Acquiring quality building supplies is critical to the success of any building construction project and should therefore be a top-of-mind priority for any builder. With so many different building supplies suppliers offering a wide range of building products to builders at different prices, it is important to know how to strike a good deal with your suppliers.
If you are looking to purchase building materials as an owner builder, below are a few important things to keep in mind when buying the supplies you'll need.
Establish what materials you'll require.
The first and most important step is to decide on the materials you will need for your project. Prepare a list of the materials and determine what quantity to order. Next, calculate how much the materials will cost in total. You can do this by researching the unit cost of the various materials on your list and multiplying that amount with the number of units you will require to complete your project. Does the total cost of all the materials fall within your budget? If not, establish where you can save big and amend your list of materials accordingly.
Compare quotes and quality of materials and customer service.
When buying building supplies for your construction job, it is always a good idea to keep your options open. Don't tie yourself down to any single supplier. Instead, request for quotes from a few suppliers and compare prices. Keep in mind that the cheapest quote isn't necessarily the best option. Consider other factors such as the quality of materials offered and whether they meet your requirements. In addition, consider if your supplier is willing to deliver the materials to your jobsite and if they can provide technical support on-the-job.
Know how to negotiate.
One of the biggest mistakes many owner builders make when purchasing building supplies is to take the asking price as the final price. For the most part, great discounts are attainable when you're making a big purchase. Always haggle to pay the best price for your materials. Generally speaking, you can get the best discounts when you buy the materials you require in bulk. The bigger your budget is, the greater your buying power will be.
Like any other builder, you're probably looking to save money when buying building materials for your construction project. With these tips, you should be able to obtain quality building supplies at an affordable price.
