How to Find Cheap Building Supplies
If you’re a do it yourself enthusiast, you already know the money saving benefits of repairing or renovating your home or investment property. Whether you’ve done projects yourself, or hired a contractor for the job, shopping for the best deals on building materials can be a time consuming and costly process. There are places in your area where you can find quality building supplies cheap.
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Instructions
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Check for public auctions in your area. Many contractors use auction houses to rid themselves of surplus building supplies and you can often win bids on construction materials for well below the wholesale price. Auctionzip is a website devoted to listing public auctions throughout the US. You can search by zip code, date, city or items to be sold.
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Go to your local home improvement store and head for the back near the loading docks. These stores have a section for building supplies that have been slightly damaged during transport, construction orders that were canceled and you can get them at deep discounts. This is a great place to find doors and windows for your construction projects.
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Get cheap flooring at carpets stores. Most carpet stores have a clearance area with discontinued carpets and vinyl flooring. They can include carpet styles and colors that have been discontinued or an installation order that was cut to the wrong dimension for an installation contract. These stores are eager to get rid of the excess flooring to free up store space. You can find large pieces of high-end carpet at deep discounts just because it was dyed the wrong shade for a custom order and the buyer no longer wants it.
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Contact your local Habitat for Humanity Restore. Most people are familiar with Habitat for Humanity, but many don’t realize that they have retail outlets all over the country. Surplus building supplies are donated to the store by contractors, home improvement stores and construction companies. You can find anything from antique bathtubs to new siding at these outlets. And every time you buy from a Habitat for Humanity Restore, the proceeds go towards helping people with housing needs.
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Check your local want ads. There is a section in nearly every newspaper with a free section. These are usually large items that the owner just wants off their property. You can find lumber, plumbing supplies, wiring and much more.
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Tips & Warnings
Spring and fall are the best times to find building materials at auction.
If you’re buying anything refurbished or used, check for lead based paint.
