Homeowners can find many different places to purchase building materials such as lumber and wood products for their DIY projects. Usually there are at least two or three home centers and a locally owned lumberyard within easy driving distance.

All these companies compete aggressively for your business and you benefit from that competition as they attempt to provide the best prices and customer service. In addition, you'll find a wider range of choices to choose from but you must know how to choose building materials so you get the best quality for your money and finished projects.

It is imperative that you do your homework before purchasing if you want the best price and quality. Price is an obvious and easy to understand part of every purchasing decision. For example, when you're shopping for a specific name brand power tool it's easy to determine which retailer offers the best value for the best price. But buying building material lumber products, even when they have identical grading stamps, can vary significantly among retailers. When you understand the quality points of these products, you'll be armed with the knowledge you need to make better buying decisions.

Before purchasing building material know the store's policies. Some retailers may contend that lumber sales are final when you walk out the front door while others will accept returns of unused materials at the end of a project.

Delivery is another major concern for most DIY homeowners. If your only vehicle is a compact car you can’t haul drywall and other large pieces of material. Even if you can get the material in or on top of your car you will most likely damage it. Some retailers offer free delivery and others charge a small fee, depending on the size of your purchase. But don't expect immediate delivery as it may take several days to work your order into their delivery schedule.

Some home supply centers offer the option of renting a trailer or small flatbed truck to haul your materials. Home Depot and Lowe’s offer this service but you should call ahead to check whether you need to make a reservation and to learn other details of the rental agreement.

Many retailers pride themselves on the personal qualifications of their employees, some of whom are former trade people or craftsman who are willing to share their knowledge and experience with you. Don't hesitate to ask for advice on material selection, specialized tools, or installation procedures.

If you are planning a complex DIY project review your plans with the retailer's service desk. They will be happy to review the projects plan and double check your materials estimates and offer advice.

Not all building material is the same in terms of quality or price. Local building suppliers tend to offer better grade material than large supply centers. If you know how to choose building materials you are in good shape but if you aren’t seek the advice of the supplier. Such advice is free and may have a major impact on the quality of your completed project.

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