Kicking off a construction project is a venture that spurs as much pride as it does anxiety. On one hand, you have a vision you are probably looking forward to bringing to life. Yet, on the other, you might be feeling the pressure to get the project right.
The success of a construction project rests heavily on the materials used. They determine costs and, in the end, the overall quality of the building. Which begs the question, how do you source the right construction materials for your project?
The following are some tips that could ease your search for construction inputs.
A Team Effort
Construction projects are a team effort. The architect, quantity surveyor, and contractor all need to work in harmony for the project to stay on track. As such, it is advisable that all these parties are involved during the purchase of construction materials.
The danger of excluding all relevant experts during purchases is that you might end up with materials that can not be applied for the intended purpose. Take window panes, for example. The contractor needs to be able to maneuver them on-site to fit the designated windows hence weight and size will be pertinent concerns. In contrast, in a bid to fulfill the building design, the architect may favor a particular design of window glazing.
For best results, all these opinions and preferences need to be blended into a consensus.
Engage Manufacturers Directly
The sale of products happens through a hierarchy; a manufacturer sells products to a retailer who then sells to you, the consumer. By engaging manufacturers directly, you eliminate the middle-man and get the chance to benefit from affordable factory prices. A manufacturer is likely also better-placed to supply a bulk order than a retailer would be.
Bulk prices aside, every construction project entails its own set of unique demands. To fulfill them, you may require fittings such as doors, flooring, or roofing components, to be customized to fit. Dealing directly with a manufacturer may make this much easier as they may be able to walk you through various customization options and their cost implications.
Consider Alternative Construction Solutions
The construction scene has in recent years been rapidly evolving. Innovation continues to yield new construction ideas and solutions that you may not necessarily have encountered before. Practical solutions, like stair ladder hire, are gaining popularity as they provide safe, temporary access options for various construction projects. Making an effort to learn and try such alternative methods and materials could take your construction project to the next level.
Consider and consult on material trends such as:
- Eco-friendly and sustainable construction materials
- Precast concrete
- Prefabricated house structures
Some of these inputs can be used to save time and money on your project. Others, like eco-friendly materials, could be a major marketing point for future buyers or tenants if you are putting up a commercial property.
Cast a Wide Net
Sourcing for any kind of product is pretty much a game of comparison where the best product wins. However, if you hope to benefit from said comparison, it might be best to cast a wide net. The more your options, the better your chances of finding a quality building materials supplier you would like to work with.
Online searches are a great tool for comparing multiple suppliers and their products. Says, for instance, you are building a factory. A quick online search could show you what a China industrial valves company has to offer in comparison to your local valve manufacturers. At the end of the day, you would be able to make a more informed choice based on all your options and not just a handful.
Examining more supplier options may also be a great way to save on costs. The truth is, there is always a supplier that is willing to offer you the products you need at a lower price than others. Broadening your horizons might be all it takes to find them.
Budget
It is a rare occurrence for a construction project to come in within or below budget while having achieved all the original plans. If you hope to achieve this for your construction project, it will require extreme financial prudence. Your budget also needs to match the project goals.
A good quantity surveyor is the secret to coming up with a reasonable budget. Their responsibility would be to weigh the building plans against factors such as dimensions and proposed materials to come up with a budget estimate. If they do their job right, you will have an accurate budget that can accommodate building material prices without any need to exceed it.
Choose Suppliers with Value-adding Provisions
All suppliers are not made equal. Some will go the extra mile for the customers while others only offer a bare minimum. The trick is to aim for those that offer you added value with every purchase.
For illustrative purposes, consider a foreign building materials supplier that offers customization services, assistance with shipping, wholesale rates, and a warranty. Now picture a local supplier who only offers wholesale rates, no delivery, and no warranty. The former offers way more value than the latter which arguably makes them the better choice between the two.
Conclusion
Patience and an open mind may be the two most important tools you can harness for this mission. They will help you keep open lines of consultation with your team and in exploring new material options as you shop. On the upside, when your project is finally done, all of the hurdles you overcame will be nothing but a distant memory.
