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You may need lots of materials to remodel your bathroom. The list can include plumbing fixtures, electrical fixtures, cabinets, lumber, drywall, fasteners, doors, windows, and lots more. Where are you going to get all this stuff when you need it and at the lowest price? First, review your bathroom remodel notebook for names of material suppliers that you’ve discovered or heard about. Maybe a contractor recommended them. Or you’ve seen local ads that looked like their pricing is lower than others. Then contact each supplier about bidding on your project. As with getting bids from contractors, suppliers will need specs and plans. Make sure they get a comprehensive materials list if available. Many architects and plan services will provide this list with remodel plans. Most building material suppliers can develop a comprehensive materials list from your plans. It used to be done the old-fashioned way with paper and pencil. Today, a computer spits out pages of materials requirements from a plan. However, remember the inherent rule of computers: Garbage in, garbage out. If the plans aren’t complete or the data isn’t entered in correctly, the materials list will be inaccurate and the bid will be incorrect. Before selecting your primary materials supplier, interview one of the salespeople in charge of remodeling accounts. You want to know about quality, pricing, discounts, delivery, terms, and advice. * Are preferred brands (if any) readily available from the supplier? If not, can they be easily ordered? * What are your prices on (list a few specific products such as a shower unit or counter top)? * What discounts and terms are available to licensed contractors? * Do you offer the same discounts and terms to do-it-yourselfers? * What discounts are available to do-it-yourselfers for cash-and-carry? * How soon can you typically deliver materials to our remodeling site? * Will I have a specific salesperson assigned to my account (preferred)? * Who would I talk to if I can’t come to an agreement with a salesperson?
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