Traditionally, the price of labor, land prices, and the cost of building materials has been pretty much out of a builder’s hands. But things are different in this new economy. Labor is no longer hard to find, land prices are coming down (for the most part), and now manufacturers are doing their part with new programs and services that could help builders build better, faster, and, ideally, cheaper, so that all those losses can turn back into profits.
Hard cost savings are often difficult to quantify, especially at a program's outset, but here are five new offerings from manufacturers that are specifically geared toward helping builders save time, money, and headaches in this difficult housing market.
Lumber Liquidators. Known nationwide as the place for wood, bamboo, and laminate flooring at unbelievably low prices, the Toano, Va.-based company recently established a Wholesale Division that allows builders, contractors, and developers to purchase products at special contractor pricing. The new programs include project specification assistance, model home materials, and customer assistance 24 hours a day, among other benefits. All products on the company’s Web site are available through the Wholesale Division. 800-274-2360.
