Does the Contractor Buy Materials or You: Pros, Cons, and Control

Who buys materials — you or the contractor? Quick overview 🏗️

Choosing who procures building materials matters for budget clarity, work speed and legal responsibility. There is no universal answer — the best option depends on the project type, your availability and trust in the contractor.

Typical approaches

• You buy materials: you select suppliers, pay invoices and arrange delivery and storage.
• Contractor buys materials: contractor sources, buys and stores materials, often including markup.
• Hybrid: you take responsibility for finishes and specialty items, contractor handles bulk structural materials.

Pros and cons if you buy materials 🛒

Advantages

• Full control over brand, grade and origin of materials.
• Clear visibility of invoices and supplier warranties.
• Potential savings from smart shopping and seasonal offers.

Disadvantages

• You manage logistics and safe storage.
• Risk of incompatibility if contractor uses different systems or methods.
• Possible disputes if workmanship is blamed on allegedly poor materials.

Pros and cons if contractor buys materials 🚚

Advantages

• Convenience — fewer delays and faster procurement.
• Contractor takes responsibility for matching materials to required methods.
• Easier coordination between supply and production schedule.

Disadvantages

• Lower price transparency — markups may be hidden.
• Potential substitution with lower-grade equivalents.
• Supplier warranties and invoices may not be fully shared without agreement.

How to reduce risk — practical steps ✅

1) Put it in the contract

• Include a material schedule with minimum specifications: brand, grade, key parameters.
• Define who pays for what and when.
• Require contractor to provide copies of supplier invoices and delivery notes.
• Set rules for material substitution and approvals.

2) Inspect on receipt

• Use a short acceptance checklist: correct brand, dimensions, batch, visible defects.
• Photograph deliveries and storage conditions.
• Reject shipments without documentation or with visible damage.

3) Ensure cost transparency

• Ask for copies of receipts and proofs of payment.
• Agree on a clear procurement fee model: fixed commission or percentage.
• Decide how supplier discounts are handled — shared savings or credited to client.

4) Logistics and storage

• Specify storage location and protection measures.
• Define responsibility for damage during storage and handling.

5) Useful contract phrases

• 'Contractor shall provide copies of supplier invoices and delivery notes within an agreed timeframe.'
• 'Material substitution allowed only with written client approval and only for equivalent technical characteristics.'
• 'Payment for materials shall be based on actual costs plus agreed fee.'

Decision framework for clients 🧭

1. Project complexity: rare or technical items are best procured by the client.
2. Time and resources: do you have time for procurement and storage?
3. Ask the contractor for references, suppliers and sample materials.
4. If contractor procures, insist on invoice access and a transparent markup.

Final checks at handover 🔍

• Be present at acceptance of critical components and systems.
• Consider hiring an independent inspector for larger projects to verify materials and workmanship.

Practical examples

• Apartment renovation: client buys designer tiles and fixtures; contractor buys cement, drywall and fasteners.
• House build: contractor buys structural materials, client selects finishing elements and fixtures.

Summary: hybrid is often the best compromise

Combining approaches gives both convenience and control: client secures signature items while contractor manages bulk supplies. The key is a clear contract, documented invoices and acceptance procedures.

If you need help choosing the right procurement scheme or reviewing contracts for a property in Batumi or elsewhere in Georgia, contact BuyHome. We assist with contractor checks, procurement transparency and property search: https://buyhome.ge/en/search