We often get asked how to save money on building materials. Project managing your self-build puts you in control of buying building services and products, this helps to save money on building materials. Take a look at our top money saving tips and wield your negotiating skills to get the best price.

1. Get your plans costed

If you’re on a tight budget then spending a little on expert cost planning could save you in the long run. A quantity surveyor can ‘take-off’ your house plans, calculating the quantities of all the materials and applying a cost to each. This gives you a true picture to work from.

Many builders’ merchants do similar, pricing for materials they stock. There may be an expectation to buy, but be clear you’re getting quotes from their competitors too – price comparisons will be a useful bargaining tool if they want your business. Be aware prices can change due to supply and demand, and keep an eye on delivery dates in case materials are delayed in transit.

2. Shop at builders’ merchants

Buy where the trades buy and you’ll be assured of good quality materials. Prices tend to be cheaper than the average DIY shop, especially from big brands with buying power. They will have stores across the country, like Jewsons, Selco, Travis Perkins, Buildbase. You’ll also be able to return unused materials.

3. Set-up a trade account

A trade account with builders’ merchants is a good idea if you’re buying in bulk as you’ll automatically be given a discount and have more clout for negotiating. Usually, you can choose from a cash or credit account, with the latter offering credit for up to 30-60 days. Often there are deals like free delivery and access to trade hire prices. Open up an account(s) with a store close to where you live in case you need to nip out and buy something last minute.

4. Make friends with the owners of independents

Supporting local is not only good for the community and your conscience, but it’s a great way to get to know staff personally and tap into their knowledge. Independents who’ve been in the game a long time will have a good network of suppliers and will be keen to price match to earn your business.

5. Use specialist suppliers

It’s not always cost effective to buy everything in one place. Suppliers who specialise in timber or roofing materials, for example, stock a wide range of products and have long-standing relationships with their suppliers – thus prices are likely to be competitive. You might need advice on specific products – renewables, for example – in which case going to a specialist supplier means avoiding a costly mistake.

6. Bag a bargain kitchen and bathroom

Companies like Howdens Joinery don’t deal with the public but offer great discounts on kitchens to the trade, with the best deals given to fitters who regularly buy from them. DIY shops have bathroom and kitchen sales a couple of times a year, where freebies are often thrown in. If you’re looking for something more bespoke, then order kitchen carcasses and get your joiner to make MDF doors you can paint.

If you’re confident measuring-up and doing your own design, then online firm, diy-kitchens.com, sell fully-assembled cupboards in 200 designs with bespoke options, direct to the public, and they’ll send you samples before you buy.

Your local DIY independent may not have shiny displays of kitchens and bathrooms. They will often have samples and a stack of brochures to browse through. Some offer a design service for a fraction of the price compared to a showroom.

7. Get more than one quote

It’s wise to get at least three quotes before you buy. Go for a mix from big name builders’ merchants, independents, specialist suppliers, DIY shops and online shops. You’ll soon get to know where the deals are.

8. Put together a spreadsheet

Even if you’ve had your plans costed, things change and the quotes may not necessarily be the final end price. Update your spreadsheet regularly with the actual cost. This helps if you over spend in one area, you’ll see where you need to save in another.

9. Zero VAT

Lastly, if you’re still toying between renovating, converting or a self-build, remember the latter is zero rated. You’ll pay the VAT upfront on materials, but keep all the receipts. You’ll be able to claim the money back once your new home has been signed-off by building control.