Today was a prime example of why some years ago I made a conscious decsion to avoid the perception of the lowest prices from the big box home improvement stores. I won't mention any names but their initials are "The Home Depot" and my absolute favorite, you guessed it, "Menards". To make a long story short stick with the friendly, local, knowledgeable, trustworthy, good old lumber yard your dad or grandpa took you to for lumber and building supplies when you were a kid. If you want a bag of chips stop at Menards. If you want straight, quality lumber and you're in the Wausau area stop at Modern Builders and Suppliers. If you are anywhere else don't be so quick to pass up the lumber yard. They are not all great but in my experience in construction I have found them to far surpass any sort of "help" you might find at the big stores. That being said do not be tempted by the "but it was cheaper" excuse. Chances are if you are paying less you are getting less. By the way I checked with various local window manufacturers and the big boxes and found the best windows at the lowest prices right at the lumber yard.
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| Thanks to Norb at Modern and his years (we won't say how many) of experience with our turn of the century farm house renovation. |
In my experience of tearing out the plaster and flooring this evening with my wife I realized she may not like to pull out nails but she sure is good company.
