As we approach the Christmas/New Year break, now is the time to prepare your sites and your workflow for a smooth start to 2026. The most common cause of early-year project delays is a lack of planning before the shutdown—particularly around materials, long-lead items and trade availability.
This week, we focus on forward planning, materials management, and booking key trades to ensure your sites are ready to mobilise as soon as your team returns.
- Review the Program & Identify January–February Priorities
Before shutting down:
- Update your program with actual progress to date.
- Identify the first 6–8 weeks of critical activities (frame inspections, roofing, waterproofing, lock-up, internal trades).
- Flag any dependencies that rely on supplier or certifier availability.
- Order All Required Materials Before Suppliers Close
Most suppliers reduce operations or close entirely over Christmas. Avoid downtime by pre-ordering:
- Long-lead items: windows, doors, roof trusses, custom cladding, joinery, appliances.
- Stage-critical items: roofing materials, sarking, plasterboard, insulation, tiling and waterproofing supplies.
- PC items likely to be discontinued or delayed early in the new year.
When placing orders:
- Confirm delivery week.
- Provide site access and contact details.
- Lock in pricing validity and confirm storage requirements if items arrive early.
- Book Trades for the New Year
Trade availability is tight from mid-January onwards. To avoid program blowouts:
- Confirm dates in writing with carpenters, roofers, waterproofers, plasterers, tilers, electricians and plumbers.
- Provide updated programs and access instructions.
- Check certifier shutdown periods and plan inspections accordingly.
- Communicate Shutdown & Restart Dates
Ensure all stakeholders understand the plan:
- Owners/clients
- Neighbours (where scaffolding or access affects them)
- Trades and suppliers
- Your certifier
- Site supervisors
Clear communication prevents confusion and ensures a coordinated restart in 2026.
If you have any questions or need further guidance, please don’t hesitate to contact our Advisory team:
📞 (02) 6175 5900
📧 workplace@mba.org.au
