CUSTOMER STORIES
There's an undeniable allure in the transformative power of interior doors. With a simple movement, they usher homeowners and guests from one room to the next, subtly altering their experiences within the spaces they inhabit. As Matterhaul embarked on a journey to help renovate a client's living space, it became clear that these seemingly minor components possessed significant potential for both aesthetic enhancement and budget considerations.
Like many of our clients, this particular homeowner longed for a fresh, updated interior—a harmonious blend of style, function, and personal expression. However, upon exploring options for upgrading their home's interior doors, they faced an unexpected challenge: the costs associated with such a simple project. The estimates were initially staggering, prompting concerns about compromising vision for the sake of budget.
Matterhaul was able to work with this client and through their network of suppliers, Matterhaul saved their client an incredible $17,000.
After reaching a consensus on a specific door style, the client chose to paint rather than select a natural or stained finish. Their preference leaned towards solid doors over MDF or Molded alternatives, valuing longevity and future refinishing possibilities due to their sturdy composition. With the style decided and Poplar as the material of choice, Matterhaul's began the mission of sourcing.
At first, the homeowners contacted multiple local suppliers were contacted regarding the availability of solid hardwood doors. The common response was a lack of solid wood options, accompanied by warnings of steep prices. However, our clients were able to find a local supplier, but at the steep price of $1,570 for each door. For 15 doors, the total cost loomed at around $23,000!
The homeowners turned to Matterhaul to assist in finding a better deal. It turns out we had an existing relationship with a door manufacturer that shipped nationally. This supplier's pricing was astonishingly lower at $347 per door. Despite initial concerns about quality differences due to the price discrepancy, the doors matched in style and material, crafted to order without a middleman. Including a nominal $100 per door for freight, the savings still exceeded ~$17,000.
The decision was clear. Not only was the price more budget-friendly, but it also allowed the client to customize the doors, adding enhancements like specified stiles and rails, increased door thickness, glass inserts, and upgraded hinges—all for a modest additional cost that remained far below the initial local quotes the client received.
With every detail coordinated, the order was confidently placed. The four-week lead time for manufacturing and shipping fit perfectly with the project schedule. Although initially aiming for pre-primed doors, a backlog led to a decision to prime the doors on-site, avoiding further delays. Soon after, the tracking number arrived, and delivery was seamlessly arranged.
There's a profound satisfaction in knowing that the client received a high-caliber product at an exceptional deal.
From this journey, two lessons emerged:
Lesson 1: Local purchases aren't the only option. Sometimes, looking beyond and considering shipping costs can lead to significant savings.
Lesson 2: Clients shouldn't solely rely on contractors or designers for sourcing materials. Leveraging a brokerage like Matterhaul often leads to better prices and more control over the quality and cost.
Interested in securing the best deals on building materials? Try Matterhaul's material brokerage service and discover how we can help maximize your budget. Learn more about our services here.
CUSTOMER STORIES
