We tried the bulk-buying thing with neighbors once... saved a bit, but honestly the coordination was a hassle. Ended up with extra drywall sheets sitting in my garage for months. Your spreadsheet idea sounds way more practical, might give that a shot next time.
The spreadsheet approach definitely helps—I've used something similar for a few renos. One tip: break down your project into phases, then list supplies per phase. That way, you're not stuck with extra materials if plans change mid-way (which they always seem to...). Also, have you thought about checking local buy/sell groups for leftover supplies? I've snagged some great deals that way, and it cuts down on waste. Ever tried sourcing materials second-hand?
Breaking it down into phases is definitely smart—wish I'd done that sooner. On one project, I bulk-bought flooring thinking I'd save money...ended up with a stack of leftover boxes that sat in my garage for months. Learned my lesson there. Have you had luck finding specific materials second-hand, like fixtures or hardware? I've tried local groups, but it seems hit-or-miss depending on timing and what's trending.
Breaking things down into manageable phases definitely seems like a sensible approach. I can relate to your flooring experience—I once bought a bunch of bathroom tiles upfront, convinced I'd save big. Ended up with leftovers stacked in the basement for months before I finally sold them off at a loss. As for second-hand fixtures, it really does seem to depend on timing and luck. I've had some success at Habitat ReStores, though it's hit-or-miss. Patience seems key, but when it works out, it's pretty satisfying.
I've had similar luck at ReStores—sometimes you score big, other times it's a total bust. Recently found some vintage cabinet handles that completely transformed my kitchen cabinets for next to nothing. But yeah, timing is everything. Curious if anyone's tried sourcing reclaimed lumber or materials from local demolition projects? I've heard mixed things about quality and prep work involved, but the savings seem tempting...
