Keeping Expenses Low Build New Single Family Homes

[Kelly Snodgrass]

My father-in-law is a builder and is helping us get started in the business. He mentioned that we could, especially starting out, probably build a house cheaper than he could because he doesn't have time to shop around for deals on materials and such. It occurred to me that there may be certain things we could do relatively easily to save on construction costs and there may be places to get inexpensive building supplies maybe online or elsewhere. Does anyone have ideas along these lines?

[Christopher B.]

You're not going to use HD or Lowes to source items for new construction. At least not on framing or most major items. I do get a couple things from HD but in general the supply houses will crush their prices on most items. 

Buying from the supply house is generally (90% time) cheaper. But, if you are spec building then the box stores do have some items cheaper. For example, I get my front doors at HD, saves $300. I buy my plumbing fixtures there too. Probably save $1K over the supply house. They aren't as high quality as the supply house but these are modest homes. On the opposite side, I pay. 45 cents/LF for 5 1/4 mdf speed base, its $1.50+ at HD. 

I prefer to buy from supply houses and HD/Lowes are retail stores, not supply houses. I look to get all my purchases from the real supply house because it's so much easier. Your salesmen handle measurements and orders for you then deliver onsite. 

One thing contractors are notorious for is being cheap. They save everything and spend more time on saving than it is worth. Don't get caught up in that. Focus on efficiency. Construction is wildly inefficient, there are going to be plenty of things to keep you occupied besides driving around trying to save every little $50 or keeping a pile of 2x8 drops because you can use it for dead wood at the next project.

Efficiency and Ease. Ignore the rest.