PRO TIP: Here’s How We Save Up to 70% Off Building Supplies (and You Can, Too!)
If you’re renovating, building, or working on landscaping, buying surplus or excess building supplies through auctions is a smart way to stretch your budget. You can access high-quality materials at discounted prices—freeing up more money for the fun parts of your project, like interior finishes, landscaping, or custom features. We’ve used this secret tool ourselves to make huge strides in transforming the house we bought for only $27,000 (pictured)—and the savings have been game-changing.
Here are 10 top U.S. auction companies that specialize in (or regularly offer) excess building materials. This list includes where they operate and their shipping limitations to help you choose the best fit.
The cheap old house we bought for just $27,000!
What are Excess Building Supply Auctions?
Excess building supplies are leftover or surplus materials—like flooring, windows, lumber, or cabinets—that were overstocked by manufacturers, retailers, or distributors. At auction, these items are sold at steep discounts, often 30–70% below retail, making them a smart way to save big without sacrificing quality. Some pieces may have minor cosmetic flaws like dents or scratches, but depending on where or how you’re using them, the savings can far outweigh the imperfections.
10 Must-Know Resources for Excess Building Supplies
Liquidity Services, Inc.
Service Area: Operates nationwide
Shipping: Varies by seller; some offer nationwide shipping
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Liquidity Services runs multiple online marketplaces, including GovDeals and Liquidation.com, where building materials, surplus tools, and equipment are frequently available.
Ritchie Bros. / RB Global, Inc.
Service Area: Operates nationwide and internationally
Shipping: Depends on seller and auction; buyer-arranged shipping common
Visit the website
Ritchie Bros. auctions heavy equipment and construction assets. Some listings include building materials and site supplies.
Great American Equipment Company (GAEC)
Service Area: Operates across the U.S.
Shipping: Varies by auction; buyer pickup often required
Visit the website
GAEC focuses on plant closures and liquidation sales, which often include surplus construction and building materials.
KD Auctions
Service Area: Primarily serves the Western U.S.
Shipping: Limited shipping; buyer pickup usually required
Visit the website
KD Auctions offers construction and industrial equipment sales, including surplus and salvaged building supplies.
Wolgemuth Auction
Service Area: Primarily Pennsylvania and surrounding states
Shipping: Limited; local pickup strongly preferred
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Regular in-person and online auctions include lumber, siding, cabinetry, windows, and other contractor-grade supplies.
American Salvage Liquidators
Service Area: Select auctions nationwide
Shipping: Available in some cases; varies by product
Visit the website
Offers excess, salvage, and distressed goods including building materials, often at steep discounts.
United Surplus Auctions / AAA Auction Service
Service Area: Midwest and Southern U.S.
Shipping: Buyer pickup typically required
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Specializes in business and contractor liquidations, with listings that frequently include construction materials.
Precision Warehouse
Service Area: Primarily California and the West Coast
Shipping: Limited; buyer pickup strongly preferred
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Auctions tools, industrial surplus, and building materials on a rotating basis. Pickup typically required at California locations.
Schneider Industries
Service Area: Operates nationally
Shipping: Varies by sale; depends on auction terms
Visit the website
Manages commercial and industrial asset auctions, occasionally including building-related inventory.
Lambrecht Auction, Inc.
Service Area: Primarily the Northeast (NY, NJ, PA, VA, and surrounding states)
Shipping: Limited; most items require local pickup
Visit the website
Specializes in building materials such as cabinetry, flooring, roofing, and lumber. Auctions are held online with regional pickup locations.
We love hearing about other people’s incredible auction wins—so if you try any of these sources and score a great deal, be sure to report back and share your story!
Making progress inside our $27,000 fixer upper, where we’re using materials sourced from excess building supply auctions.
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