Remodeling Contractors Increase Shopping At Wholesalers
by Pat Lenius
In a study conducted by the Caney Group for the Home Improvement Research Institute, contractors were asked what outlet they use most to purchase tools, supplies and building materials. Wholesale distributors were shopped by 13 percent of general remodeling contractors responding, up from 10 percent in 2001 and 4 percent in 1999. Specialty supply houses, which focus on a specific category, were shopped by 10 percent of the general contractors, vs. 7 percent in 2001 and 5 percent in 1999. The number of general remodeling contractors who said they shop at warehouse home centers also increased, while fewer said they shopped at lumber and building material dealers vs. the 1999 study.