Life Sciences U.S. Fit-Out Cost Guide 2025

DEMAND FOR EQUIPMENT CONTINUES TO IMPACT PROJECT TIMELINES

Despite overall easing in the supply chain, strong demand for certain equipment and materials continues to extend project timelines. While lead times have improved for some items, they remain significantly longer than in 2020. Increased demand for equipment in some sectors has contributed to these extended lead times. Electrification efforts tied to sustainability have increased the demand for electric components and parts, including switchgear, which continues to have some of the longest lead times. Additionally, increased demand for data centers has strained the availability of chillers, as the need to cool large facilities has grown exponentially. Lead times for elevators have also increased, partly due to the advanced technologies embedded into newer models. Some of these technologies require electrical components that remain in high demand, further delaying the manufacturing process.

In 2024, there was some improvement in lead times for select equipment and materials. Generator lead times fell from 72-95 weeks in 2023 to 60-70 weeks, marking a significant improvement in availability. Steel availability remains the same at 12 weeks on the low end, but on the high end, it decreased from 30 weeks in 2023 to nearly half the time at 16 weeks. While waiting for air handling units (AHUs) on the low end has increased to 45 weeks from 40 weeks in 2023, the high-end wait has significantly shortened to 48 weeks in 2024, down from 75 weeks in 2023.

Material

Lead Time

Generators

60-70 Weeks

Demand for equipment and materials continues to extend lead times, but some improvements were noted in 2024. Extended project timelines have become the norm; therefore, strategic planning remains critical for projects. KEY TAKEAWAY

Chillers

36-52 Weeks

Millwork

30-52 Weeks

RTUS

20-30 Weeks

Steel

12-16 Weeks

Switchgear

35-80+ Weeks

AHU

45-48 Weeks

Elevators

20-52+Weeks

Roofing

4-20 Weeks

Curtainwall

14-28 Weeks

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Cushman & Wakefield