Home Garden

How to Save on Concrete Block

Finding the best buy on concrete block enables you to remodel or build a new structure less expensively. This type of construction material is often used on homes, storage buildings and for many other projects. Concrete blocks are impermeable by insects and are able to withstand hurricane-force winds better than other building materials. It is also less susceptible to major damage from earthquakes. Although the blocks are expensive, they're worth the extra cost over time.

Instructions

    • 1

      Call a home-supply or remodeling store to see if recycling centers exist in your area for building supplies, such as concrete blocks. These places have lower costs, since the materials are salvaged from other structures.

    • 2

      Ask the salesclerks if they offer discounts seasonally or at certain times of year. Also, ask if they'll cut the price if you buy a certain quantity or type of concrete block.

    • 3

      Borrow a truck and take a couple of helpers with you if the building-supply company charges for delivery of the concrete blocks. This helps save on the total expense of your project.

    • 4

      Attend a building-supply auction in your area. Determine what's a reasonable price for the concrete blocks before you go -- to ensure you don't bid too high. Do this by visiting the home- and building-supply stores in your city.

    • 5

      Talk to any contractors you know personally. Often, they have concrete blocks on hand from projects where they purchased too much. Another reason they may have blocks available is because the homeowner changed his mind about the size of the structure or type of building material he wanted to use.