Where to Buy Building Materials for Apartment Renovation More Profitably in 2026

There is no single place where everything is always cheaper. Rough materials (cement, mixes, drywall, fasteners) are usually more profitable to buy in bulk where the price per tonne + delivery is good. Finishing materials (tiles, laminate, paint) are better to see and touch in person — color and texture in photos can be misleading. Small items (screws, brushes, gloves) are easier to buy near your home than to spend fuel and time.

In Almaty, people most often compare construction markets (such as «Құрылыс базары» — Argymak, Umit, markets on Ryskulova), bases on the outskirts, hypermarkets («12 Months», LEMANA PRO) and online stores (StroyGid, Baumarkt, Lemanapro and marketplaces). The logic is the same for Astana, Shymkent, Karaganda and other cities.

The main principle of 2026:
The price on the tag is only 60–70 % of the final cost. The rest is delivery, unloading, lifting to the floor, risk of defects, time and possible returns. Calculate everything together.

Construction markets (Kurylis, Argymak, Umit and similar)
Convenient: large selection in one place, ability to bargain, often lower prices on rough materials and fasteners. Savings: up to 15–25 % on large orders with smart bargaining. Risks: different batches of goods, complicated returns, no receipts/invoices from small sellers, quality must be checked in person, delivery at your own expense. Who it suits: those ready to travel, compare and bargain. What to check: availability of certificates, expiration date, same batch, return conditions before payment.

Construction bases outside the city / wholesale warehouses
Convenient: the lowest prices on cement, sand, drywall, profiles when buying from 1–2 pallets. Savings: maximum on volume + often their own delivery. Risks: far to travel, not always small assortment available, limited working hours. Who it suits: renovation of a large apartment or house when a truckload of materials is needed.

Construction hypermarkets («12 Months», LEMANA PRO and others)
Convenient: one address, everything can be viewed, good navigation, card payment, documents, loyalty programs. Delivery and lifting included in the service. Savings: not always the lowest price, but often promotions, installments and cashback. Risks: minimal — returns are easier (by RK law, 14 days for quality goods, except for metered items). Who it suits: those who value time and guarantees.

Online stores and marketplaces
Convenient: price comparison in 10 minutes, delivery to the apartment, reviews. Savings: often lower than in retail, especially on rough materials. Risks: you don’t see the product in person (tile color, laminate texture), more complicated with fragile and heavy items, returns can take longer. Who it suits: rough materials + tools + items where color is not critical.

Neighborhood stores and small shops
Ideal for small items, consumables and urgent purchases. Saves hours and fuel.

Markets «Құрылыс базары», Argymak, Umit (Turksib district, Zhayau Musy, 1) and others on Ryskulova are a classic for Almaty residents. Here you can really save on rough materials and fasteners. But before the trip:
- Call and check availability and current prices (they change).
- Prepare a list with exact article numbers.
- Bring a tape measure, flashlight and gloves.
- Immediately agree on delivery and unloading.
A trip is justified if you need 10–20 bags of mix or 50 m² of drywall. If you buy 2–3 bags — it often turns out more expensive due to time and fuel.

The formula is simple:
Final cost = product price + delivery + unloading + lifting to the floor + buying missing items + return/defect + time spent (in money terms).

Example: a bag of cement 500 tenge cheaper at the market, but delivery is 3000 tenge for 10 bags. In the hypermarket it is 700 tenge more expensive, but delivery is included — the benefit is obvious.

1. Make a list by rooms + calculation with 10–15 % reserve.
2. Divide into rough / finishing / small items.
3. Compare at least in 3 places (website + call + visit).
4. Calculate delivery separately.
5. Check return and warranty conditions.
6. Do not buy everything at once — first the critical items (pipes, electrical, mixes).
7. Photograph receipts, batches and packaging.
8. Leave 10–15 % of the budget for additional purchases.

• Buying everything in one place without comparison.
• Looking only at the price per unit, not counting delivery.
• Buying tiles/laminate without reserve and from different batches.
• Ignoring expiration dates of mixes.
• Buying fragile items online without clear return conditions.
• Trusting the master without price control.

A master can get a discount from his suppliers and save time. But:
- Ask for a separate estimate for materials.
- Ask for receipts and invoices.
- It is better to separate work and materials in the contract.
- Control the budget — markup can be 20–40 %.

You cannot save on waterproofing, electrical, pipes and mixes for load-bearing work. Cheap material here means rework and flood/fire.
Always check: certificates, marking, batch, storage conditions. For tiles, paint, laminate — matching batch is mandatory.

In Astana, Shymkent, Karaganda the logic is the same: look for local construction markets (in Astana — Nur, Sapa, Ulzhan; in Shymkent — Qyrgy Bazar, Sapa). Hypermarkets «12 Months» and LEMANA PRO operate in several cities. In small towns it is sometimes more profitable to order part of the materials from Almaty/Astana with delivery, and buy small items locally.

1. 2GIS.kz — current addresses and reviews of construction markets and hypermarkets in Almaty (data as of 2026).
2. Official websites 12.kz, lemanapro.kz, stroygid.kz — delivery conditions and assortment (always check current rates before ordering).
3. Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan «On Protection of Consumer Rights» — rules for returning goods (14 days for quality goods, exceptions for metered items).
4. YouTube investigations and price comparisons 2025–2026 (for example, reviews of 12 Months vs market).
5. General data on markets in Astana and Shymkent from 2GIS and open sources.

All data verified as of May 2026. Prices, availability, opening hours and delivery conditions change. Always check directly before a trip or order. This is a practical guide based on open sources, not legal advice.