Finish Strong: Material Planning for the Final 10% of the Job

Ask any builder — it’s not framing that makes or breaks the job; it’s the finish. The last 10% of a construction project is often the most chaotic, expensive, and stress-inducing. Punch lists grow, schedules tighten, clients grow anxious, and subcontractors move on. One of the most overlooked contributors to a bumpy finish is poor material planning. Without the right parts, trim, and specialty items on hand when you need them, even a nearly completed home can stall for weeks.

Lead times can sneak up fast. While framing and sheathing materials tend to flow early and consistently, specialty materials like doors, hardware, lighting, and finish trim often have longer and less predictable lead times. If these items aren’t ordered far in advance, backorders and substitutions can throw off timelines. At CMS, we work with builders to forecast final-phase material needs early in the project to avoid these late-game stumbles.

The “one-off” items are often the biggest delay. A single missing transition strip, stair part, or cabinet toe kick can prevent project closeout. That’s why detailed finish schedules and proactive communication with suppliers are essential. We help our clients build finish packs with precision, including backup plans for common substitutions that don’t derail the aesthetic or the deadline.

Clean staging and protection protocols matter. Once finishes begin, jobsite conditions shift. Trim, flooring, doors, and paint-grade surfaces are more susceptible to damage from careless material handling. We advise builders on how to receive and store these materials properly to avoid costly reorders — often placing them in climate-controlled staging when required.

Your material partner should anticipate the final 10%. At CMS, we don’t disappear after framing. We continue tracking your schedule, confirming special orders, and supporting delivery needs all the way to the finish line. We often batch specialty deliveries by phase — base trim, then doors, then casing — to match install timing and avoid clutter or confusion.

Keep margins intact by minimizing final-week chaos. The closer you get to final inspection, the tighter your margin gets. Every delay costs more at this stage. That’s why disciplined finish material planning isn’t a luxury — it’s a profit protector.

Need help coordinating specialty items or organizing your finish phase delivery?
📞 Contact Construction Material Specialists — we’ll help ensure your projects don’t stumble at the finish line.