Lead Times Explained: From Order to Install

No matter what you’re buying, if you are getting something that you receive as soon as you purchase it, everyone’s first question that you may ask is “How long will it be before I receive it?” 

One misconception that many metal building customers face is that “lead time” starts as soon as the order is placed. However, in reality, lead time is the timeframe between when a project is marked as ready for installation by the manufacturer and the first day of your installation begins. It’s important that you understand that before your lead time can start, important steps need to be completed first. 

When Lead Time Does Not Start

Lead time does not start when your paperwork is completed or even when your deposit is paid. Before a project’s lead time starts, the installation site needs to be prepared. This may include completing dirt work, pouring concrete, leveling the area, or making sure crews and equipment can safely access the property. 

In the case that a permit is required by your county, your permit needs to be pulled prior to your lead time starting. 

Until your site is prepared and your permit is pulled, if necessary,  your project cannot be moved forward. This is why two customers who place orders on the same day may have very different installation timelines. One customer may already have their site and permits finished, while another may still be working through those requirements. 

When Lead Time Does Start

Your lead time begins once the project is ready for installation, but it’s important to note that just because you believe your site is ready, lead time does not start until the manufacturer marks you as ready. 

To ensure the start of your lead time, your site must be completed and verified by your manufacturer, any required permits have been pulled, and the order has gone through the manufacturer’s order verification process. Once everything is signed off on, the project will then move into scheduling and your lead time begins.

What Happens During Lead Time

Although it may feel like nothing is happening with your order during this time, there is still a lot going on behind the scenes. Your manufacturer is coordinating materials, production schedules are being arranged, and installation crews are being assigned and routed.

It’s important to know that projects are placed into the installation schedule based on several factors, including readiness, crew availability, and the location in which the structures are being installed. A lot has to line up before installation day arrives, and much of that work happens before crews ever show up on-site. 

Why Lead Times Can Vary

What a lot of people fail to understand is that lead times are estimates, not guaranteed installation dates. This is because several factors can affect scheduling. The time of year can make a difference, especially during business seasons when demand is higher and schedules fill up more quickly. 

Weather can also result in delays, particularly when conditions make travel, site work, or installation unsafe. The location in which your structure is being installed also plays a role too, since crew availability can vary by area. The size and complexity of the building can also affect timing. A larger custom structure may naturally take longer to coordinate than a smaller, more standard building. 

Because every project is a little different, timelines can vary from customer to customer.

The Most Common Confusion

The biggest misunderstanding usually comes down to this: customers assume that placing the order means their lead time has already started. In many cases, it has not. If the site is still being prepared, permits are still in progress, or final order details still need to be confirmed, the project likely is not ready for scheduling yet.

That does not mean the order is stuck or forgotten. It simply means there are still a few steps that need to be completed before the official timeline can begin.

The Bottom Line

Lead time really comes down to readiness. Once your site is prepared, any required permits are approved, and your order has been verified, your project can move into scheduling. The sooner those pieces are completed, the sooner everything can move forward toward installation day.