Making profit on materials is something that doesn’t really happen in the building industry (hang on caveat that. I guess lots of builders do, its just not the norm)

On larger contracts that I run, I request all the invoices for specialists works to check the price. The contractor adds an agreed percentage of that invoice on top, this is profit overheads and attendance.

We would negotiate this figure at the beginning of a contract and it stays the same throughout.

There are so many ways to get fleeced on buildings by builders, that mickying with the supply costs is right at the bottom of the list.

This is totally different to the car industry where trade and retail prices are totally different. I think this is where a lot of mistrust comes in.

Sure the garage guys and traders have to foster a relationship, make the phone call, arrange for delivery storage etc....that’s where the mark up comes from I guess.

Silver