Where to buy materials?

Question

Hey guys. Just curious about a few things.

I am gonna start sprucing my house I live in up a bit soon. I was curious, as to where you guys buy your materials?  Bassically any certain places where you might be able to find decent discounts?

Jeffrey K. · Answer

I might not be the same because I have a managed account at HD, but my prices are always discounted through the pro desk.  For most people off the street if you spend more than $2500 you can put in in the bid room.  If you spend a lot of money and become a managed account your limit goes down to $1000.  As long as I spend $1000/week the bid room stays open to me every day.  Some things I save on and other things I dont.  The local stores are great if you want advise, but if you want the best price stay with the big box.
          
          Appliances from Lowe's, lumber from Menards, plumbing from Ferguson, and everything else from HD.

Bill Gulley · Answer

Just IMO, I get most of everything at Lowes, I've built houses out that store, they know me and when I'm getting something and I don't like the price, I ask my favorite manager and I get my deal. SImple, stuff is there. I also use habitat for humanity, depends on what it is and where it goes, but you just can't beat those prices. I got a Kohler one piece toilet low profile, a $700/800 toilet, brand new, for like $40.00! Alot of new stuff there in my local store. I have also used local niche suppliers, when mom & pop flooring companies can beat Lowes. This is something that should be shopped and shop for major stuff all the time to keep your favorite store honest! Great buying....

Ricky Ward · Answer

The price on the shelf might be cheaper at one of the big chains,but in my experience,if you are a regular customer at the smaller building supplies,they will discount everything you buy.Go into HD and ask them what kind of deal they can give you on something and they only have the authority to sell it as priced.The other guys will cut you a deal to keep your buisness.

Bryan . · Answer

I have found some success on Craig's list. Was able to pick up some left over building supplies from a tired rehabber. Also, some folks who remodel big expensive houses sell their take outs. Several posts for nice cabinets < ten years old, fine for rental rehabs.

Frank Adams · Answer

Habitat For Humanity ReHab stores and garage sales can be great sources too! I've posted before about the 1/2 bath that I added for next to nothing.

all cash

Ron Nawrocki · Answer

If you become a member of ARPOLA (American Rental Property Owners & Landlord's Association) you'll have BIG discounts at Lowes.

This deal was just announced ... so you have some inside scoop!

And ARPOLA dues have been decreased 80% to less than $50 ... per year!

Rachel H. · Answer

I've heard really good things about the Habitat store. Though, I haven't had a chance to take a trip there recently. I guess it really depends on what you're looking for - I've heard you can find some really good stuff there. In general, I usually go to Home Depot or Lowes (I don't do all that much rehab work). There are some other really good suggestions here. Hope that helps!

Mark Yuschak · Answer

I agree with pretty much everything in this thread.

I only buy paint from Sherwin Williams because I get approximately 40% off (and because my painter really likes the paint).

Appliances I get from Lowes since they're the best prices.

For a rental, I always check the Habitat for Humanity ReStore first, then if I can't it there and it's somewhat common, I check Craigslist.  In the worst case, it's a Home Depot purchase with a 10% off coupon.

Flooring I get from a carpet wholesaler.

Appliances for rentals come from Craigslist or fellow landlords looking to dispose of them (usually get 'em for free from other landlords).

All other general materials come from Home Depot with a 10% off coupon.  If it's a large order over $2,500 I always send it to the bid room.  Sometimes they'll even let me send it if it's around $2,000.  It really helps to know the local store managers and staff.

Diane J. · Answer

I second the vote for Sherwin Williams paint. No complaints from the painter that sprayed my interior.

Also, I was able to buy 4" baseboard (real wood!) from a used store in enough quantity for the whole house at half the cost of the standard MDF.

Paul Richardson · Answer

+1 for Lowes and Craigslist here too.

Where to buy materials?

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