Saving
money is the first goal when approaching any construction project.
The challenge is selecting materials and finding them at the best
price possible. Most people approach this issue with the idea one
retailer will be 20% less than all others. If it were only that
easy! Unfortunately, most pricing only varies 1%-5% for the same
product at two different stores. The key to saving money is creating
and selecting an efficient material list.
The
right material list is the first step towards saving money. For
example, fiber-cement shingles are a popular choice for siding a
home. However, they typically cost $600-$800 per pallet. Now, think
of siding a 3,000 square foot home with a product costing $800 per
pallet (a pallet typically covers 200 square feet). Obviously, the
design and subsequent materials are going to be expensive. However,
consider using only shingles on the front of the home and lap siding
on the sides and back (typically costing $200 per 200 square feet).
Another example is metal roofing, also known as a standing-seam
roof. It is a wonderful product that can capture the home's architecture.
However, it is also very costly when compared to less expensive
materials like asphalt shingles and concrete tile. Homeowners need
to ask themselves if the look of the roof (which most people will
not see) is more important than saving money. The extra money you
saved by using asphalt shingles could be used to upgrade the kitchen
or bathrooms! The savings achieved by changing the design and materials
is greater than any price discounts offered by a retailer.
Saving
money on building materials is based on more than the selling price.
The durability and longevity of the product also factors into cost
savings. You might find a great deal on wood flooring, but if it
starts peeling up in two years, you will have to spend thousands
of dollars to fix it. In this instance, the initial savings were
consumed by having to fix or replace the materials. Materials supplied
by quality manufacturers and installed by experienced contractors,
will ensure years of enjoyment. 10-15 years ago masonite siding
was popular and sold at many large retailers. However, the product
did not hold up well in moisture-rich environments (Pacific Northwest
and Southern regions). Homeowners were forced to replace the material
and hire contractors to install it - all of which cost more than
using a proven technology (albeit more expensive) in the beginning.
When choosing materials, look for products which have a proven track
record and that offer strong warranties.
If
you are hiring a contractor to do the work, consider purchasing
the materials yourself. Many times contractors will include materials
in their total price. In some situations, like plumbing or electrical,
you will want the contractor to supply their own wire or pipe. However,
contractors can build extra profit into the material purchasing.
For instance, if a roofer supplies a bid of $10,000 you will not
know how much is labor and how much is materials. For all you know,
he could be charging $7,000 in materials when in reality, it may
only cost $3,000. Ask the contractor to separate the labor and materials
on their quote so you can see exactly what they are charging. It
is advisable to visit several retailers and have them quote the
materials - so you can see if the price is fair.
To
save money on building materials you need to analyze design and
function. Review the layout of the home, the function of the area,
and your goals to see which materials work best. Often times, choosing
materials is a game of give and take. If you spend less on your
roof you can have a nicer kitchen - and visa versa. If contractors
will be supply materials, ask them to separate the labor and materials
so you can see the pricing. You may be able to buy materials cheaper
than the contractors. Cost saving is achieved by efficient design,
not efficient negotiation!
