Ordering lumber for my garage build

[Zogman]

I'm getting close to the build of my garage. Grading is coming up next week. I spoke with a home depot rep last week and they just need the architectural files and they forward them to Atlanta and they will get me a bill of materials and a quote. The cost is $200 but that's reimbursed if you end up buying from them. I also plan on having Lowe's quote it out. Any thoughts on having a Ganahl lumber quote it out and does it make sense for me to pay all the quote fees that each of them have or should I just pass the Home depot bill of material onto them to quote off of?

What's the best way for me to approach these suppliers so I can make sure they are quoting apples & apples. Do I request a certain grade of lumber from all of them? What grade do I look for to build a 2400 sq ft garage?

Also, should I just have the framer order materials or do they usually tack on a hefty charge for them to order it?

This is my first rodeo and I'm going as an owner - builder and will be finding my own subs. Just trying to make sure I don't screw up trying to save a buck... but I am looking to save a buck. Any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks'

Zoli

 

[rieferman]

Being that this is your first rodeo, how is it that you have good subs that you trust?

I don't mean that to sound rude, I just want to be sure we can give you the best advice, and this is a critical part of the success of your project.

 

[Zogman]

I am working out the subs process right now in getting quotes and references. Most of the subs have been referred by other people.

 

[rieferman]

I wish you luck, truly I do. They say that subs will make you or break you, and having managed some large scale builds, I can attest to that being the case.

That said, I have found that in my area the lumber yard (especially for larger orders) is only about 5% higher than big box stores. And, they offer far better materials (straighter lumber, higher quality subfloor, better fasteners etc.) and free delivery in their shipping radius. And, the guys at my lumber yard know their stuff and are willing to answer questions and provide information if you're a good customer. So I would definitely involve the lumber yard for something of this scale.

However you get your materials list, I would run it past the subs for their approval. Nothing will lose their interest faster than if they don't have what they need on site.

Hope it helps! Post pictures!

 

[MrMark]

In So Cal, at least if talking Orange County, he is looking at Gahanal as the lumber yard. Same crappy wood as Home Depot and higher prices.

I would make sure I had the ability to reject bad wood from the delivered pile. It seems to never get done and I think that using straight wood that is not soaking wet is the most important part of the framing process.

 

[rieferman]

Makes me appreciate my local lumber yard even more.

 

[woodrail]

Sadly, I would insist that all quotes from the big boxes be done with "top choice" or whatever the designation is.

Pay more & get straight walls. Your subs will thank you.

-or-

Consider metal framing. I've never used it, but suspect I'd give it a shot next time I'm in the position.

 

[gpalmer77]

I find that the higher the grade the lumber from HD, Lowes etc, the better the appearance and the worse the performance in terms of staying true and not splintering to pieces with a badly fired nail. I found that the construction grade lumber from the local lumber yard was way better, stayed straight and true during storage, and was easy to build with. It was noticably wetter than the HD lumber pile.

I find that the 10' lumber at HD is better wood than the 8' "stud" pieces, which seem to be graded very closely on appearance, but twist within 2 hours of being unstrapped. I'll take waned and checked boards (within grade spec) over a "perfect" premium grade piece every time.

I'm sure it varies by locality, but I was much better off with the local lumber yard. I went to the HD on one Sunday when I needed wood for one of my dormers and ended up wishing I had waited until the lumber yard was open again.

My local yard gave me a pretty decent price break on a $4k+ order.

 

[CNGsaves]

How about asking your local framing crew foreman which lumber supplier is best?? He is the one who'll know and be the one actually using the lumber.

 

[polexican23]

What about just using the project computers they have in menards, home depot? They give you material lists and pricing and doesnt cost you a dime. It would be nice if they gave you chair to sit down and take your time.

 

[mbatarga]

I'd suggest you shop around. So far on my build, I've purchased framing lumber and roof decking (Techshield type) from a local lumberyard, OSB sheathing and the entry door from Lowes, and the architectural shingles and windows from Home Depot.

The lumberyard was $2/sheet cheaper than others for the roof decking. Other choices were determined by style/price (windows and shingles.) He told me he couldn't touch the shingle prices at HD or Lowes.

I'd say making all purchases from 1 supplier might not get you the best choices for everything - nor will it likely be the cheapest.

 

[AZ Pete]

I may be a out of date, but when we sent for bids, we specified the grade of lumber and other materials, so that when we got the bids in, we knew that we were comparing equal products. That said I did have one supplier ignore the grades that were specified, he won the bid and I had them come and get all their lumber off of the site, once I had inventoried and inspected it, they made as second delivery and I rejected that too, because it did not meet the specifications that they bid on.

If you specify kiln dried, make sure that is what they deliver, if you order #2 or better, again inspect every stick.

So to answer your question, I would get a bill of material that all suppliers would bid on. Or you can break it into parts and look to different suppliers to bid specific items (dimension lumber, plywood, OSB, doors, windows, roofing, fasteners). But I would sure inventory and inspect what is delivered, suppliers do make mistakes, and some are just plain sloppy in what they do.

 

[bczygan]

Get the lumber yard to do the takeoff and quote. They don't usually charge.

Take the itemized takeoff around to the others.

Use this as a way to compare pricing.

It won't be exactly what you need.

 

[xyster101]

I am working on a garage and went with 84 Lumber. Free materials list, cheaper then HD, but lots of fissures in the wood. Plus they were able to meet my delivery times. HD gives like a 4 hour window which doesn't work when you are pouring concrete, getting inspections, and framing in the same day.

 

[Zeke]

Ganahl is a good bet but you need to take your list into the commercial or contractor office. If you can see the person from the store floor, he isn't going to give you the best bid. You can call Orange Coast Lumber in Santa Ana. The are a smaller yard and pretty easy to deal with. For a garage, you don't need too much fancy stuff.

I called OCL just to make sure they have pretty much what you need and even over the phone he gave me a good price per bd ft. If you're closer to Long Beach, there's Lindsay Lumber in Paramount. They have some nice lumber and sort of specialize in larger sizes of beams. But it's all there from common studs to massive beams in case you want to built a small wooden bridge.

The thing is, if you can get an accurate take off, you can fax that around. "Accurate" is the key word here. You ought to be able to do this yourself. There are some short cuts like one stud per lineal foot to get you enough for corners jacks and sills. But that's for a house. You would have a few extra in a simple structure with very few openings.
2 X the perimeter rounded off to the next 20 footer should get you enough plate material. One time around for PT and your headers and you've got all the wall material.

Trusses or stick frame? The money goes overhead, so work closely. As mentioned, OSB sheathing is the same everywhere, so use it as a bargaining tool. If they can't meet the best price you can find and make a few bucks, don't buy it from them. You will be doing both yourself and them a favor. Let them know you are willing to work with them and take the whole package including framing hardware and they will see a profit and get you good sticks for a good price.

Some materials are best left to the installer. Roofing and insulation come to mind. The insulation contractors can put it in for almost what it costs you if you buy it. Buy good drywall from Thompson's or someone. They'll bring it out and fork it right to the spot. You don't want to handle drywall 3 times when you can lift it only once.

If you're going lath and plaster, let the plasterer lath it up. I did my own when I was building but I made sure I got it stretched tight or I heard about it big time. The reason I did my own was because I wanted to work on my jobs every day. This gave me something to do while the rough plumbing and electrical were going on. I even managed to work under the roofers from time to time but man is that noisy.

 

[Gary S]

When I built my garage, I simply picked up lumber as I needed it from Menards. No pre-ordering or other planning was needed. They always had what I needed each day.

 

[MonteMike79]

I got all mine from carter, some things they were a hair more than lowes or home depot, but for a few dollars savings I wasn't gonna drive all around town to pick everything up when carter was gonna deliver everything at once. They also accepted any warped or extra returns with no questions asked. My framer said he usually deals with carters and didn't have a problem with me ordering materials. Now this was just lumber no siding or soffet, etc. I got the shingles from a local builder supplier because carters couldn't deliver it when the builder wanted.

 

[rburke65]

I was real happy getting a price with going to the small independent lumber yard and they had really nice looking lumber. I even had them erect my shop. Price was very fair.