Hardscapes - Masonry Materials Supply
About Masonry Materials Supply
Introduction
One of the important factors that must be considered carefully in a masonry project is the procurement of materials. Having a good mason is only secondary to ensuring materials quality and availability. Commonly used masonry materials like bricks and stones are not really expensive, but it does costs a lot of money moving them from the source to the construction site making shipping cost a major concern for architects and contractors. The best way to obtain materials, therefore, is to use the ones locally available. However, this is not always possible, especially in those areas where natural resources are limited and where specific materials are not available in the local masonry stores. In this case, supply of masonry materials can be provided by a supplier.
Things to Consider in Choosing a Supplier
- Obtain price quotes from more than one supplier for comparison. Do not be quick in choosing the supplier that offers the lowest rate. It is either he quoted for material with wrong specifications or the materials are of lesser quality. Price difference should normally not be lower than 10% of the prevailing rate.
- Ask the supplier to provide a list of bank reference as well as their previous and existing clients. This information would establish the supplier's reputation and reliability . Suppliers who are serious in their business will not have a problem providing the list, and in most cases, would voluntarily provide it even when clients do not ask for it.
- Make sure the supplier offers warranty . Be careful of those suppliers that offer low price but limited warranty.
- Always ask for material samples. Supplier usually asks for payment of samples requested. Making samples entails costs and asking for payment is a protection from abusive customers who would often ask for samples but will not place any order. To compensate for the cost of the samples, discounts may be requested from the supplier as soon as orders are to be placed.
Masonry Store
Homeowners can also buy materials either from a home center or from a masonry supply store that sells not only to professional contractors but also to the general public. Masonry stores usually offer lower prices because they have a higher volume of sales due to bulk orders from professional masonry contractors. They also have a wider selection of masonry materials in different styles and colors. And most importantly, they have a showroom which gives the buyers an idea of how the material will look like as a finished product. Their staff can also give expert advice on the best material to be used on a specific project as well as the quantities needed. Tips to Ensuring Materials Availability
- Work in close coordination with the masonry contractor. Contractors usually have contact suppliers and they would know from which supplier to get the specific material required for the project. They can also recommend a supplier that offers the best price and excellent customer service.
- Decide which specific materials are to be used before making an order so as to avoid costly variations and delays in delivery during the construction process.
- Orders must be placed as soon as possible with realistic timetable for delivery schedule.
- Make sure that materials ordered are of correct quantity to deflect extra cost for additional delivery and to avoid disruptions in the construction process. It would also be wise to have a reasonable amount of excess in the quantity of materials to be ordered. Unused materials can be used for future projects.
- Make sure the supplier is clear about the details of the requirement and the material specifications. Maintain close contact with him until the project is completed.
- Always have an alternative in case the desired material specification is not available. This would help contractors in finding options from other suppliers.
