How to Save 25% on the next rehab

This is great Dallas! I was actually thinking of using an account with a store. Still pondering it though. I'm also in the process of trying to set up a general plan for the houses. Meaning paint color, molding, countertops, carpet color etc,. I'll keep looking out for this post to see what else is added.

Thanks!!

DC

DC You can cut a lot of cost on a job, when you start one make a list of materials that you need, put everything on it. If you take it to H/D pro-desk ask for a bid package,as long as you spend up to $2,500 in the first phase everything gets discounted that and everything after untill you complete the job. There are a few more things but when you like call me and I'll go over some more when ever you want. # is on website can't post it here.

Thanks Jim!! I always like to hear from the veterans. When you've been in business a while and matured, you alway like to avoid the costly mistakes of the unlearned.

Now are you guys getting your cabinets from Home Depot also or do you order them from somewhere. I know an investor here that uses a company, just in case something happens with them. He says if they are installing, then they pay for damage. I was thinking that it would still be cheaper if I did it and just pay for another section if something gets dropped.

DC I get all of my off the shelve from Lowe's,no waiting for redelivery if something is damaged. Lowe's will replace it on the spot no problems. I have been buying them there for over 15 years. Some times if you need a special cabinet that they don't stock it only takes 7-10 days. I do whole kitchens for less than 2k.

Jim, do you prefer Lowes over HD or is that just what's closer to you? I'll be running by HD this evening, and maybe lowes also look more in depth at their cabinets.

I've heard that those are still great, and they work just as good as the factory made cabinets - you just put them together like you're putting a new computer desk together. I wonder if Direct Buy is any good?

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a kitchen worth of cabinets? You're my new hero, Jim. peace,

Don't discount them. A few friends of mine have gotten their cabinets from there also and the prices are comparable if not less.

Another way to save is to go pick up the materials w the contractor. Its then when you'll notice the difference in prices because you won't be paying the 'inconvenience' fee that contractor tack onto your bill for getting the materials. Thats not including the full tank of gas they may or may not charge(you'll never know)

Go with them and compare to the times when they went solo. You'll really notice a reall difference.

I thought of Direct Buy this weekend. However, since Lowes and HD are closer, I'll stick with them. Also, to answer the question on the price match, It has to be the same product and manufacturer. I'm not sure how that'll work, since they have the same products from different manufacturers.(at least most I think) The 10% coupon works though.

And if your order is over $2500, you get the bid price.

DC I get the cabinets at Lowe's because I've always gotten better quality there, at H/D to much variation in the colors.

Thanks Jim, I'll check Lowes tomorrow.

great info from everyone, thanks. When we start a rehab I will make a list and bring it to Lowe's (I prefer them over HD)and ask for the same discounts. They will match and sometimes beat HD.

Yeah, I know Lowes can do it with appliances, too. Most local appliance stores will either meet or beat another's price, too.

What bid price, DC?

Dallas, If your order is over $2500, you go to the contractors desk and they take a look at what they are getting it for and how much of a discount they can give you. This is how they explained it to me. It does not have to be one product, but your total order.

you have to commit to them for a specified amount of time and pay a monthly fee. Thats my main problem with them.

Suppose I only need to use them for one time in a year and i'm still paying them???

Lowes and HD are good for cabinets but the mom and pop hardware store also make good basic cabinets and most are lower prices and more flexible.

Dallas, and DC the bid package at H/D is great if you are ready to get a lot of the things you need that first day, and then you benefit from the discount on the rest of the project.

Elix the good thing with H/D and Lowe's is you get everything interest free for 6-12 months,pay it off when you sell.

If you guys are rehabbing you have to make contacts for everything, you can't just shop at one location.

Cabinets-- I get from Lowe's

Carpet I get from a carpet wholesaler,and they install it.

Appliances - Years ago I found a small appliance dealer and I get great prices, Last house I went with white I got stove,refrigerator,dishwasher,and microwave all for $1,250.00 delivered.

Roofing, Siding,and windows I get from another wholesaler.

Most everything else from H/D.

Jim, I agree with you.

Appliance prices are around that price, and less if you get smart about it. I was thinking what one could also do is to get all the prices from the others, go to each store and get them to out beat each other on everything. Maybe they figure if you get all the stuff from one place (HD or Lowes) you could get a bulk discount, and they get the business? But, it makes sense to have backup vendors/suppliers and accounts like Wilmar and HD Supply or Grainger, because they bill you, too. HD Supply can pricematch some stuff, too. They ship the stuff to you, even appliances. They're good to use if you have apt. complexes or if your a hardcore rehabber. Their customer service is good, too, and they can get you hard to find parts thru the special order dept.

Sometimes the "scratch and dent" stuff works or anything from the clearance or "bargain cave" too. (IF the noticables aren't on the front side of the appliance and the side, back or if they're missing parts, it's a good deal, and sometimes you might be able to haggle on the price if it isn't already discounted enough and you buy enough appliances from them anyway.)

Appliance repair guys are good to have on your team, too. (And most or some will do Net30 billing like other supply vendors ~ just make sure they get paid.)

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What you do, is you buy what you need, then after that cancel your membership. (unless they charge you an outrageous amount to do it) Take your list of cabinets, etc. to Direct Buy and get them to price match. I didn't know they charge membership fees. See if you can bargain with them on the membership fee if you continue to use them?

Been out looking at properties, and in meetings the last few days. I'm looking at HD, Lowes and looking for wholesalers as well for everything.

I've not moved toward Direct Buy. I think I'll stay with the others for now.

Time is money,you guys are starting to sound like a partner I had on my last rehab chasing prices cabinets he got three times,when he was done screwing around I picked them up at Lowe's and installed them that day end of story.

Its also very important to actually have a property that you are putting cabinets in!! That is what I always worry about first.
I have a couple of friends that will look up phone numbers and call 20 places, taking up 2 hours and then drive 10 miles to save $20!! They always provide amusement.

What are the laws like and what licenses are required where you are at to remodel a house your self that is not your primary residence? How about properties older than 1978?

Michael Mangham
MD Home Acquisitions LLC

The only thing to worry about here is that you are supposed to get a licensed plumber,which never made since to me the worst thing someone gets wet.But you can do your own electric just have a fire underwriters electrical inspection, and half of them don't know what you did unless you show them.

Jim, the cabinet issue was really settled when you suggested lowes. Almost every home that I viewed on yesterday needs a whole new kitchen, so this info is very handy. Now, I just have to make a decision as to which one I really want. I did look at another, that was similar to one that I sold last week. It needed nothing but paint, carpet and a fridge. It's in a high end neighborhood, but I think I can get this for a decent price. I have many more to submit offers on, but of course you always have the ones that you would really like to get. We'll see. I have one more to get off the books, and I'll have all guns blazing again.

DC I wish I had that problem, not knowing which one to offer on.

When you work for a property management company at a low income apt. complex, you do what you can to save the company money. I see your point, though.

Dallas your still looking for deals, whats the address I'll come and put them dam cabinets up.

Jim, I'm trying to increase the funds now. This way I can choose all of them. LOL Then , as Michael suggested, sit back and let the contractors get'em all done. It'll come though. I really had to be sure on some prices though, to avoid the mark-ups around here. Still haven't found that perfect contractor yet. I have a few workers that I can call, who are in between builder homes. So, it's working out well on the woodwork and painting.

I had an older gent that built our cabinets for $500. But he's out of touch now. My wife's uncle did our doors, but he's cruising on his Iron Horse most of the time now. I come from generations of carpenters, but it's alot when you're by yourself. Also, the price is never as good as when you build something yourself. Anyway, don't want to ramble.