Buying home improvement materials in bulk??

Question

Does anyone have a secret to buying materials?? We buy as we go...sometimes using the same materials for multiple projects! I am looking for a good online retailer, or advice on how to buy home improvement materials in bulk??

Erik B. · Answer

stop going to Depot and lowes. The quality is even worse now then it was just a few years ago and it's usually more expensive.

Go to supply houses. Electrical, plumbing, HVAC, local lumber yard, window and door place. You will.get much better quality and usually much better pricing

Chris Kim · Answer

Most trade stores are cheaper than lowes and home depot, in So cal. I used to manage a trade store for flooring, cabinets, and countertop. After 1 volume purchase you would automatically get the lowest prices possible. from the 2nd volume purchase onward if the manager or salesperson remembers you. Typically, we will remember you if you purchase volume. And in the slight chance we don't, you can refresh our memory. Or if you have their direct number and text them with orders thats the best. We used to have people bring trailers from Colorado or Northern cali to purchase in socal cause the pricing here was enough to pay for that and some.

Mark Wright · Answer

A couple summers ago, I worked as a construction laborer for an architect who was originally from Canada.  Often times, he would bring materials back when going to visit family to save $.  (apx 1.5 hr.)  Unfortunately, being as remote as my area is, even the local lumber yards are about the same as Lowes/Depot, though sometimes they'll have deals.

Christopher B. · Answer

Light fixtures, faucets, toilets, etc will be cheaper at HD than the local plumbing or electrical supply houses by about 40-50% from my experience.

I agree the quality is low at HD. I've been using the supply houses for plumbing fixtures  recently out of convenience but question that decision each time I see the bill.

Online has its pros and cons. We'll order some light fixtures here and there but not plumbing. Too many parts and pieces, if something is missing there we have to run and get something local then do a return, etc. I agree can get it cheaper online, if one is organized and put together all the parts and pieces that are needed and buy multiple could make it work. Handling inventory then though.

Trenton Miller · Answer

We purchase our materials for projects as we go.  My reasoning behind this is that I don't want capital that could be used elsewhere tied up in inventory.  Some items that I do purchase in bulk would be outlets and light switches.  I always use Levitron decora outlets and switches so I know they will be used elsewhere if the contractor back has a couple of leftovers.

I have also had great success with HD Supply for certain items, however, they take a little more time than Home Depot, so advance planning is required.

Erik B. · Answer

When you say fixtures are you referring to faucets, toilets, accessory kits , lights, chandeliers? I'd probably agree with that although I'd still try not to get from box store. I'll go online and search. Usually can get a decent quality product  that isn't ridiculously priced.

for example. A bathroom faucet at Depot can be $50-$100. I don't need to go to the plumbing supply showroom and get one for $300-$800. Online  probably get one closer to $100 but will last.

Chris Kim · Answer

I disagree and agree with Christopher on a few things. Much more affordable and faster at a supply store for most finishing materials. Anything with quantity will save you $. Plumbing, electrical,  lumber, and miscellaneous = home depot.

However, as for availability, if things are out of stock at home depot. Good luck with that.

Once you find your supply store, you dont really need to be chasing. Or better yet have your contractor do it.

Christopher B. · Answer

You will not get cheaper plumbing and electrical fixtures from the supply house. The fixtures at home depot are lower quality and they are cheaper. Just about everything else will be cheaper at the supply houses. Some of it significantly cheaper. I.e. 5 1/4 base at HD is around 1.60/lf, I pay .55/lf at the supply house.

There are some positive of HD though. Consistency with it being a 1 stop shop. Their backend office is very convenient, it integrates with QBO, etc.

Don't kill yourself chasing cheaper prices, put that time into finding more projects.

Chris Kim · Answer

@Shawn Regnier

Hi Shawn, I'll be setting up a flooring and cabinet store/showroom once covid dies down. I'm currently for now, doing material & installation services through pdf/photos and bringing samples to houses. Since, most of my customers are either contractors or realtor/investors.

Shawn Regnier · Answer

@Chris Kim would you like to share which trade store here in SoCal did you used to manage? I'm always looking for quality stores in the area to support.

Buying home improvement materials in bulk??

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