ᐅ How to Source Affordable Building Materials?

Created on: 17 Jan 2009 17:52
5
57wolken
5
57wolken
17 Jan 2009 17:52
Hello to all construction enthusiasts and professionals,

great that this forum exists. I am new here, and my family has to embark on a building adventure because one of our two daughters has a disability, and we cannot find suitable living space. Naturally, this raises quite a few questions.

We want to renovate an old house. In our case, this is more cost-effective than building new. Now we are wondering if it is cheaper to get different estimates from contractors including materials, and then give the contract to the selected one, or if it is more economical to find companies to do the construction work while we source the materials ourselves (windows, doors, roof tiles, etc.) by getting offers at the home improvement store. Who has experience with how to save costs without hiring unregistered workers?

Many thanks in advance!
L
Lily
19 Jan 2009 07:42
Hello,
I would rely more on the builder for this, as they purchase materials at much better prices. This is definitely cheaper than buying everything at a hardware store. A builder buys under completely different conditions and receives higher discounts than you would as an individual customer.
L
Lily
19 Jan 2009 08:00
I assume you will have no choice but to ask the companies for quotes and cost estimates, as they have very different conditions for purchasing. It is possible that a company can do it cheaper than if you buy the materials individually at a hardware store.
L
Lily
19 Jan 2009 08:11
When we built our house, the contractor took care of all the supplies. At the time, I had the impression that he could actually get them cheaper than I could myself. Of course, he also needed to make a profit, but you don’t have the hassle of delivery or making sure everything arrives on site on time.
L
Lily
19 Jan 2009 09:19
Even if it is cheaper for you to buy the materials yourself, it is quite a lot of work. I would suggest agreeing on a fixed fee with the developer or builder; that is definitely easier. They can access prices that private individuals can only dream of, and there’s still some profit left over.
C
CCB
28 Jan 2009 18:22
Hi,
if you provide the materials yourself and something is wrong during, after, or as a result of the installation, the contractor may refuse to offer a warranty. However, if the contractor uses HIS own materials, he must guarantee both the installation and the materials used.
You wouldn't take your car to a workshop and supply the parts you think are necessary, would you?
In such cases, the only options are usually to negotiate thoroughly and carefully or to do the work entirely yourself.
Best regards,
CCB