I am hoping to purchase and install locking hardwood floors in my new home. I am also friends with a licensed builder. Home building is not his main profession. Can he use his builder's license to get discounted flooring at flooring stores and big box stores? Or is my best bet to purchase it through an online flooring store? As you can tell, I am yet to ask my friend this request. Finally, what is the typical % discount licensed builders get? Thanks!

The only discounts that are available are to retail dealers who have purchased displays from the wholesalers. None of the flooring distributors in my area can or will sell factory prefinished hardwood flooring to me, even though I have a C-15 flooring license and an account with them. I can get unfinished flooring at a slight discount. I suggest shopping online or making your best deal through a local seller. Find the product you want first, then shop for the best pricing. Shopping for the deal first usually ends up a buying mediocre product.

I encourage people to shop local. If price is your only concern, then get the cheapest thing you can find but remember you usually get what you pay for.