Does Your Millwork Subcontractor Have a Strategy?

In commercial millwork, hope alone cannot serve as a viable strategy. Strategy requires a deliberate, integrated framework of activities and decisions that collectively define how an organization differentiates itself from the average millwork company. A comprehensive millwork strategy—applied consistently across all phases of a project, from preconstruction through installation—is fundamental to achieving successful outcomes in cost, quality, and schedule. Yet, despite its importance, many millwork firms still lack a cohesive and well-articulated project strategy. What accounts for this persistent shortfall?

Delays in getting millwork shop drawings approved can significantly impact overall project schedule. When drawings and specifications are unclear or incomplete, the approval process often takes longer than anticipated, potentially causing project delays. One effective strategy for millwork companies to mitigate these delays is to address ambiguities early in the estimating phase. By identifying and clarifying unclear details upfront, time will be saved in the shop drawing process.

Did you know that getting approved shop drawings does not equal permission to modify? This is according to the AWI QCP inspection guidelines. If the millwork company makes a change in the shop drawings and they are approved by the architect, this will likely not get caught until installation.

Coming up with a plan shortly before the millwork goes into production is one way to ensure that the chance of success is marginalized. Custom millwork fabricated with incorrect dimensions, materials, or finishes can lead to costly consequences: pieces may need to be corrected on-site, returned for rework, or completely remade. These issues not only increase direct costs (cost of quality) but also create project delays. Early planning and verification reduce these risks, ensuring that design intent, quality, and project deadlines are met.

Did you know that rework accounts for almost 9% of the schedule for commercial construction projects on the average? This is according to The Construction Management Association of America. 

Millwork companies should begin planning a project before committing to provide a proposal. Key considerations include whether the work can be scheduled within the existing drafting, engineering, production, and installation backlog, whether materials have long lead times, and whether any custom millwork will present challenges in production or installation. These are just a few of the critical questions your millwork subcontractor should address before submitting a proposal.

If a subcontractor does not actively seek to confirm an accurate schedule prior to bidding, this can be a warning sign. It may indicate that they are passively waiting for work rather than carefully evaluating the project, or that they are not as concerned about your timeline as you are—either scenario could lead to delays, poor quality, or both.

At Giffin Interior, hope is not part of our project planning. We begin planning your project before it is our project. We have been improving our strategy since 1980, because our success is your success.

Contact us today to discuss your next custom architectural woodwork and specialty finishes project. Sales@GiffinInterior.com