When you’re a small company or an individual trader, it can be tricky to determine the best way to source steel for your construction projects. After all, you may not be able to buy steel products in the same volume as a major construction company, meaning that you may end up paying more than you expected.

However, there are ways to save money when it comes to residential steel construction. Here are a number of tips you can follow in order to save money when sourcing steel for a residential project.

Buy Directly From The Manufacturer Or Supplier

By purchasing steel directly from the manufacturer or supplier, you can cut out the middleman and avoid paying extra fees that you would expect from going to your local hardware store. Look for a reputable steel supplier in your area and inquire about their prices for residential steel. It can be far more affordable to do this than any other means of acquiring steel.

Consider The Steel Grade

When undertaking residential steel construction, it’s important to pay attention to the type of steel being used in your project. For example, thicker steel is generally more expensive than thinner steel due to its myriad of benefits – however, the thickest and strongest steel is not required in every single construction project. This is why you should consider the specific needs of your project and determine if you can use thinner steel (without compromising the structural integrity of your building, of course). Thinner steel may be more cost-effective in some cases and still be an adequate match for your project.

Compare Prices Between Suppliers

Just as you would shop around for health insurance or the best deal on a new car, take the time to compare prices from multiple residential steel suppliers in your area. The price of steel can vary from supplier to supplier (and even month to month). When making your comparisons, be sure to take into account the quality of the steel, as well as any additional services that are included in the price, such as delivery or fabrication.

Buy In Bulk

If you want to save money on just about anything, it’s always recommended that you purchase in bulk, and this goes for residential steel construction materials, too. If you have a large project that requires a significant amount of steel, consider buying in bulk from a trusted supplier. Many suppliers offer discounts for large orders, so this could help you save a substantial amount of money.

Opt For Standard Sizes of Materials

Making changes to standard size of steel products can be a costly exercise, so it’s always better to adopt standard sizes rather than custom ones. If you can make your project work with standard sizes of steel, you may be able to save money on fabrication costs by choosing those standard sizes. Check with your supplier to see what standard sizes they offer and see if they will work for your project.

Consider Used Or Recycled Steel

It may be worthwhile to consider used or recycled steel when sourcing residential steel construction materials. Used or recycled steel can be a cost-effective alternative to new steel, and can be purchased from salvage yards, scrap yards, or online marketplaces. However, keep in mind that recycled steel may have some imperfections or irregularities, so it may not be suitable for all projects. Always research the steel and ensure it’s fitted for use.

If you’re looking to work with a trusted Australian-based supplier of steel, get in touch with Australian Steel Traders today. No matter the size of your company, we can connect you with steel products that meet Australian quality standards and specifications.