Building Supplies List The Key For Determining Price Of Constructing A Home

One a family chooses a house plan, the next step in seeing their dream home completed is estimating building supplies to be purchased. While some plan suppliers offer the materials list with the plan, most require an additional fee. The materials needed depend on many factors. More complex homes and larger structures will require additional lumber not needed for a small rectangular house. The process of estimating materials can be very involved and require a significant amount of time when done consulting the plans and using only a pen and paper. The size of the home will dictate the time needed to calculate needed materials. Additionally, construction may require additional materials and time to complete because of the need for more time and materials. In order to estimate costs, the list will need to be completed and the individual should visit a lumber store to price individual pieces. Generally, it is better to buy more lumber than needed. This prevents several return trips to the store in order to complete the project. Many times, the items that are not needed can be returned as long as they are still in the condition to be used. Many supply stores offer a service to calculate the materials needed for customers. Others will offer a package price for the consumer who agrees to purchase all materials at the same place. Remember, the materials list provided will only be approximate, so it is possible to be short a few supplies at the end of the project, requiring a second or third trip. Computers have added another way to calculate materials to be used. Some of the software programs are available for purchase and download while others are only available by subscription online. Some of the online programs offer a free trial membership that may be sufficient to calculate for a single home. Some subscription fees are more expensive than purchasing the supply list directly from the company that sold the plans. Often the materials list only includes the lumber required to complete the dried in shell of the home. This means the owner or builder is allowed to choose finish materials that meet his or her own taste. Finish materials can be very expensive and often are as costly as the materials needed to dry in the home. If plans include use of subcontractors, they can also provide a materials list. Most have the experience needed to quickly calculate the materials needed as well as cost. Some allow the owner to buy materials for the project while others prefer to supply the materials themselves. Planning a new home offers a fun time in one's life. Whether choosing a modest small home or a huge mansion, the building supplies list is important for success. Smaller homes allow the new owner to calculate needs using the plans, a paper and pencil. With those that are more complex, the owner might need the help of a subcontractor, lumber supply store or a subcontractor to determine a list and the cost for the shell and the interior finish products.