I have a takeoff for a house that i’ve given to 5 different lumberyards, and they have all come within a couple of hundred of dollars or so.
What do I look for on choosing the right lumber yard for my lumber package? Customer service , lumber quality , timely service? Did I answer my own question?
I was just curious if there’s anything in particuar I should look or ask for ?
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Many lumberyards carry the same "brands" of lumber, and quality from the same yard can vary week to week. I would put my money where the "timely service" is concerned; i.e., if you need 10 more of ___ they will get them to you that day, not three days from now. Also, the courtesy of the delivery drivers is important--nothing worse than arguing with the forklift guy about why he needs to space all the joist lumber 8-10' apart (so you can get a pair of horses in between).
Yes I think you answered your own question. Now if your trying to compare prices, each takeoff will vary + or - qty, which makes it hard to compare apples to apples I typically take the big number (ie: Sheet goods, studs, lineal) and compare unit prices. Assuming quality, service, and relationship with yards is equal I go with the yard that has the lower unit prices for large ticket items. Shop direct for trusses and avoid middle man.