These shops may not look as chic as some high street retailers, but the principles are the same, if not better. Under these merchants, the more you spend the better the service and potential discounts are likely to be – a win for both parties.
To attract your business, many merchants will offer a take-off service whereby you give them your plans and their own QS team will calculate the materials you need, what they will cost and, of course, offer to provide them for you. They may also throw in incentives such as paying for things like airtightness checks to tempt you in, which can be really useful down the line.
Building a good relationship with these merchants throughout your project will most likely become an advantage, so make use of their hands-on knowledge and experience.
Building a good relationship with these merchants throughout your project will most likely become an advantage, so make use of their hands-on knowledge and experience.
Ensuring that you are beginning your project with quality building materials can sometimes be difficult, as you may not know until you begin to use/install them.
Many of the materials you need will be decided by your architect or designer and could be determined by the specification rather than aesthetics. For example, roof trusses, joists, blocks, structural panels and timber frames will be researched and correctly budgeted to guarantee their quality, as these could make or break the job at hand.
However, you will be able to have an input regarding the visible materials, as these will have a direct impact on the perception of quality and style you are trying to achieve.
However, you will be able to have an input regarding the visible materials, as these will have a direct impact on the perception of quality and style you are trying to achieve.
While the planners will have the final say on external materials like windows, doors, external wall finishes and roof coverings, you can argue for what you would wish to have with good reason. And, assuming your choices are in keeping with any planning conditions and the local vernacular, the planners will usually look to support your preference.
