[Bob Ireland]

***if something so common and simple as a cover plate can't be found then the issue is indeed very deep***

I am finishing up an off-grid solar installation. I have been unable to get the electrical parts that I need to do the job easily. Plastic single gang switch / receptacle boxes do not exist. The metal equivalents are a bit more work all around but even the metal boxes are diminishing. I have spent about $300 buying up what I think I might need... I am a retired electrician and I try to keep a stock of simple common pieces, so those are parts I am stocking up on a little bit also - doing occasional service calls for friends.

But almost none of these parts are the sort I used to keep a stock of; they are the best substitute available. sigh

[little jeremiah]

Thanks for the report. i’ve been telling DH for weeks and weeks to stock up with parts/fluids etc that he needs for his various work he does for others and around our property. He hasn’t yet really made the orders or purchases. I will read him your experience, may spur him on.

A relative who is a plumber has said the same thing, plus the parts from China are all rotten.

[Michael.SF.]

We are at the tale end of a 9 month complete remodel (new flooring, Guest Bath, Master Bath, Kitchen, Doors, windows, Family room add on. The 9 months is construction only. we also had an additional 6 months for architect and permitting.

Fortunately the GC told us last year to buy our appliances at that time and he was going to secure the wood.

We saved thousands based on that, compared to if we had bought them as needed.

Our delays (we were told 5-6 months), were primarily in scheduling of the sub contractors. Windows took 14 weeks, dry wallers were 2-3 weeks out, tile guy was 3-4 weeks out.

It has been a slow process