Why RTA Cabinets Are the Smart Choice for Multifamily Projects
Background
A U.S. multifamily general contractor in the Midwest was renovating a 180-unit apartment property and needed a large volume of interior doors, entry doors, frames, and related hardware. The original purchasing model relied on separate local distributors for doors and hardware. This meant more suppliers to manage, separate deliveries, and a common installation problem: doors could arrive on site, but the hardware needed to install them might not arrive until later.
Challenges
With multiple door sizes, configurations, and hardware requirements across 180 units, managing each product separately created unnecessary complexity. Door slabs, frames, hinges, handles, locks, and other components were ordered independently. While the individual products were available, the fragmented purchasing process made it harder to control total costs and coordinate deliveries. For the installation crews, one missing component could hold up an entire installation—even when the rest of the materials were already on site.
How We Simplified the Supply Chain
Rather than treating doors and hardware as separate purchases, we approached them as one coordinated project package.
Consolidated the project requirements: We reviewed the door schedule and organized door types, sizes, finishes, and hardware specifications into a standardized purchasing list.
Combined sourcing: Qualified door and hardware suppliers were matched to the project, allowing doors, frames, hinges, handles, and locks to be sourced as a coordinated package.
Verified before production: Supplier capacity, specifications, packaging, and bulk delivery capabilities were checked in advance. Samples and critical dimensions were confirmed before full production.
Used U.S. warehouse staging: Bulk shipments were received at our Minnesota warehouse and released to the jobsite in phases based on the building and installation schedule.
Improved identification: Hardware was standardized, packaged, and labeled by room or building, making it easier for crews to find the right components and reducing mismatched or missing parts.
Results
15%–20% Lower Procurement Costs
By consolidating the project volume, combining product categories, and optimizing supplier sourcing, the project achieved an expected 15%–20% reduction in overall door and hardware purchasing costs.
Fewer Suppliers to Manage
Doors, frames, and hardware were coordinated through one sourcing process, reducing the number of separate orders and simplifying supplier communication.
Phased Delivery Instead of Full-Site Storage
The Minnesota warehouse acted as a staging point, allowing bulk materials to arrive ahead of schedule and then move to the jobsite as needed—without requiring all materials for the 180 units to be stored on site at once.
Better Installation Flow
Door and hardware packages were coordinated with the installation schedule, helping crews avoid delays caused by missing components.
Specifications Ready for Future Projects
Standardized door and hardware SKUs can be reused on future multifamily renovation projects, reducing repeat sourcing work and supplier management time.
For multifamily renovation projects, the lowest unit price is only part of the equation. Real savings come from coordinating the products, suppliers, inventory, and delivery schedule as one system—so materials arrive when crews need them and the project keeps moving.
