actual material costs to trade contractors

[Jeremy Pace]

I have a repair cost forecasting question:
Is it possible for me (not a contractor) to have access to contractor prices for things like furnace, or electrical supplies?  I recently worked with a trade contractor to replace a furnace, and realized that they have access to prices and information that I didn't know existed.

Long story short, I got a furnace for about 1/3 the cost that I had expected.  I'd like to see if there are any other cost gaps in my maintenance plan.  This would make my efforts to force appreciation more accurate (at a minimum) if not more efficient.

My focus right now are things furnaces and biolers, water heaters, electrical boxes and wire/conduit.

Thoughts?