Construction Material Mistakes to Avoid

An important step when taking on any construction project is selecting and ordering materials. Getting your materials right is key to making your project a success. Below are just a few common mistakes to avoid when it comes to construction materials.

Choosing the wrong materials

There are many different materials used within construction. It’s important to consider your goals in order to choose the right materials. For example, when choosing a roofing material, asphalt could be a cheap option. But if you’re looking for a long-lasting option, you may find that you were better off choosing a material like metal or clay. It’s worth noting that even if you’ve settled on a material like timber, there are many different types of timber - certain types of wood may be a better choice than others depending on the local climate, your budget, the structural demands and your aesthetic goals. So make sure that you do your material research.

Miscalculating how much you need

Another common mistake involving construction materials is ordering too much/not ordering enough. Having excess materials isn’t so much of an issue as you may be able to sell them to make some money back. Running out of materials can be more of an issue if you’re working within a strict time frame - you may not always have time to order new materials and may have no choice but to exceed the deadline. When it comes to made-to-measure parts, it’s crucial that you get your measurements exact - you don’t want to have to order an entirely new part.

Not storing materials correctly

Materials could get damaged if you don’t store them correctly. Make sure that you’re not leaving materials like timber open to the elements. You can buy construction portable storage to shelter your materials. Having somewhere secure to store materials is also important for warding off thieves who may want to steal your supplies - make sure that any storage unit you use is locked when you're not around.

Failing to shop around for prices

When ordering materials, don’t immediately go with the first quote. You could find that other suppliers are offering much cheaper prices for the same materials. Already having a quote could allow you to ask for a price match - you may find that some suppliers are willing to undercut a competitor’s prices to win you over (although this is more likely to be the case with larger construction projects). If you’re a construction company that regularly uses the same suppliers, it’s possible that you may be able to get some good loyalty discounts, however it’s still worth occasionally shopping around to see what other prices are out there.

Going over budget

Maintaining a strict budget is important whether you’re a customer or a construction company. Take your time at the beginning to work out exactly how much the project is going to cost and how much you are willing to spend. As a customer, you don’t want to be getting yourself into too much debt, or worse reaching a point where you run out of funding options and have to leave a project unfinished. If you’re a construction company, it’s key that you provide an accurate quote that covers all the costs while leaving you with a decent profit. Leave enough room for mistakes or oversights, but still try your best to keep within your budget so that you’re making a worthwhile return.