Browse Forums Owner Builder Forum Re: owner builder buying merterial question 3Apr 05, 2013 12:24 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 8:06 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 06, 2013 11:03 pm 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 2:46 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 VK, Think it's worth investing time in an Owner Builder course to equip you with basic knowledge on Australian Building Industry and its regulations. Also, I suggest… 11 23735 Hi all. Anyone know when the $11,000 limit was set in legislation for renovations in QLD? Ive been renovating for 5 years now and this was the limit back then. As we know,… 0 4252 |