Custom orders from Jaeger Lumber offer the convenience of everything you need – including lumber, masonry, drywall, electrical, and more – ready for you to collect. Placing a custom order, however, takes care. If you forget an item, you’ll find yourself losing valuable work time on a return trip. Here, Jaeger Lumber helps you avoid the hassle with a guide to planning to purchase custom building products.
Create a Shopping List
Before you ever visit our supply yard or place an online order, create a list of what you need. Review your entire project and mark down every building material or tool necessary for completion. Then check your list against what you already own. Do research on the ideal items for your build, asking yourself questions such as:
- What kinds of lumber are best for your applications?
- Are your nails and screws the right size?
- What colors and styles will appeal to your client?
- Do you have the correct tools for the job?
- Is your personal protection equipment (PPE) in good condition?
It may sometimes be tempting to say, “Close enough.” However, remember that using tools inappropriately can be dangerous, and equipping yourself properly is essential for safety.
As an added benefit, the review process may also highlight places where your planning is incomplete. This gives you another opportunity to make decisions and eliminate mistakes. By catching errors in advance, you’ll feel more confident in your preparations and ensure a successful project.
Calculate Quantity
Once you’ve determined what you need, it’s time to do the math on quantity. Do this for every material you need, and aim for accuracy rather than a general estimate. We recommend checking your calculations multiple times before making an order. You’ll want to purchase enough to finish each stage of your project without requiring a resupply.
If you’re new to construction, check out our kitchen measuring guide. Jaeger Lumber helps you get started with step-by-step instructions on measuring before a remodel. Our planning grid may also be useful for sketching plans and marking down measurements.
When making decisions on quantity, don’t skimp. If anything, order more than you believe you need. No matter how thorough your preparations are, no project is immune to complications. If an unexpected event demands more supplies than you planned, you may not have enough left. Stretching your materials will result in substandard construction. Picking up more will use valuable time. By buying extra materials at the start of your project, you give yourself the flexibility to adapt as complications arise.
Choose a Reliable Supplier
Of course, you can’t always plan a project perfectly. Sometimes, complications occur that require more surplus material than you have. In other instances, you may realize you need items you didn’t expect. You’ll need to make a return trip to secure the supplies you need.
When this happens, it helps to have a reliable provider who can help you with seamless resupplies. Jaeger Lumber has served contractors and homeowners in New Jersey since 1937, giving us extensive experience with all kinds of construction work. Not only are we a full-service provider; but we also hire a knowledgeable and professional sales team who can advise on your purchase, helping you choose the right products for a successful project completion.
Shop for Custom Building Products Today
Whether you’re a professional contractor or a homeowner with a passion for DIY, Jaeger Lumber can help you find the custom building products you need. With eight locations across NJ, we serve the entire state with high-quality construction supplies and advice. Contact us today to find out more about how we can help, or to request our insight on your custom order.