Framing Lumber Prices | How to Save Money when Buying in Bulk

[@markr2297]

Great to see the process on sorting through details using a spreadsheet and being proactive with suppliers. Glad to see this legwork had a decent payoff also.

[@MasonDixonAcres]

Thanks! It feels good having it all bought and ready to go.

[@pyhervaquerano227]

I should it watch this video before ordering our lumber. Thank you for the tips.

[@ciardiellofarms674]

Going through this right now as we are starting to finish our basement. The one thing I found that saved the most money was being upgraded to contractor status at the box stores. Saved 30% on the first round of wood!

[@MasonDixonAcres]

True! Home Depot made me sign up as a Pro for my large order. They send the order to what they call the “bid room” where discounts are applied for bulk items. But there is still room for more discount negotiation after that.. I found many quotes cheaper than theirs and used that for leverage

[@BrianRistola]

Great video - Is there any way to get a copy your Excel spreadsheet? Putting together a materials list for a build this summer and would like to see what I may be overlooking. I see the Patreon site is down where you previously had access.

[@MasonDixonAcres]

Don’t have the framing one ready yet unfortunately! Been too busy working on everything else, it is on the list though

[@TheAmos1968]

I am building my own home too! Thanks for all the great info and let me say you are something else (plus your wife!). I have a really simple question. I watched a ton of your videos and this is probably a stupid one. I see in the video your under cab lighting. What did you choose? You probably did a video on this, but I have not found it. Thanks

[@MasonDixonAcres]

I appreciate it! I actually did a 3 part series on building these cabinets a couple years ago, the lighting is addressed in the last video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iqarga1nfK2Igas

[@andywright417]

Do you have a spreadsheet available of the total cost?

[@vincentput]

A very useful way to save money! I would like to converse on the choice of a stick framed building, compared to the Western European cinder block inner wall with an air gap/insulation layer and then an outer brick facade or other material. Apart from ecological reasoning and perhaps tradition, was there another reason for choosing this construction type? Here this "American" way of building is increasing, but most people still prefer the robustness and longevity of concrete and brick. Even though we will never live long enough to enjoy this advantage.

[@MasonDixonAcres]

I totally agree with you that masonry construction is a superior technique for super long lasting buildings. America does build most commercial buildings, schools, etc. in that fashion. Many houses in Florida are built this way as well. I think the acclaimed architect Joe Lstiburek has this listed as his "perfect wall assembly" for its resistance to moisture and continuous exterior insulation. In my mind, the reason stick framing is popular for most US residential construction is reduced cost and complexity. Tall masonry walls require signficant planning for reinforcement (engineering) and more skilled labor to construct well, so they are limited to basements where they are necessary for strength and moisture resistance or in commercial buildings where the extra cost is easily budgeted in. There are extra details for block that require more care, such as furring interior walls and fastening details for windows/doors. Brick is also a very expensive fascade here due to the skilled labor involved. Generally, wood framing is quicker, easier, and cheaper than laying block/brick, and if detailed properly can be just as impervious to moisture (not fire unfortunately). Subcontractors are familiar with it as well. I will say though, full-height ICF walls are catching on in the US fairly well.

[@vincentput]

@@MasonDixonAcres interesting. Because of strict building regulations and lumber prices, stick framing is as expensive as brick building here in Belgium. I am excited to see your build. It is quite exotic and fun lookung to see a totally different way of building.