Browse Forums Owner Builder Forum 1 Apr 03, 2013 2:27 pm About to build a house as owner builder. I wonder which way is cheaper: 1) buy some material/components first, such as powerpoints and switches, downlights, plasterboards, bricks, etc, then ask subbies to install them, or 2) ask the subbies to buy for me and install. Re: owner builder buying merterial question 2Apr 03, 2013 3:15 pm Well its better if you go "shopping" with the subbies man. You can choose the materials yourself, depending on your budget and taste. At the same time, you can have their professional opinions. Let them install the materials for the best result(if they are professionals). Regards, painterperth <edited by support> Re: owner builder buying merterial question 3Apr 05, 2013 1:24 am keep in mind subbies will add costs to any materials mainly too cover their time organizing and sourcing the materials as an owner builder lots of money can be saved sourcing your own materials online or at auctions ect but make sure you order enough too complete a job. no use buying cheap stain if you cant match it later on (experience here lol) tradies don't like too get messed around so if you need 100 sqm of wood, tiles,sand,turf ect order 105 sqm just to be on the safe side. the trick is to get really good at quantity surveying and you wont have a load of waste left over know your job and what it will take too finish it right down too the last nail good luck stay safe happy building Re: owner builder buying merterial question 4Apr 06, 2013 9:06 am Things like powerpoints, light fittings, trim, doors and windows are easy to source yourself -- and as they're relatively standard, any contractor can install them easily. Places like Gumtree.com.au, SparkyDirect.com.au, and eBay.com (the US site) are your friends. However, when it comes to fundamental materials like timber and bricks, the contractors can usually get them cheaper and will know exactly what products to use. Trust them, but also watch their mark-ups (ask them how they cost the materials beforehand -- an 18-20% "builder's margin" is common). Finally, go to your closest hardware store with your OB Compliance Certificate and ask for a trade account. 5-20% off regular store prices, which really adds up... My storybook home build: https://forum.homeone.com.au/viewtopic.php?f=38&t=57987 Re: owner builder buying merterial question 5Apr 07, 2013 12:03 am what do u mean by "Trust them, but also watch their mark-ups (ask them how they cost the materials beforehand -- an 18-20% "builder's margin" is common)."? the subbie will charge me more for the meterial he buy for me? Re: owner builder buying merterial question 6Apr 07, 2013 3:46 am nethern what do u mean by "Trust them, but also watch their mark-ups (ask them how they cost the materials beforehand -- an 18-20% "builder's margin" is common)."? the subbie will charge me more for the meterial he buy for me? yes he will put his cost on top for materials if you get him too buy them but its sometimes cheaper too get him too buy them we got our plaster at least 500 cheaper from the tradie then we could have brought it stay safe happy building Hi folks, Victoria resident here. I've submitted my owner builder application to the VBA. I thought I'd share my experience so far. I submitted my application… 0 6185 Hi VK, I am now retired however I have stood beside over 300 owner builders in the past 18 years that have successfully built their own homes. First of all a building… 10 18982 |