Building Supply Stores

“Take Off” Bids

Before you’re ready to begin construction, take your building plan and specification sheets to at least two or more full-service building supply, or lumber stores, for a material “take off.”

The “take off” is a list of all materials required with a price noted for each item.  It will be invaluable to you in planning and for choosing your primary material supplier.

Whoever you choose as material supplier, may assign to you a specific salesperson to handle your account.

You should welcome this, as this person can be an invaluable source of advice on choosing the right materials, and assisting you in the choices of function and cost.

If you are not given the option of a specific salesperson, at least get acquainted with the person who does your take off for help and advice in the same capacity.

 

Personal relationships throughout the process are valuable.  Develop them whenever you can.

You may choose to purchase from the same material supplier throughout the process, either for price or convenience, but you should begin looking at your other options as soon as possible.

Even if you don’t find lower prices elsewhere, you will find greater variety of material and styles to choose from.

Look for these type of specialty material suppliers:

Roofing

Shingles of all type material and styles, as well as all materials needed for installation.

Drywall

Also known as wallboard or “sheetrock.”   No choice of style, but lower prices possible.

Brick

Few, if any, general suppliers of building materials also stock brick.  You’ll probably have to find another supplier for brick.

Light and Plumbing Fixtures

You should be able to find specialty stores for both.  Prices charged can vary greatly.

Trim

Your primary building material supplier will have a full selection of interior trim materials, which consist of baseboard, crown moulding, door and window trim, fireplace mantels, etc.  However, there are trim specialty stores, which are also known as “millwork” stores, which can offer a much greater variety of styles.

Flooring

You should have plenty to choose from in flooring specialty stores, which offer everything you can imagine along with installation services.