According to most estimates, at least 75% of all professional builders now use the Internet in the course of their work. In addition to sending and receiving e-mail — probably its single most popular application — builders also use the Internet as a library for researching products and materials, looking up specs and rough-in dimensions, and keeping an eye on competitors’ web sites. Online merchants such as Amazon’s Tool Crib of the North are proving popular with builders shopping for price, as well as those in rural areas with few local sources of specialized tools. A growing number of builders are also taking advantage of online procurement, which allows them to check the
