Builders supplies

[lurker]

I’ve just started helping my son with a whole house refurbishment with the view of selling on the house in a few years, so even though it’s a wreck we have future saleability in mind.. We got the house keys last Friday and need to essentially gut it and start again. We have tradesmen I already trust to do the plastering, plumbing and electrical work but plan to do the rest ourselves. The “re-fit” probably will not start until October. But my son hopes to be able to live there before Christmas (and so do my wife and I!)

Yesterday (only 2nd day) we decided all the internal doors would be replaced with identical prefinished ones. So I need 8 doors & furniture. I also need some MR MDF (the barns only have the “normal stuff”). I guess the list will mount up.
So this raises a question of an area I’m in the dark.

I assume places like Jewsons, Travis Perkins etc are significantly cheaper than Wickes and B&Q but not to ordinary Joes.
Which national would you recommend?
I think some offer a “trade cash sales account” to tradesmen and anyone doing a refurb.
We have a builder who is going to dig out a solid room floor and relay it (first major job) so I plan to ask him what he recommends.

 

[Sailormantom]

Hi Lurker

Definitely worth going round the local builders merchants and seeing what they offer as discounts will be available. These may not bring the price down to the level of the sheds but you should find the quality and range of the goods is much higher and will often find that free delivery is available which can be a significant saving. If you are really lucky (and avoid going in when they are busy) you may get good advice too!

Cheers, Tom

 

[Racers]

Make up a name and open a trade account, "Lurker Refurbishing" had a ring to it.

Pete

 

[blackrodd]

When I price up a job, such as you'rs I go from room to room, listing what's to be done and a materials list from that, (probably as you have done) from this is you're total material need, then knowing how much plasterboard, mdf, 4x2, fixings etc etc go round to the 2, or 3 merchants of you're choice, and get a quote for every item at the best discount, How much off further for collection instead of delivery. ( as it may pay to get a panel van for the job)
Sheet material can be cheaper at Wickes, as will Carlite, thistle and cement, guttering and possibly ballast.
I'm on a good discount and 90 days at Jewson, but still find some of the above items cheaper at Wickes.
If I may give you some advice, leave the kitchen and bathroom 'till last as with the best will in the world, things go wrong and you may well regret spending money on two upmarket items costing a lot more than necessesary,
and struggle to finish on time and on target,
keep looking for problems and keep solving them early on!
Having learnt the hard way, I budget for everything and either stick to it or manage to find the same cheaper
All the best with the job, it's very enjoyable, if you can keep a lid on it!
Regards Rodders

 

[damo8604]

I opened a trade cash account with Jewsons because I couldn't search the site for prices without doing so (blooming annoying) and I told them I was just a DIYer

 

[marcros]

i have a travis trade cash card that a mate set up for me. It has some decent terms on timber, but it was done years back. I can't remember if there was much on the other stuff..

I would have a look at howdens if you are needing a kitchen and flooring. doors too. as somebody said above, create a trade sounding name and see what you can blag.

 

[Phil Pascoe]

As Rodders said - Wickes is good for some stuff - I ordered guttering that was kite marked, guaranteed for 20yrs (iirc) and half the price of two builders merchants. You can order on line and get orders over £50 delivered free - you can make an order up to that value with a throw away saw or a pack of jigsaw blades or something you'll use anyway if what you need isn't £50. The builder's merchants are annoying because they think of a price, double it then say they're doing you a favour by giving you 25% off - don't be afraid to ask for the best price. Be aware that some will quote inc. vat, some ex vat. Don't fall into the trap of wasting an hour and a gallon of petrol to save a fiver - it's easily done.

 

[mind_the_goat]

I recently visited a 'trade' builders merchant with a builder friend from out of the area who was doing some work for us. neither of us had an account but there was still a significant difference between the 'ticket' price and price we paid, they seemed happy to make up discounts on the spot. Also very keen to get us to sign up for an account, don't think they care if you can prove you are a 'professional' or not. The trick seemed to be to suggest it's cheaper elsewhere, ask what discounts they can give, or even just haggle.

 

[MMUK]

If it's of any help, I have trade accounts with Magnet and Eurocell. PM me if you want to use them to get good discounts (hammer)

 

[marcros]

the other consideration is whether there is an independent local merchant. I have a fantastic one near me-beats the diy places and the nationals without being asked. they don't do timber or sheet material but are good for everything else.

 

[lurker]

Thanks for your advice chaps

 

[Lons]

Already been said Lurker but just to confirm that most builders merchants will open a cash trade account if you tell them you are doing a self build / major refurbishment. I suggest you try to get an idea of your likely spend then add a % to bump it up and go in with that. tell them you're shopping around for the best deal and you'll get a result.

Bob

 

[Phil Pascoe]

Watch your local small ads. It's surprising what you can pick up cheap if you hit it lucky.

 

[RogerS]

......

I assume places like Jewsons, Travis Perkins etc are significantly cheaper than Wickes and B&Q but not to ordinary Joes.
.....

Not a chance. Travis Perkins are much much much more expensive then any builders merchants. B&Q I don;t class as buiders merchants..more an expensive DIY store....very expensive.

Wickes are usually the cheapest but watch delivery costs. Wickes belong to TP. Bradfords also worth looking at if there is a branch near you. OR any local BM near you.

 

[Ali]

you can try selco but when I was in there yesterday found the things I needed to be cheaper in wickes!

The days of trade discount are well and truly over but you might be able to negotiate a better deal if you make it worth the salesman's time. I had a friend who used to work for howdens, they use to look after their regular customers such as property developers. You might need to sell yourself a bit for a better deal.

 

[lurker]

......

I assume places like Jewsons, Travis Perkins etc are significantly cheaper than Wickes and B&Q but not to ordinary Joes.
.....

Not a chance. Travis Perkins are much much much more expensive then any builders merchants. B&Q I don;t class as buiders merchants..more an expensive DIY store....very expensive.

Wickes are usually the cheapest but watch delivery costs. Wickes belong to TP. Bradfords also worth looking at if there is a branch near you. OR any local BM near you.

This has pretty much convinced me not to bother with builders supplies or at least not to tie myself to one.
I also looked around for doors. Did not realise how wide a range wickes has.
Pretty much found the style we want and at 35 quid each too.

 

[Racers]

Jim

I have an account with Howdens if you need any thing from them.
I know where there is a 3 meter length of slightly damaged oak block work top if you are interested?

Pete