Why Local Building Supplies are Better
When considering a project such as building a home or an addition to an existing structure, many consider the cost associated with supplies but not the advantage of buying local. That big box hardware store may have cheaper lumber, but at what cost? How far did that piece of wood travel, and under what conditions? This is not just a green issue, it’s also an efficiency one. Lumber that travels is usually sealed in box cars which are subjected to high heat in the summer, freezing in the winter, and leakage since most are not hermetically sealed. The end result is often many substandard materials. This is especially true of wood, bricks and concrete blocks. These materials may have been damaged in ways that aren’t recognizable until the material is actually used, which leads to wasted money and increased scraps. That is the best case scenario, because unless you are laying every brick, block, or nailing every beam yourself, chances are some of this material will be incorporated into your project which can be even more costly in the future. The local lumberyard or brickyard wants your business and will go the extra mile to insure your satisfaction. He understands what he’s competing against and if he can’t meet their price he will stand on his head to exceed your quality standards.