Delays are the biggest pain point for today’s builder.
If you’re a small or midsize builder, you already know the drill: Multiple active projects, subs juggling jobs and suppliers going dark when you need inventory.
When materials don’t show up, trades stall. When trades stall, inspections back up. This domino effect of delays eventually trickles down to the clients. And when the clients get anxious, you’re left covering the cost or taking the blame.
Cutting construction lead times is one of the smartest ways to get ahead of delays and protect your margins without cutting corners. Before we get to the solution, let’s talk about what is causing these delays.
What’s really slowing down construction projects?
Building delays don’t usually come from one big issue – they come from a dozen small ones piling up. Most of them are avoidable with better planning and stronger supplier alignment.
Here’s what’s getting in the way:
- Long lead times on critical materials
- Siloed communication with suppliers
- Forecasting that’s more guess than strategy
- Tariff-driven material delays
Delays are the hidden cost that hits the hardest. Material price increases alone can shift the cost of a build significantly from start to finish.
Even the best-run teams can’t fix global shipping or pricing instability. But they can change how they plan, purchase and communicate. This is where construction lead time reduction becomes a competitive edge instead of just a cost savings.
Many builders try to get ahead by preordering materials, but small businesses often don’t have the space to stockpile essentials like lumber or drywall.
Want a better way to stay ready? It comes down to getting the right materials when you need them – and that’s where a group purchasing organization (GPO) comes in.
What is a GPO – and how does it help cut construction lead times?
A GPO isn’t just about bulk pricing. It’s about shared volume, smarter planning and priority treatment.
Here’s how it works CBUSA:
- Builders commit to preferred suppliers in each market
- CBUSA uses that volume to lock in pricing and delivery timelines
- Vendors get predictable orders and plan inventory accordingly
The result? Less guesswork, fewer backorders and fewer delays on your job sites.
Compared to the traditional single-builder procurement model – where one builder negotiates alone, often at the last minute – a GPO gives you leverage that actually moves the needle. You’re not just hoping a shipment shows up. You’re part of a system that suppliers plan around.
You still choose who you buy from. But now, you’ve got more pull – and less last-minute stress.
CBUSA shortens the time between when you order materials or services and when they show up on site, ready to use.
How do builder networks streamline communication and scheduling?
You can’t build faster if everyone’s guessing. CBUSA helps builders and suppliers stay in sync with:
- Shared forecasting calendars
- Pre-set delivery windows
- One point of contact for supplier coordination
That means fewer backorders, fewer ‘Where is it?’ calls and smoother trade schedules. This collaboration can be seamlessly connected with project management tools, like Buildertrend, that align schedules and communication.
Buildertrend is a construction management platform that brings together scheduling, communication and budgeting. It gives builders and trade partners real-time visibility into job progress, change orders and delivery timelines – so everyone stays aligned and on track. When paired with CBUSA’s network-driven material planning, it’s a powerful way to streamline both your build schedule and your supply chain.
Stronger supplier partnerships
The right network doesn’t just get you better pricing – it deepens your connections. For builders like Rod Cullum of Cullum Homes, joining CBUSA enhanced how they work with top suppliers and opened doors to more strategic, long-term collaboration.
“We had a great relationship with Kohler,” Rod said. “It went to another level when we got involved with CBUSA.”
Through CBUSA, builders gain direct access to supplier leadership, product updates, and strategic planning opportunities that aren’t available in traditional one-off purchasing models.
“Because of the meetings we have – we had one at Ferguson, we had one at Andersen Windows – we actually get to meet people, meet higher-ups in the company and talk one-on-one as a group,” said Paul Colwell, managing director at Cullum Homes. “I think that’s helped strengthen those relationships for sure.”
Face time with decision-makers means faster answers, better collaboration, and stronger support from the brands that power your builds.
Faster builds start with smarter partners
Instead of focusing on the lowest price, start focusing on having better control.
CBUSA helps builders get there with:
- Real construction lead time reduction
- Reliable supply chains
- Tools that simplify your day
Want to see what that looks like in your market? Talk to CBUSA and start building faster – with fewer surprises.