The main things to know
- No single town or quarry is the best source for every material and every project.
- Compare the full delivered cost, including loading, transport, offloading and expected breakage.
- Approve the material or a representative sample before ordering a large quantity.
- The delivery programme should follow the building programme and available storage.
- Keep delivery notes, counts, photographs and records of anything rejected.
Why the nearest source is not always the right one
A nearby supplier can reduce transport time, but distance is only one part of the decision. The material still has to match the project, be available in the quantity needed and arrive in usable condition.
The source can also change during a project. Quarry output, stock, weather, road access and delivery capacity do not stay the same. We check the current order instead of relying only on where the previous load came from.
The areas we compare around Nanyuki
For projects around Nanyuki, TimberStone may compare material available in Nanyuki, Naro Moru (also written Naromoru), Chaka, Meru and Naivasha. Cement, steel, fittings and specialist products may also come from Nairobi, Nakuru or other established supply centres.
This is a sourcing area, not a list of guaranteed suppliers. The selected source depends on the material required, the project location and what is available when the order is placed.
| Material | What affects the choice |
|---|---|
| Walling stone | Required size, consistent cutting, strength, condition and breakage during delivery |
| Ballast and aggregates | Correct size, cleanliness, grading, source and suitability for the intended concrete or site work |
| Sand | Suitability for the intended work, cleanliness, consistency and transport distance |
| Cement and steel | Correct type or grade, genuine supply, condition, quantity, documentation and secure storage |
| Timber | Species, dimensions, moisture condition, treatment, straightness and intended indoor or outdoor use |
Compare the cost after the material reaches site
A low price at the quarry or yard can become expensive after loading, transport, offloading and breakage are added. Ask for a comparison that puts every option at the same point: accepted and safely offloaded at your site.
- Material price and the unit being quoted.
- Loading, transport and offloading charges.
- Any lawful levies or supporting delivery documents.
- Expected loss from breakage, contamination or poor handling.
- The cost of delay if the supplier cannot deliver when needed.
What should happen before a large order
- Confirm the material and quantity from the drawings, bill of quantities or site measurement.
- Check the proposed source and a representative sample where this is practical.
- Agree the price, unit, delivery point, offloading method and required documents.
- Confirm that the site can receive and store the load without blocking current work.
- Record the order and nominate the person who will inspect and accept the delivery.
A bill of quantities helps us plan likely volumes, but the site team still checks what is required at each stage. Ordering everything at once can tie up money, crowd the site and expose materials to theft or weather.
What a client should be able to see
You should be able to connect a purchase to the part of the project it supports. The record can include the supplier or source area, description, quantity, delivery date, delivery note and photographs where useful.
If a load is rejected or accepted with a shortage, the record should show what happened and how it was resolved. This is especially helpful when the owner is following the project from outside Kenya.
See what to include in a progress report when building from abroad
Planning materials for your Nanyuki build
Send us your drawings or bill of quantities, the plot location and your intended start date. We can identify the first materials needed, compare suitable sources and plan how they will reach the site.
Questions we get asked
- Where does building stone for Nanyuki come from?
- The source varies. TimberStone compares suitable stone available around Nanyuki, Naro Moru, Chaka, Meru, Naivasha and other areas according to the project requirement and delivered cost.
- Is material from the nearest quarry always cheaper?
- No. Transport may be lower, but usable quality, available sizes, loading, breakage and delivery timing can change the full cost.
- Can I buy materials before the drawings are complete?
- Avoid large structural orders until the relevant drawings, specifications and quantities are clear. Early purchases can leave you with the wrong size, grade or amount.
- Can TimberStone procure materials for a build from another contractor?
- Ask us with the material list, project location and required dates. The scope depends on the items, inspection responsibility, transport and storage available.
- What should an overseas owner receive as proof of delivery?
- Useful records include the order, delivery note, quantity check, date, photographs and any shortage or rejection note. Agree the reporting format before purchasing starts.
Written by
Dennis Maina
Mechanical Engineer, Materials & Logistics
Dennis Maina manages the practical journey from choosing building materials to getting them to site in the right condition and at the right time. He also keeps TimberStone’s kiln and site equipment working properly.
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How do you check building materials before accepting a delivery?
Check the material against the order before it is mixed, cut or installed. Confirm the item, grade or size, quantity, condition and delivery documents, then record any shortage or rejection immediately.
Can building materials travel from Nairobi to Nanyuki by train?
Rail can be considered for a suitable bulk shipment from Nairobi to Nanyuki, but it needs a confirmed Kenya Railways freight service and quotation for the actual goods. Compare the complete trip, including loading, rail charges, unloading, storage, timing and the final movement to site.
Good concrete: what to ask before the pour
Once concrete covers the steel and foundations, much of the work is hidden. That makes the checks before and during the pour especially important. As the client, you do not need to choose a mix yourself. You need to know who is checking it, how it will be tested and how it will be looked after.