In this article, we will discuss ten things to keep in mind when purchasing most construction supply from a hardware store.
Before you place that final nail or last hinge on your building project, you will need to do one last thing: buy the right construction supply.
Table of Contents
1. Know the type of building materials needed
Construction projects vary greatly in their needs for building materials, from project size and complexity to environmental restrictions and age requirements (such as insulation or lead paint). Make sure that you are purchasing the right materials for your particular project, whether it is a large office space renovation or a new two-story garage.
2. Have an adequate budget to work with
A large kitchen renovation can easily cost over $30,000 (and that is without the cabinets and countertops). It is important to have enough money to work with when purchasing construction materials.
3. Consider building codes and regulations
Construction codes and regulations play a large role in construction projects. Research the rules for each type of building material that you plan on purchasing. You should keep in mind local building codes and any other safety requirements for your project before making final decisions on your construction supply list.
4. Determine how much your project will cost
The most important thing to consider when determining how much your project will cost is time spent on it. The more time and money you put into the project, the costlier the final product. Therefore, construct a detailed plan of your project and determine how much it will cost before purchasing any construction supply.
5. Know the right order for purchasing supplies
When purchasing materials from a hardware store, it is important to know which ones to buy first and which to purchase last. For example, building a new garage is often started with excavation and foundation work, followed by framing and roofing. If you purchase framing materials for a garage before foundation work has begun, you will have wasted valuable money on unnecessary materials. Most projects culminate in cabinetry installation; therefore, do not purchase cabinet material until right before installation.
6. Delegate who will be responsible for purchasing supplies
There is no need to worry about keeping track of every single construction supply ordering process when you have a family member or friend who is willing to help. Having someone else responsible for purchasing your materials will make things easier on you.
7. Purchase only what is necessary for your project
There are many unnecessary items that can add up to extra money in the long run, so make sure you do not purchase anything that does not serve a purpose for your particular project. The extra money spent on unnecessary supplies can be used elsewhere, like custom cabinets or countertops. If you overpurchase, you will have to spend even more money storing the surplus.
8. Avoid buying inferior quality construction supply
Never buy inferior construction materials. Unless you are working on a project that is very inexpensive, you should always purchase the best quality materials available for your money. You can always purchase more materials later if you need them, but those expensive construction supply will have wasted their way to your final product. Do not give yourself the chance of having to reactivate them later.
9. Clean and inspect all construction supply before use
Do not let any building materials go out onto your site until you have thoroughly cleaned and inspected them for wearability and condition.
10. Know the return policy of your hardware store
Most hardware stores have a generous return period for unused construction materials. Know this policy before you leave the store and, if possible, insure all materials upon purchase. You do not want any unnecessary expenses when a project turns out to be harder to complete than you anticipated.
Conclusion
Remember, construction supply can be purchased at your local hardware store! While you may be tempted to look for cheaper materials at a secondhand shop or online, it is important to remember that those cheap materials will end up costing you more in the long run. Always purchase your construction supply from local hardware stores.
By following these simple steps, you should be better prepared when purchasing construction supply from your next hardware store visit. These tips will not only save you money and time, but will also help you avoid headaches throughout the building process that might otherwise be caused by unneeded and expired materials.