Startup costs for home construction are expensive, so in years past, Arizona homebuilder Fulton Homes has had a policy of not giving buyers refunds.

But Fulton has announced a temporary change in its that policy. 

The change was caused by a shortage of building supplies. COVID-19, winter storms in Texas and a barge stuck in the Suez Canal have disrupted the supply chain.

The company said in a letter to sales associates obtained by KJZZ that it has more than 1,000 homes under construction. Two-thirds of them don’t have roofing because of a plywood shortage.

Windows, cabinets and other supplies are also harder to come by.

The company will issue refunds temporarily, between April 10 and 17, to buyers who have not closed on their homes.