Whether you are planning a one-time DIY project or you are running a construction company, you will likely need some lumber to actually get your upcoming work done. Finding a lumber yard to work with is just as important as drawing up building plans because without the lumber you can't build anything. Here are a few important questions to ask before doing business with a lumberyard for the first time.

Where Is the Lumber Stored?

Just because you see a bunch of 2x4s and other lumber sitting in an enclosed area when visiting the lumberyard doesn't mean that all the lumber is kept safely indoors. If lumber is kept outside, it can start to succumb to the outdoor elements before it ever gets delivered to customers. You may end up getting lumber that's rotting or wilted, which can make your construction project a lot more complicated before all is said and done.

Therefore, it's important to make sure that the lumber yard you decide to do business with stores all of their materials inside an enclosed storage warehouse or at least under permanent canopies outside. This will help ensure that you receive high-quality wood that you will be happy with once it gets delivered to your construction site.

How Does the Delivery Process Work?

It is also important to find out what kind of delivery process you can expect after placing an order with the lumberyard. How long will it take for your order to be processed and loaded on to a delivery truck? How and when will the delivery day be scheduled? Is there a service fee for delivery, and are there any delivery restrictions that should be kept in mind? The more you know about the delivery process, the easier it will be for you to plan the start of your construction project.

How Are Exchanges Handled?

If you end up with a piece of lumber that you don't like for some reason – maybe it's bowed or not long enough – you should be able to exchange it for a piece of lumber that better suits your needs without a lot of hassle. If the lumber problem is due to the lumberyard's error, they should bring you the correct lumber and pick the wrong stuff up at no extra charge.

If you're making an exchange because you ordered the wrong lumber or you have simply changed your mind, you may have to take the lumber back yourself and pay the difference for the new lumber. But that should be all there is to it.

To learn more, contact a lumber supply company.