How do I keep my renovation on schedule when materials take forever to ship to NB?

Material delays are one of the biggest schedule killers in New Brunswick renovations, but smart planning and local sourcing can keep your project moving forward. The key is building buffer time into your timeline and having backup suppliers lined up before you need them.

Order materials 4-6 weeks earlier than needed for your New Brunswick project. What arrives in 2 weeks to Toronto often takes 3-4 weeks to reach Moncton, and rural areas like Miramichi or Grand Falls can see even longer delays. Freight companies prioritize high-volume urban centers, leaving Atlantic Canada for later delivery runs.

Leverage New Brunswick's strong local supplier network first. Kent Building Supplies has 15+ locations across the province and can often source materials faster than big-box stores relying on central Canadian warehouses. Maritime distributors like Emco, Wolseley, and regional lumber yards often have better stock for trades materials. Your contractor should have relationships with these suppliers and know which ones consistently deliver on time.

Create a material delivery schedule that sequences with your trades. Don't have your electrician show up if the wire and panels are stuck in transit from Montreal. Work with your contractor to identify the longest-lead items first — specialty windows, custom millwork, imported tiles, or specific fixture models. These should be ordered immediately after permits are approved, even if installation is months away.

Consider material substitutions upfront rather than mid-project. If your heart is set on a specific European tile that ships from Vancouver, have your contractor identify three acceptable alternatives available through New Brunswick suppliers. Making these decisions during the planning phase prevents costly delays when your installer is standing around waiting.

Build relationships with multiple suppliers for critical materials. Your contractor should have backup sources for essentials like lumber, drywall, and plumbing fixtures. When one supplier faces delays, experienced contractors can pivot quickly to keep crews working.

For rural New Brunswick projects, factor in an extra week for delivery to areas served by RSCs rather than major municipalities. Freight to Edmundston, Campbellton, or the Acadian Peninsula often requires additional transfer time through Moncton or Saint John distribution hubs.

Communicate with your contractor weekly about upcoming material needs. The best contractors track deliveries closely and adjust crew schedules when delays hit. If your flooring is delayed, maybe the painter can start earlier, or electrical rough-in can be completed ahead of schedule.

Store materials properly once they arrive. New Brunswick's humidity and temperature swings can damage improperly stored materials, creating new delays. Ensure your contractor has secure, climate-controlled storage for sensitive items like hardwood flooring or custom cabinetry.

Start by discussing material sourcing strategy with contractors during your initial interviews — experienced New Brunswick renovators will have systems in place to minimize delays and keep your project moving smoothly.