Does accumulating materials to build a garage make sense?

[reader2580]

I am hoping to build my garage in 18 months. Does it make sense to accumulate materials I can get at good prices now, or do I risk having piles of unusable material in 18 months?

I found brand new grade A 1/2" OSB for $13 per sheet for 120+ sheets. A lumberyard has 2x6x12 lumber for $9.07 each and they are $17 each at Menards. What might kill the deal is figuring out to unload the material once I get it home.

 

[Copymutt]

I can vouch, yes. I saved thousands by hitting the sales and demo stores. I did store most items in a storage rental. That was an insignificant expense. Built heated, plumbed ,two OH doors, 1200 sq ft for under 60k. That included some higher end touches. Of course that was back in 96.

 

[jkeyser14]

I can vouch, yes. I saved thousands by hitting the sales and demo stores. I did store most items in a storage rental. That was an insignificant expense. Built heated, plumbed ,two OH doors, 1200 sq ft for under 60k. That included some higher end touches. Of course that was back in 96.

Storage units must be a lot cheaper where you live. Here they would eat up all the savings and then some.

 

[Skooterj]

If you have somewhere to store the material, yes. If not, probably no. If you do buy the 2x6's, make sure to keep them banded or they have a greater chance of warping. Beside storage cost, you have to also consider multiple delivery fees. When I built my house, I was able to save hundreds by shopping sales, but I could save the material in the garage or house until it was needed. I did have to move stuff a few times so the trades could work in one area before moving the material (Cabinets, appliances, light fixtures, etc.) around again for a separate trade.

 

[reader2580]

I would have to store everything outside, or in my current garage. The 2x6s are at a lumberyard 75 miles away so delivery would be an issue. I would plan to pick them up as I have a vehicle that easily tow 7,000+ pounds. Unloading a bunk of OSB or lumber would be the issue.

Storage rental would eat up any savings.

 

[mike93lx]

Unloading is easy. One at a time. If you can build a shop, that shouldt be a problem.

Unless the materials are at pricing comparable to a couple years ago, I would probably hold off. Lumber will go up and down but historically, has been pretty stable. Expecting it to get back to that stability is reasonable, IMO

 

[RPH]

I would have to store everything outside, or in my current garage. The 2x6s are at a lumberyard 75 miles away so delivery would be an issue. I would plan to pick them up as I have a vehicle that easily tow 7,000+ pounds. Unloading a bunk of OSB or lumber would be the issue.

Storage rental would eat up any savings.

Unloading is one piece at a time. This does give you a chance to stack the lumber for longer term storage. I would have a bander of some type to tighten up on the bundles.

 

[sjvicker]

If you have the space for lumber AND wont have to move it several times then I'd go for it. Worst case it gets cheaper than you paid but that's a gamble that may be worthwhile nowadays.

I'd also consider stocking up on the smaller items such as electrical components, Simpson brackets, fasteners. Worst case is you can sell any leftovers on Craigslist after you build.

 

[reader2580]

Unloading is easy. One at a time. If you can build a shop, that shouldt be a problem.

Unless the materials are at pricing comparable to a couple years ago, I would probably hold off. Lumber will go up and down but historically, has been pretty stable. Expecting it to get back to that stability is reasonable, IMO

One of the issues is that a full banded bunk of material is likely to stay flat and true versus unloading it one by one. It is unlikely I could stack and band material as well as they did at the mill. I would need help to move all of the OSB one sheet at a time.

Prices on building materials are going to be a gamble. 7/16" OSB was down to $16 or $17 a month or two ago, but is back up to $27.49. 1/2" OSB is another dollar more. The 1/2" OSB I can get for $13 from a local place right now. I think it was $10 or $11 before the pandemic.

I have my doubts we'll see building materials as low as before the pandemic without some sort of massive recession.

 

[finn]

The trouble with stockpiling things like building materials is that you’re always tripping over them, they make for double handling, are subject to damage, plans change, and it’s not a sure bet that you’re even going to be among the living tomorrow, let alone a year from now.

Better to spend your time and money on planning and site preparation rather than chasing pennies hoarding material you may never use.

 

[FMB4]

Yep, I too would wait. A lot can happen in your life, or your loved one's lives, that put the whole project on an indefinite 'holding pattern' (as Finn mentions above).

 

[Copymutt]

Storage units must be a lot cheaper where you live. Here they would eat up all the savings and then some.

Perhaps they were back in 95. Not a metro situation.

 

[reader2580]

The trouble with stockpiling things like building materials is that you’re always tripping over them, they make for double handling, are subject to damage, plans change, and it’s not a sure bet that you’re even going to be among the living tomorrow, let alone a year from now.

Better to spend your time and money on planning and site preparation rather than chasing pennies hoarding material you may never use.

My planning is 90% done. I've decided on where to place the building, figured out the size and design with some minor tweaks yet, talked extensively with the city to be sure my plans meet code, and had a concept plan drawn up by a guy who designs houses. I also had the building engineered by a structural engineer, but I have decided to change things to avoid the need for engineering.

My big issue is coming up with enough money at this point. I can't really do any site prep since the existing garage is getting torn down. Buying materials when good deals come up would help me save a few thousand.

I am starting to think that buying huge amounts of materials early would just end up being a pain like some have said.

 

[duneslider]

Lumber is super high right now again and I don't think the price you are seeing is that good. They are projecting prices will come down again in maybe 6 months, could be sooner. I don't think I would buy lumber right now to sit on.

 

[reader2580]

I have decided to wait to buy any materials, but with the way my luck goes most of the time I may never build. In 18 months OSB will probably be $60 a sheet again and I'll have to save a few more years to afford the materials. My luck means I would save a few more years and OSB would be up to $100 a sheet so it will be a never ending cycle of needing more and more money to build.

 

[reader2580]

Lumber is super high right now again and I don't think the price you are seeing is that good. They are projecting prices will come down again in maybe 6 months, could be sooner. I don't think I would buy lumber right now to sit on.

Unless we have a serious recession I doubt building materials will ever come remotely close to pre-pandemic prices. OSB dropped down to $16 to $17 per sheet a few months back, but that was still 60% higher than previous prices. OSB is back up to $27 per sheet already.

I decided not to buy anything now, but the material I was going to buy is way cheaper than current retail prices. $13 per sheet for 1/2" OSB and $9.07 for 2x6"-12'.

 

[duneslider]

It is absolutely high right now and it will come down again. Yes, probably not to prepandemic prices but it is def high right now and everyone is predicting it dropping again in the next 6 or so months. I expect the osb will be back to that 13ish or less a sheet once that happens.

 

[reader2580]

OSB was $50 to $60 at the peak so even $27 seems cheap to a lot of people now. $13 is an absolute bargain right now.

I'll wait, but I have my doubts we'll ever see the day I can walk into a typical retail lumberyard and get OSB for $13 ever again. If the material is selling well at current prices why would the sheet goods industry bring the price back down? If supply gets too high maybe they'll slow production or temporarily close a plant to keep prices high as long as it sells.

 

[FMB4]

... the way my luck goes most of the time I may never build.

I think you've made the best decision. Also keep in mind that it is a common rule-of-thumb that a building permit will expire if the work it covers does not begin within 6 months or is not completed within one year of the date it is issued.

Above is copied and pasted from the Internet.

 

[Skooterj]

I think you've made the best decision. Also keep in mind that it is a common rule-of-thumb that a building permit will expire if the work it covers does not begin within 6 months or is not completed within one year of the date it is issued.

Above is copied and pasted from the Internet.

Building permits in my area are good for 3 years.

 

[reader2580]

I think you've made the best decision. Also keep in mind that it is a common rule-of-thumb that a building permit will expire if the work it covers does not begin within 6 months or is not completed within one year of the date it is issued.

Above is copied and pasted from the Internet.

Buying materials and stockpiling them is a lot different then getting a building permit. I would not be getting a building permit until I was actually ready to build.

It doesn't seem like building permits ever expire here. I have an open siding permit for current garage from six years ago and the city has never once mentioned it, not even when I got another building permit. My neighbor helped me with the soffit and fascia on the garage, but he has yet to install the final pieces of the fascia. He brought the pieces over once, but he had done them in the wrong color. I can't have the work inspected without the fascia complete.

I talked to the city building official about building the foundation one year and the rest of the building the next year. He was fine with that, but he said he would want me to get separate permits. I am no longer going to build in two phases since I will be tearing down the existing garage.

 

[ItsNemo]

FYI, lumber prices bottomed out in Nov/Dec, they're back on the rise now and will likely get worse through the spring/summer construction season.

 

[reader2580]

FYI, lumber prices bottomed out in Nov/Dec, they're back on the rise now and will likely get worse through the spring/summer construction season.

Exactly. We are still a few months from peak construction season yet some predict prices will plummet within six months. Either construction activity has to fall off a cliff, or production has to increase greatly for prices to plummet.

There are a lot of projects postponed from 2020 and 2021 waiting for the price of building materials to fall.

 

[duneslider]

OSB was down to 12-13 in my area in nov/dec. 2x4's were under 4 bucks. When prices started going up there was a huge buying spree and all the large builders horded materials so prices jumped way up, the current admin tariff on canadian wood didn't help either. There is no real shortage of wood products. I have been in buying a few things here and there and my local supply places are telling me it isn't flying off the shelves at the current prices, with inflation going on people don't have as much extra money to spend on projects. Building is still high but by summer I expect prices to drop back to what they were in Nov/Dec.

 

[u2slow]

OSB is an incredible moisture sponge. I wouldn't pre-buy that in a humid climate unless it was fully wrapped lift I could keep it indoors until being used. Treat it like drywall.

 

[Smokeem]

If I was planning on building a building and could fine OSB that cheap I would be all over buying it. I'm starting my shop here as soon as the snow is gone in the spring and I have already started buying materials. I just purchased all the OSB our local Lowes had at $15 a sheet 3 weeks ago and now its $28 and going up. I have already ordered trusses and garage doors plus been grabbing other odds and ends that I find deals on. Just got notified yesterday that lumber is going up 20%. Right now in my area trusses are at least 4 months out and grage doors are 3-4 months as well. We are living in a very different time with the supply chain issues. I don't think that we will see lumber coming down any time soon.

 

[finn]

OSB was down to 12-13 in my area in nov/dec. 2x4's were under 4 bucks. When prices started going up there was a huge buying spree and all the large builders horded materials so prices jumped way up, the current admin tariff on canadian wood didn't help either. There is no real shortage of wood products. I have been in buying a few things here and there and my local supply places are telling me it isn't flying off the shelves at the current prices, with inflation going on people don't have as much extra money to spend on projects. Building is still high but by summer I expect prices to drop back to what they were in Nov/Dec.

I think you meant previous, not current.

 

[mikedodge]

I would buy osb now if it's a great price and you have a dry place out of the weather to store it.
2x4 and 2x6 etc no way. Too much chance of it twisting or warping before you use it.

 

[turbowoodworker]

Also think about hitting the ReStores for plumbing and electrical. They also get surplus hardware at times. One way to supply your hardware bins.

 

[larry4406]

I built my 24x26 barn by stashing materials one by one in my basement for 2+ years. “One piece at a time” as Johnny Cash sang.

 

[nadogail]

It boils down to a ratio between costs and benefits. Any material you can get at a very low price or even free just might be worth your while to acquire them. More than 45 years ago I was able to buy 1 pound boxes of 6 and 12 penny nails at an unbelievable price, I am still looking at a few boxes in my storage cabinet. I now have a pneumatic framing nailer I use when ever possible. But I still smile when ever I drive one of those almost free nails by hand. I recently had to replace the exterior doors on the water heater and furnace closet at a rental. The 1“ plywood that someone gave me made the new doors. I use repurposed steel when ever possible for fence posts. I have an area that is 3’ wide and about 27‘ long with an open shed roof between my garage and the property line fence that has become my “Lumber Yard”. I collect old bed frames and with some scraps of pipe I have welded up some racks for storage and frequently find the materials to get a job done at very little cash outlay.
I know my thinking about a lot of things is different than most other people. My parents got married during the depression and I was born during it.

 

[MushCreek]

In preparing to build our place, I only pre-bought items that were a real bargain. I bought my Hardi siding for 25 cents on the dollar. I bought ten antique interior doors for $100. Not each- for all ten. I considered buying Romex, as prices were climbing, but by the time I built, it was cheaper than when I was going to buy it. Moving and storing building materials is a pain. I bought the Hardi (6000 lbs.) in FL and stored it in my garage there. I then loaded it and hauled it to SC, and stored it in the barn. I moved it once again up to the house to install it.

I shopped carefully for everything I bought. The big box stores were cheaper than any other source for Romex and Simpson connectors. Local lumberyards were cheaper for lumber, plywood, drywall, and steel studs. Things like nail gun nails were far, far cheaper online. Same for electrical components. I found stuff on Craigslist, FaceBook Marketplace, Habitat for Humanity ReStore, and dozens of online sources. It takes time to do all of this, though. In my case, I had more time than money, and enjoyed the thrill of the hunt for bargains. An example? I needed 500 hot-dipped galvanized lag screws. They were $1.47 each at Home Depot. I bought them from McMaster-Carr for $.27 each. That's a $600 savings on just ONE small item.

 

[FredWanaker]

keep the wood you buy covered and insulated so that neither the weather, heat, or sun does not get to them and warp them. Also store them in a supported fashion in multiple spots so that they do not sag. Normally when wood is stored for a long period, it is in a humidity controlled environment.

 

[Sumboodie]

OSB is an incredible moisture sponge. I wouldn't pre-buy that in a humid climate unless it was fully wrapped lift I could keep it indoors until being used. Treat it like drywall.

I wouldn't buy that cheap stuff at all.
Buy some proper quality OSB, like made by Huber.

 

[reader2580]

I shopped carefully for everything I bought. The big box stores were cheaper than any other source for Romex and Simpson connectors. Local lumberyards were cheaper for lumber, plywood, drywall, and steel studs. Things like nail gun nails were far, far cheaper online. Same for electrical components. I found stuff on Craigslist, FaceBook Marketplace, Habitat for Humanity ReStore, and dozens of online sources. It takes time to do all of this, though. In my case, I had more time than money, and enjoyed the thrill of the hunt for bargains. An example? I needed 500 hot-dipped galvanized lag screws. They were $1.47 each at Home Depot. I bought them from McMaster-Carr for $.27 each. That's a $600 savings on just ONE small item.

The Minneapolis metro area must have some really bad lumberyards. I have NEVER contacted a lumberyard here that sells lumber for less than the big box stores. I contacted one place about buying some Smartside siding. They were easily 20% more than ordering the exact same part number from Menards. Another local lumberyard was advertising clearance items on Craigslist. They were charging more than full retail for the same exact items at Menards! This doesn't mean I won't get bids on the lumber package once I am ready to start.

The only time I have gotten lower prices at a local lumberyard is for surplus/B grade material. There is a lumberyard in a small town 75 miles away that sells regular lumber for much less than anywhere else, but they only have lumber periodically. It seems they only buy lumber when they they get a really good deal on a semi load or two.

 

[tstaude]

I have been building my barn project exactly as you stated.
After taking down the original one I denailed and stacked all the lumber neatly then covered with tarps.
The only difference is I did not have OSB to store, you would definitely want some HD plastic over it then a tarp.

 

[reader2580]

I wouldn't buy that cheap stuff at all.
Buy some proper quality OSB, like made by Huber.

The OSB I was considering buying is by LP. I have decided not to buy any materials until I am ready to build.

I will be 50 years old in a month. If I buy all premium materials like engineered studs and ZIP sheathing by Huber I'll be retired at age 67 or dead before I can afford to start construction. The prices go up every year I wait. Within five years I'll need to spend at least $1,000 to put a new roof on my current garage if I keep putting the new one off.

About four or five years ago I got an estimate to repair my septic and put it off by a year. A year later the price had gone up 50% to do the work so I put it on the back burner. It got to the point I could no longer put it off in Fall 2020. It cost me double what the original estimate had been four or five years earlier. Luckily, I had saved up a good amount of money by 2020 so it wasn't a financial issue to pay the bill.

 

[reader2580]

If OSB absorbs moisture in a humid environment then isn't it the wrong material for building with? The OSB is going to be in that humid environment for decades to come once it is installed. We don't have summer humidity like Houston or Florida, but Minnesota has three or four months where the dewpoint is mostly in the 60s or 70s.

 

[NUTTSGT]

I'd buy electrical stuff, fasteners and hardware before anything else if gathering pieces is your plan.

 

[MushCreek]

It depends upon how you store things. Many people would lay a few 4X4's on the ground, stack the OSB on it, and throw a tarp over it. All of that ground moisture would percolate up, probably trapped by the tarp. A thick stack of OSB has no way to air out and dry. Used in a building, it's single layer with air around it. I don't like OSB anywhere near the ground, though. I used it for gable sheathing and roof sheathing.

At the time I was building (2012-2015), local lumberyards were about 15% cheaper. I went to the pro desk at HD and asked about discounts for an entire house worth of materials. They told me it would be the same price as it was marked, ie, no discount. I also had a contractor working with me on the ICF part, and he knew exactly where to go to get the best deals on everything. One place was cheaper on sheet goods; a different place for structural lumber; yet another place for concrete supplies, such as rebar.