Hello everyone, 

 

And so it begins - home renovation project planning underway.

 

One question, what is the general trend when it comes to buying materials myself versus my builder doing this and baking into the "price" ...? I've had a scan of some sites where I can do this, most obvious barrier is trade prices - or is it?

 

Many thanks all,

 

Jim

Can't you just set up a couple of trade accounts, so you get the materials in?

 

All depends if you want to manage the renovation and your knowledge level of building and related trades.

 

You buying all the materials from Wickes for your contractors probably won't go down very well.

 

Are you thinking of doing this to try and save money?

Thanks @twice round the block 👍

 

In short, yes best price for materials. I'm browsing and there's some marketplaces which seem interesting - I don't wish to delay things or annoy the contractors.

 

I'll report back how my search is coming on.

Planning is the key if you’re buying yourself. You don’t want to pay labour charges if materials are not on site.

Saying that you will save and be in control of your own budget.

Do not pay a builder up front. Stage payments are the way.

1 hour ago, Mike M said:

Planning is the key if you’re buying yourself.

Yes, it certainly is. There are savings to be had, but you need to get all the correct materials on site in the correct quantities (allowing for waste) and at the right times (taking into account lead times), and sort out any problems. It can certainly be done, but if you're not in the trade it can be a steep learning curve, and if you're not really well organised it can go wrong quickly.

13 hours ago, Mike said:

can certainly be done

Untill suppliers let you down.

Thanks for comments and feedback all - really is helpful.

 

I'll post further queries and comments into new threads as I realise this is introduction area  - cheers