5 reasons hotel projects face costly delays (and how to fix them)

Even on a relatively small boutique hotel or workplace fit-out, FF&E procurement involves thousands of moving parts. Between tight timelines, global supply chain shifts, and budget pressures, it is easily one of the most complex processes in any real estate development.

At Qadash, we have successfully navigated these waters for years. From high-stakes bespoke joinery to global logistics, we know the pitfalls—and more importantly, we know how to avoid them.

Here are the top 5 FF&E challenges to watch out for on your next project:

1. Ambiguous Specifications

Vague details lead to costly manufacturing mistakes. A successful procurement process starts with a crystal-clear, fully coordinated schedule—including dimensions, finishes, and compliance requirements—before you ever go to market.

2. Supply Chain Risks

Partnering with trusted suppliers protects quality, but don't ignore the new players. We recommend a strategic sourcing approach: balancing established relationships with a dynamic vetting process for new partners to ensure resilience and value.

3. Unrealistic Timelines

Disruption is the new normal in global logistics. Smart procurement plans backwards from key milestones, building in "buffer zones" for manufacturing, customs, and installation to protect the critical path.

4. Communication Issues

When Design, Ops, and Procurement aren't aligned, small changes become big problems. A dedicated procurement consultant acts as the central hub, resolving availability issues before they escalate.

5. Treating Procurement as "Just Buying"

FF&E is not just about placing orders. It is strategic sourcing, financial control, logistics management, and quality assurance. On complex projects, this level of management is the only way to ensure cost certainty and design integrity.

The Bottom Line:

Procurement challenges are inevitable, but with the right partner, they become opportunities for smarter delivery.