subject: Building Supplies List The Key To Understanding Cost Of Constructing A House [print this page] 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.
Even a small simple home can require several hours work with a pencil, paper and set of plans to estimate the materials needed. Larger homes and more complex ones require additional time for calculating the materials. In addition, the new owner should realize the more complex home will be more expensive to construct due to a need for additional materials and labor.
To estimate cost, once the list is completed, you will need to visit a lumber supply store and search for prices on individual pieces. In general, it is better to over estimate the number of pieces to prevent a second trip to the store at the end of the project. Most items that are not used can be returned if they are still in the condition to be sold once the project is completed.
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.
Some consumers will use a subcontractor. In this case the subcontractor may be responsible for the materials list. The experience of the contractor makes it determine the materials needed. With some contractors, the consumer is allowed to purchase materials on his own.
Planning and constructing a home can be very exciting. Whether choosing a small and modest home or a large luxurious mansion, the building supplies list is important for many reasons. While consumers may choose to determine the needs for themselves, there are other options that may be easier. With complex homes a subcontractor or computer program can complete the list with much less difficulty than an inexperienced individual. The list is a key to ensuring one has everything needed when it one is ready to use the materials.
