When to Order and Deliver Finish Materials?
At ENE Smarthome, we often adding 500–1,000 square feet to create more living space. A typical project takes about 10 months from demolition to completion.
One of the biggest challenges for homeowners is knowing when to order materials and when to have them delivered. Order too late, and your project might stall. Order too early, and you may run into storage or damage issues.
Here’s our simple, experience-based guide for timing your orders.
Our Usual Project Timeline
Demolition
Foundation Work
Framing
MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing)
Insulation
Drywall
Flooring
Tile Work
Bathroom Fixtures
Kitchen Cabinet Installation
Light Fixtures
Appliances
Paint & Final Touches
Key Materials and When to Order/Deliver
1. Windows & Exterior Doors
Order By: During framing stage (about 1–2 months into the project)
Why: They have long lead times and must be installed before insulation and drywall.
Delivery: Right before framing inspection is complete.
2. Roofing Materials
Order By: Before framing finishes
Why: We install them as soon as the roof is ready to keep the structure weather-tight.
Delivery: Just before roof installation starts.
3. Plumbing Fixtures (Bathtubs, Shower Pans, Some Valves)
Order By: During MEP stage (month 3–4)
Critical Note: Valve selection is very important. These days, there are so many options — 3-way converters, rain showers, handheld showers, body sprays — and all require specific valves. These decisions must be made before we close the walls. Delays here can hold up the entire schedule.
Delivery: When plumbing rough-in begins.
4. Cabinets (Kitchen, Bathroom, Built-ins)
Order By: Around month 4–5
Watch Out: Some cabinet companies require a field measurement. In many cases, your space won’t be ready to measure right away. If the lead time is long and they can’t measure until much later, it could push your schedule.
Delivery: After paint and flooring are complete, to prevent damage.
5. Tile & Flooring Materials
Order By: Month 5–6
Pro Tip: Always check where the main warehouse is located. If it’s out of state or far away, factor in shipping delays. Also, order extra tile from the start — if we run short during installation, waiting for more to arrive can delay the project.
Delivery: Just before install to avoid storage damage.
6. Light Fixtures
Order By: Month 6–7
Details Matter: We typically install recessed lights during rough electrical work, but decorative fixtures — chandeliers, task lighting, pendants, wall sconces, and exterior lights — need to be chosen well before installation.
Delivery: Once paint is complete and before final electrical work.
7. Appliances
Order By: Month 5–6 (especially if custom sizes or special finishes)
Special Note: European built-in appliances often require different installation methods. We need this information early, during the MEP stage, to ensure proper hookups and clearances.
Delivery: After cabinets are installed to avoid storage risk.
8. Paint Colors
Decide By: Month 7–8
Why: Painters need your final choices before they start.
Why Timing Matters
Residential expansions move in a set sequence — and every step depends on the one before it. A missing bathtub or delayed window delivery can stop work for weeks. By ordering in time and planning delivery dates carefully, we keep your project moving smoothly toward completion.
