Despite pandemic-related supply chain issues, you might be surprised at the single factor that can impact your ability to fill your lumber orders and get started on that next project on your docket! Value engineering combined with thorough communication with your lumber supplier can net you more profit, even in a non-pandemic year; but this year, it can make the difference between working and not working. In this third post on the topic (see Parts 1 & 2), we’ll look a little deeper into that all-important relationship between you and your lumber supplier.
Getting More from Your Lumber Supplier: Trusting Expertise
We get it: you’re great at what you do. But here’s the thing: so are we. Not to brag or anything, but we’ve probably seen more decking boards in a single week than you will all season. It’s what we do. Because we know our inventory so well, we’re best equipped to source precisely what you need when we’re given as much information as possible, along with the liberty to use what we have. When we know the precise requirements of your project, we’ll be able to treat it like our own, providing the highest quality at the lowest cost possible — and with the quickest turnaround time.
Counting the Cost: More Service Comes with a Price Tag
As you might expect, asking your supplier for this kind of hand-picked lumber is a full-service endeavor that will take them more time and energy. And of course, that will come with a price attached to it. However, by surrendering your project blueprints and allowing your lumber supplier to do what they do best, you’ll be likely to save even more due to less lead time as well as time and labor on the job site. As a result, you’ll eliminate wasted time sorting through and cutting down boards that are much longer than you needed in the first place. What can you do with all the time you’ll save? Our guess is that you’ll move on to the next job earlier than planned, impacting your bottom line in a very positive way.
In addition, as you reduce waste, you not only allow your supplier to retain those longer boards for other builders whose projects require them, but you’ll also increase the chances that they’ll be there the next time you need them for another job! Whether or not you believe in Karma, this is definitely a situation where you increase the chances that your good deeds will benefit you later on.
Of course, decking isn’t the only kind of construction project in which value engineering and close communication with your lumber supplier will benefit you. From interior flooring and moldings to siding, your lumber supplier will be able to serve you best by starting with the blueprint, milling your boards for you, and staging your project ahead of time for you. This leaves you to do more of what you love: install the lumber and watch your customers smile.
Continue reading with Part 4.
