Originally posted by @Jay Hinrichs:
Originally posted by @Christopher B.:
You're not going to use HD or Lowes to source items for new construction. At least not on framing or most major items. I do get a couple things from HD but in general the supply houses will crush their prices on most items.
Buying from the supply house is generally (90% time) cheaper. But, if you are spec building then the box stores do have some items cheaper. For example, I get my front doors at HD, saves $300. I buy my plumbing fixtures there too. Probably save $1K over the supply house. They aren't as high quality as the supply house but these are modest homes. On the opposite side, I pay. 45 cents/LF for 5 1/4 mdf speed base, its $1.50+ at HD.
I prefer to buy from supply houses and HD/Lowes are retail stores, not supply houses. I look to get all my purchases from the real supply house because it's so much easier. Your salesmen handle measurements and orders for you then deliver onsite.
One thing contractors are notorious for is being cheap. They save everything and spend more time on saving than it is worth. Don't get caught up in that. Focus on efficiency. Construction is wildly inefficient, there are going to be plenty of things to keep you occupied besides driving around trying to save every little $50 or keeping a pile of 2x8 drops because you can use it for dead wood at the next project.
Efficiency and Ease. Ignore the rest.
this was a little lesson i learned comparing supply house ( fergusons) to HD or lowes.. supply houses make sure that for instance all plumbing fixgtures shower inserts etc. meet STATE guidelines.. HD and lowes do not.. so we put a shower insert into a big remodel we did it broke.
they sued me.. and sure enough it was bought at HD but NOT certified approved plumbing fixture by the state of Oregon that one cost me 3k to fix. when if i bought the one at Furgosons i would not have to worry about state approved.. so little things like that.
Builders dont buy from HD and lowes rehabbers and do it yourselvers do.. we all have our Lumber yard salesmen who caters to us.. Along with our door and finsih materials.. in our area one store does all flooring and counter tops.. they design it for you and install. etc etc. thats the only way you can get any kind of scale building you need pro's to get the jobs done in a timely fashion trying to drive around and save 50 bucks is a very poor use of your time.
One thing i will do is at our big appliance suppliers they will have a yearly sale of their last years models on high end stuff. I will go there and many times.. pick up say a wolf range that is retail 12k for half price that is worth doing then store it and use when ready.
I only get trims at HD, all hardware and tubs come from the supply house. I'd prefer to buy from my local supplier, like Ferguson but haven't been ready to eat the $1K yet.
This is a really good point too Jay. My salesman have inspectors on speed dial and keep up with code requirements through self education, attending city seminars, etc. They provide tremendous value by knowing the codes and requirements that helps eliminate quality issues or mistakes that result in a larger headache or cost.
