building
materials like lumber, drywall, and PVC,
furnishing items—such as furniture and
appliances—are delayed as well.
“There has been a humongous increase
in the demand for appliances,” says Kenny
Rieman Jr., of Custom Distributors, Inc.
“We’re still in the thick of it. A lot of brands
are taking 16 weeks plus to ship.” That
“plus” is part of the problem, but manufacturers
are working to give a more accurate
ship date. Most of the appliances are built,
Rieman says, but just need a computer chip
to be ready for delivery.
The situation is beginning to improve,
especially compared to this time last year
when Rieman says it was difficult to get
most any appliance. Today, there are appliances
available in almost every category,
but they may not be the exact style/configuration
you want.
It’s a good time to plan...
despite all the logistical challenges. Now is
a great time to evaluate what you need in
your home and plan your project accordingly.
Take a look at “The Good News” on
page 61. ➻
housetrends magazine 2021 59