Best Practices for Managing Millwork in Retail Construction Projects?

[roncraig]

Hello everyone.

I’m looking for advice from anyone with experience coordinating millwork during retail construction. In my current project, millwork is one of the biggest factors affecting schedule, finish quality, and client satisfaction.

What strategies do you use to prevent delays, ensure accurate shop drawings, and maintain communication between designers, fabricators, and installers? Do you typically source millwork locally or through national vendors, and how does that affect timing and cost?

I’d also appreciate tips on handling last-minute design changes without disrupting the entire workflow.

Any lessons learned or recommended processes would be extremely helpful.

[stevenlee]

For millwork in retail construction, the key is early coordination and clear communication. Start with a detailed site survey to verify dimensions before shop drawings. Hold a millwork‑specific meeting with designers, GC, fabricators, and installers to review finishes, hardware, and clearances. For more guidance on planning and executing millwork in retail spaces, see this resource: https://buildit.ca/blog/millwork-in-...-construction/ . Use a structured shop‑drawing review workflow with one lead reviewer and tracked comments. Local vendors offer flexibility and faster response to changes, while national vendors provide consistent quality and pricing. For last‑minute changes, assess impact immediately and use modular designs where possible. Weekly progress check‑ins and pre‑approved samples help prevent delays and ensure quality.