Trades people can often source building materials at a fraction of their retail cost to the public, but many trades will also try and build in a bit of profit when they sell on to you.

If you can find the time to source your own materials, you may find you can make significant savings.

Many retail DIY outlets have trade counters, and it is worth investigating how much discount would be available to you as a developer. You may need to open a trade account but some outlets are happy to take your cash and personal cheques. The obvious benefit of these big companies is that they're open long hours and at weekends. They also have a vast stock.

Many builders' merchants such as Jewsons and Travis Perkins have different levels of discount, usually dependent on the amount of business you do with them.

In some areas, they don't tend to be open such long hours as the DIY stores or carry so much stock, but will often order in for the next day if required and deliver.