Advice on sourcing/negotiating materials at best possible prices?

[Matthew Banks]

I'm not trying to buy the lowest quality material, but to ensure I get the best price on material I buy.

-stone, masonry, framing, drywall, nails, sheathing, cladding, roofing

-wall & floor tile

-windows

-doors
-fixtures

-finishes (counters, cabinets, trim, paint, etc.)

So far, it feels like we're paying retail for everything, apart from the 5% discount at Lowes etc. Do I need to hit a certain volume to be able to negotiate better prices?

[Bill J Fay]

Being cautious on your material spend is wise. Big box retailers are going to be the easiest if you are buying materials yourself. Having your GC that purchases in high volume might be able to save some $, but they usually charge a premium for them gathering materials. Being aware of what you are spending your money on is important, but I wouldn't spend too much time on saving a few $ on materials. Spend that time finding a better deal in the market. Don't get too caught up on the small details and spend your time finding the real spread.