How Contractors Can Choose the Best Materials Suppliers in Florida

Construction happens constantly in Florida, so you would think it would be easy to find reliable suppliers. However, there are many factors you need to consider before choosing a materials supplier. The best suppliers keep costs affordable, deliver materials on time and take pride in the products they offer. Every project starts with materials, and the better your materials, the easier it will be to meet Florida’s strict building codes and ensure the safety of the final product of your project. Read on for tips on choosing the right supplier.

Start with a clear procurement brief.

The best way to ensure that a supplier will meet your standards and deliver on what you need is to make it clear upfront. Make sure your brief defines the scope and specifications, including the materials you’re seeking and the performance requirements of the end product. Identify project constraints, such as timeline, budget, and storage capacity. Creating a standardized template to request materials quotes can help, in the event you need to switch suppliers for one reason or another. 

Evaluate product quality and compliance.

Request documentation about the materials you’re ordering, such as product data sheets, technical specifications, certifications and warranties. Ask about the quality assurance processes, such as incoming inspection and recall procedures. Where relevant, ensure materials meet Florida Building Code and local jurisdiction approvals.

Check supplier reputation and references.

Look for online reviews, testimonials, and case studies from the supplier. Ask for recent project references in Florida that are of a similar size and scope to yours. Confirm insurance coverage and active licenses that allow them to procure and distribute the products. See if they have long-standing relationships with other Florida contractors. 

Watch for these common red flags.

Not all suppliers have the best interests of contractors at heart. These are common signs of an unprofessional materials supplier: 

• Vague or missing product documentation and certifications.
• Unwillingness to provide references or COI.
• Excessive backorders or inconsistent lead-time answers.
• Poor communication or no centralized contact person.
• Dramatically below-market pricing without a clear explanation.

At ConstructMatch, we match contractors with verified local suppliers and projects that fit their needs. As a member, you will have access to supplier profiles, which include information like verified documentation and reference checks. Finding the right supplier is easier than ever when you work with ConstructMatch. Creating a profile is easy: just create your account, fill out your profile with details about yourself and your project, and get matched with local suppliers. Sign up today to get started.