Materials & Procurement guides
Material pricing, waste factors, lead times and buying for a project.
How to Find the Cost of Construction Materials
This guide shows how to price the cost of construction materials from takeoff quantities through supplier quotes, waste factors, CSI division unit costs, and AACE estimate classes.
How to Keep Material Prices Current in Your Estimates
A practical guide to keeping material costs for estimating current, from supplier validation and cost index escalation to waste factors, contingency and historical price files.
How to Buy Construction Materials Online Safely
A practical guide to buying construction materials online safely, covering supplier verification, quantity takeoffs, spec matching, unit-price comparison, payment protection, delivery inspection, and returns.
Best Online Sources for Building Materials in the US
A practical guide to buying building materials online in the US, covering supplier channels, quote comparison, lead times, waste factors and landed cost per square foot.
10 Ways to Save Money on Construction Materials
A practical guide to cutting material costs through accurate takeoffs, realistic waste factors, smarter procurement, and value engineering that protects quality.
What Is Procurement in Construction? Process and Types
A practical walkthrough of procurement in construction — the process, procurement vs purchasing, contract methods, bid documents, schedules, lead times, and risk.