5 Ways to Save Money on Building Supplies
If you're doing a renovation, adding an extension to your home or engaging in a number of other products, you will have to buy a lot of building supplies. That can get expensive. Looking for ways to save money on building supplies? Try these tricks.
1. Harvest Old Hardware
If your project starts with demolition, try to harvest the old hardware. Screws and bolts can be used multiple times if the threads aren't worn down. Additionally, you can reuse nails if they aren't bent. Use a hand screwdriver or a claw hammer to carefully draw these types of hardware out of the wood.
2. Look for Used Building Supplies
You don't necessarily need to start with brand new materials. If you have flexibility with your project, you may be able to utilise used building supplies. That can include anything from salvaged timber to old window frames to used cabinets. There are even charity shops that focus on building supplies in particular.
If you can't find what you want at a charity shop, you may want to contact a demolition company. They may be willing to sell old materials or building supplies at a cheap rate to you.
3. Hire a Builder
In many cases, the highest costs on a project aren't necessarily the building supplies. Rather, the cost of new tools ends up driving up the overall cost of the project. If you plan to do a lot of building work, it may be worth the time and money to invest in new tools. However, if this is a one-off project, you should consider hiring a builder. They come with their own tools, and that eliminates that expense.
4. Agree to a Supply Cost Upfront
Avoiding the cost of buying tools isn't the only way a builder can help you save. You may also be able to save by agreeing to an upfront cost for materials. For instance, if the builder gives you a quote, the cost of building supplies can be worked into the quote. If you agree on an upfront cost, you know what to expect and don't have to worry about unplanned expenses.
5. Get a Low Rate on Your Loan
Whether you are hiring a builder or doing the work yourself, if you are paying for it with a loan, you should include the loan's interest rate into the cost of your building supplies. Look for the lowest rate possible. For example, home equity lines of credit usually have lower interest rates than credit cards.
