If you’re working on your next building project, whether it’s an addition to your home or office space in a warehouse, you might be worried about the cost of all the materials involved. While new building materials can be expensive, used building materials are often cheaper and just as good as new ones. Here are some tips for saving money on your next building project with new and used building material.
DIY Projects Are Cheaper
Home improvement projects are a great way to add value or fix up your home for reselling. DIY projects not only make you feel good about yourself, but they also save money. Have a crack in your driveway? Get some of that concrete sealant stuff and fix it yourself, saving hundreds of dollars over hiring someone. Have a sagging porch? For under $100 you can get everything you need at A&R Second Hand Dealers or Home Depot to make it look like new again; otherwise, you’re looking at paying several thousand dollars more than that if you hire someone else.
Get Deals on Large Quantities of Material
Buying in bulk is one of those great cost-saving ideas that’s easier said than done. It’s certainly possible, but some careful planning is needed if you’re going to go down that road. Make sure you’ve got a place to store everything; don’t be surprised if there are a few storage fees involved.
Before ordering your new materials, know how many square feet you’ll need for each material (ask an expert or use online calculators). Remember that shipping costs can be hefty for very large orders, so look for locations near your building site if possible. And don’t forget about delivery time!
Creative Ways to Use Recycled Material
Buying new materials is one way to save money when starting a building project, but it’s not your only option. One of our favourite ways to save is by repurposing old or used material for a new purpose. For example, we love using barn wood or reclaimed wood for projects because you get all of that rustic charm at an affordable price. However, if you’re looking for cheap building materials without going as far as salvaging old barns, look no further than some of these suggestions
If you’re wondering how much-recycled building material costs compared to brand-new supplies, keep in mind that both are available in both small quantities and large quantities (i.e., pallets vs. entire homes). It also depends on what kind of project you’re working on—for instance, shipping pallets can be cheaper than standard lumber when constructing decks or fences due to their size; whereas a new fence panel might be more cost-effective if its design requires fewer boards per linear foot. As always, make sure you shop around for better deals before committing yourself to any particular supply source!
Selecting Salvaged Material Reduces Waste
One of your goals for building should be a greener property. While wood is a natural resource, it doesn’t grow back once it’s been cut down. It releases CO2 into our atmosphere during its production and transportation, so using reclaimed wood means reducing that load. This can be especially helpful if you are creating a LEED-certified home or simply want to do your part for sustainability.
There are also other incentives for using reclaimed materials like returning previously used building material to circulation in an effort to reduce landfills. One of your goals for building should be a greener property. While wood is a natural resource, it doesn’t grow back once it’s been cut down.
Find Reputable Companies in Your Area
One of your first steps should be finding reputable companies in your area. Talk to friends, family, or local contractors about good places to get materials for your project. You may also want to do a little online research about companies that specialize in selling new or used building materials. Check online reviews for local companies before making any purchases.
Another option is placing classified ads in newspapers around town. Craigslist is a great place for locating both new and used building materials, as well as getting connected with other area contractors looking for inventory; it’s also an excellent resource if you don’t want to reveal your contact information while shopping around town.
Check References of Sellers
Buying new building materials, or even used ones, is always a big deal. You don’t want to spend money on something you could have gotten at a cheaper price or a better quality. Before you make your purchase, ask if it’s possible for you to see some samples of their previous work (if they are willing). That way, you can be sure that what they produce is something that suits your needs.
If they aren’t willing to provide samples of their work, there may be a reason behind it. However, if it’s just because they are busy at that time and unable to provide samples for clients, then there isn’t anything wrong with it either.
Check the Quality
When you buy something used, you don’t always know its history. Before committing, take a close look at your prospective purchases: check seams for weakness, look at all surfaces (inside and out), test drawers and cabinets, etc. If you can see signs of damage or areas where pieces are missing or misaligned, pass.
Don’t assume that just because it works now that it will work later. It never hurts to ask—the seller might be able to make repairs before selling it. If not, they probably aren’t too concerned about any issues you find later on. Either way, if a deal seems too good to be true it probably is!
Estimate Costs Ahead of Time
Have an idea of what your building project will cost before you start. This can help you avoid overspending as well as delaying your project unnecessarily.
If you aren’t sure how much materials will cost, start doing research now so that you know how much everything should cost when it comes time to make purchases. You can also use tools like DIY or BuildZoom to estimate material costs based on historical data or in-progress projects.
Conclusion
The Internet is a great resource for doing your homework before you make a big decision. You’ll be surprised at how many building projects can be done by yourself. However, if you’re still nervous about taking on such a big task alone, don’t be shy about asking for help. Friends or family members may know someone who has built their own home or have other connections in trades that can help you save money—and time!
