How to save on Materials?

[Greg P.]

Hello, I've heard of certain ways to save on materials for example buying gift cards on craigslist (even though this might be risky since scams), but I was wondering if anyone could share any other tips or tricks to save on materials when rehabbing a home.

Thank you.

[Aaron McGinnis]

I use all kinds of techniques... one of my favorite, candidly, is using a credit card that gives me cash back on everything. 1% cash back doesn't seem like a lot, but if you're spending $100k+ on it every year it's a nice little Christmas bonus.

As mentioned, Lowes is good if you can get contractor pricing. Typically it's about 10% off. If you've got military ID, you can get discounts that way too.
(You don't always have to go through the bid room to get it. If they know you well, you can really just walk in and ask for it.)

Sherwin Williams is good. Sweet talk them and you can get 10% off just for being a contractor. If you really buy a lot of paint, you can get some serious discounts. (Good reason to let your painter buy paint)

Build.com is great for higher-end fixtures, and they have GREAT service and a bit of a discount if you sign up for a contractor account.

For lumber, get to know a lumber yard. Things like trim and LVL beams are much better from a lumber yard! Ironically, Lowes can typically beat a lumber yard with a "First blush" quote on commodity items like 2x4s. Stretched lumber goes to the lumber yard.

Lowes can also match and beat pricing from a lumber yard, but it's a really good way to piss off your rep at the lumber yard so I try not to do that unless I'm in trouble.

Doors, windows, and flooring should all come from supply houses... not Lowes or HD. Find someone who deals directly with Masonite to buy from. (Lowes deals with several in-betweeners, so you don't get the best prices from them)

Special interior & exterior doors I try to get from a variety of surplus places locally. I also like to walk into these places so they see me between jobs... shoot the breeze, insult the owner's mother, and tell him what a ripoff his prices are. Good times. I've gotten some SCREAMING deals on odds and ends this way. (Most of the guys running the surplus places are delighted to talk shop and won't miss the chance to provide you with a cup of joe and some conversation)

Appliances I shop a variety of places. For low-end stuff, Brandsmart isn't a bad way to go... Sears used to be good, but their discounts just aren't there anymore.
For better stuff, I use a variety of outlets and surplus places and just shop it until I get what I need.

Things like insulation and fire caulk I try not to buy at all. I get an insulation company to do it... they can often insulate the house for only a bit more than I could go buy material at Lowes or HD.

Small electrical and plumbing parts I let my electrician and plumber buy. They get better deals at a supply house than I can get from big-box. I like to get my toilets and water heaters this way.

I wish there was some secret handshake or password at Lowes that would magically get you some kind of ridiculous discount, but sadly I just don't think there is. That's really across the board... getting good deals is largely just a matter of time vs. cost. You're going to spend time shopping around and hunting for the deals.