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Building material

11 years ago

In
home building process, how one can order materials, I mean who decides the
size, width, type of lumber, load baring beams, etc.. If we are building our
own home how do we know what materials we need to order on what bases.

Comments (19)

  • 11 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    In the US before a building can be built it must be designed and a set of construction drawings and specifications prepared by which sub-contractors and material suppliers can know what you want and what to buy. The person who performs that task can be you, an architect, a home designer, or a contractor although in most locations in the US certain major structural elements must be designed by an engineer.

    It would probably be a good idea to hire a contractor to build the house for you too.

  • 11 years ago

    Thanks for quick reply, I will not be designing or doing construction drawing. Yes I will be hiring architect and engineer. Just would like to know in advance at what stage or what drawing will tell me to what to order.

    Per say architect will design home look and feel, I think engineer (I think structural engineer) will convert that home plan in to construction drawings showing with material list.

  • 11 years ago

    Once you have drawings, a lumber yard can do a 'take-off', determining a material list. If you're skilled at reading blueprints, you could add everything up yourself, but it is better and easier to let the lumber yard do it.

  • 11 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    In the US the architect would provide the construction drawings and, if necessary, a structural engineer would only provide framing information where needed (ie where not prescribed by the residential building code).

    A "material list" is almost never provided in the US. A contractor would provide that with the help of a lumberyard and other suppliers. There should be no reason for you to be involved with ordering materials unless you want to supply certain fixtures, furnishings and appliances that can be delivered to the contractor for installation.

  • 11 years ago

    In my case the lumber supplier did the initial materials take-off some time ago , my framer said he always does his own since he is actually building the frame and ordered out the lumber in stages for good flow . BTW both take-offs were within 10% of each other

  • 11 years ago

    Really appreciated for the responses.

    As I am a owner builder, do lumber supplier consider my order? or do they need a builder or general contractor licence? could you please suggest few suppliers.

  • 11 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    Most will want to deal with an experienced professional. Contact a local architect to guide you through the process. He can help you to find a local builder who will already have relationships with local supply houses. Lumber isn't internetable.

  • 11 years ago

    Where will the project be located?

  • 11 years ago

    We just completed our first build as owner builders. We were able to take our plans, which specify building materials, to lumber suppliers for take offs. They didn't need a builder or contractor license to do anything. The place we ultimately chose for materials had us set up an account that made ordering materials very easy. We had one guy who managed our account. If the framer said they needed x,y, or z, I could call the guy handling our account right away. They would have it delivered that same day usually.

  • 11 years ago

    East side, WA

  • 11 years ago

    You're spinning your wheels if you're gonna try to nuts and bolts something you know nothing about. Your framer orders lumber, your plumber orders pipes, and your electrician orders wire. Stick with your area of expertise and let them deal with theirs. What is your area of construction knowledge? Contracts? Quality control? Excavation? Millwork? You've got experience in something, right?

  • 11 years ago

    I added a room, that includes framing, flooring(hard wood), sheet rock, electricity wiring, and siding except roof. Get this I install gas connection to new dryer by extending as standard didn't work, ha ;) , what are you good at?

  • 11 years ago

    I do not see US location of Rona, any suggestions on whole sale suppliers. I know http://www.bc.com/ is one.

  • 11 years ago

    Yes, Rona is a Canadian chain. Not sure what would be the equivalent in the US. Hopefully,some fellow American posters will give you a Rona equivalent in the US. At least Lowes will give you 10% off if you open a contractor account with them.

    Carol

  • 11 years ago

    East Side WA ... Washington State? Western Australia?

    You need to get your information from your LOCAL town about permits and licenses. I can tell you what New Mexico requires, but that's not going to help.


    A good set of drawings done on Autocad (the expensive version with the right add-ons) can create a BOM (Bill of materials) from the drawings. My brother-in-law does it frequently.

    But the draftsman has to make the drawings a certain way to make that work.

  • 11 years ago

    I was an owner/builder 2 years ago and took my plans (no material list) to my local full service lumber yard of my choice and contractor sales bid almost everything with the exception of plumbing, HVAC, and electrical. I then went over the itemized bid sheets with my framer and we made a few changes. The only thing that was off very much was the roof shingles.

    This was in Missouri

  • 11 years ago

    East Side WA, USA

  • 11 years ago

    A lot of what a GC does is to source subs and materials. That is ALL done locally. If you're already over your head with that, then may I suggest that you need some intense ramping up to speed. Like some community college courses on basic construction and project management. Or a summer spent working on a construction site. Or hire a good local GC.