Sourcing Your Own Supplies and Hiring a Pro: A Perfect Match?

Imagine the last time you went to purchase a vehicle. When the dealership inquired about the tires you wanted, did you have a preference? Did you suggest substituting Good Years for Pirelli's because they might be cheaper? The thing is, dealerships usually opt for Pirelli's because of their longer wear life and reduced number of complaints.

This analogy can be translated to the construction world. While it might seem like a cost-effective idea to purchase your own materials and then hire a general contractor (GC) just for labor, it's not always the smoothest route.

Don't get me wrong. There are contractors out there who wouldn't mind this approach. They might offer what's humorously called a 'taillight warranty' – as long as you can see their taillights, your warranty is good! With these contractors, you might be able to supply materials and pay only for labor. But, what happens if an issue arises?

Imagine this scenario: You believe you've provided all the required materials for a project. However, when the contractor arrives, they find some parts missing, or perhaps a crucial piece was damaged during delivery. Not only are you now paying extra for the contractor's idle time, but the job also remains unfinished. Your initial timeline? It might double or even triple due to these unforeseen complications.

Initially, you might've thought you were getting a bargain by sourcing cheaper materials, but the potential delays and complications could end up costing you more in the long run.

Hindsight is, indeed, 20/20. Over time, many homeowners have realized that it's often more beneficial to let a professional company handle both the materials and the labor. This approach not only ensures peace of mind but also guarantees that the company will stand by the products they supply.

Before going ahead, always inquire about the contractor's warranty policy and check-in procedures. If you're someone who has ample time, doesn’t mind minor DIY fixes, and is willing to forgo a warranty on self-supplied materials, then, by all means, give it a shot!

But for many, the general rule of thumb remains: sourcing your own materials usually means sacrificing the security of a warranty.

Choose wisely!