Where to purchase supplies?

[Julie Mcneeley]

Im looking for the most economical place to purchase flooring, cabinetry appliances etc for apartments we are wanting to update. 

[Cody C.]

A little bit of a loaded question since its purely market dependent.

As stated, big box hardware stores are always a decent option. All have a pro service, contractor pricing, etc if your buying quite a bit. As far as a Lowes VS Home DePot VS Sutherlands VS Menards debate, that's a personal choice.

For my local market, I have 3-4 good quality custom cabinet shops within a 10-45 minute drive from my house. I always just rough sketch out what I'm wanting and email/drive by to get a rough bid. Whoever's bid I like most (based on turn around time and price) I have them come out and get the exact measurements and look over any issues I may of missed. On the few I've had done I've been able to get custom cabinets built at a higher quality then the premade big box store variants for just slightly (meaning less than 10%) higher cost. Worth it in my opinion.

I also have a great relationship with a local wholesaler of building supplies. He carries granite and quartz countertops, tile flooring, laminate, real hardwood etc. Some of his materials may be 2nd grade, but for a rental house nobody will ever know or care.