Guest Blogger: Save Money Remodeling Your Home With Reclaimed Materials

Guest Blogger #258, Entry #764, November 16, 2011

Recycling and reusing have become buzzwords in America the last several years, with environmental concerns and energy costs on everyone’s minds. The term, “sustainable build” has been heard more and more frequently, especially in the renovation and remodeling industry. Using reclaimed materials to remodel your house can mean saving money up front, because the items have already been gently used. Repurposing wood, glass, tires, cardboard, pallets, and scrap metal can lend your home a unique feel, but it can also save you money and help the environment at the same time.

Recycled, repurposed, and reclaimed wood can be beautiful in your home

Image via: Material Girls Blog

Where To Find Reclaimed Materials For Your Home Remodel

It can seem daunting at first to come up with the necessary volume of supplies needed for a big remodel project. Going to your local hardware store may not yield as much success as you might hope, simply because they are in business to make money off of new products. Start reading ads for people wanting to sell or dispose of extra leftover building supplies, or things that have been removed from an ongoing project. Place your own ads to let people know what types of reclaimed materials you’re seeking. You might be surprised at how willing some people can be to get rid of their used doors, windows, or fixtures.

Another goldmine to check when you’re trying to save money with recycled building materials is the salvage yard. In order for this to be an effective strategy, visit often, because you don’t want to miss the diamond in the rough that may not be there tomorrow. Also try local construction sites, and get to know the project manager. They may be willing to allow you to buy (or have!) leftover plywood, or things they removed during a demolition phase. Check the local newspapers to learn if any homes are going to be demolished soon, as they can provide a literal ton of reclaimed materials for remodeling projects.

Save Money Using Reclaimed Materials, Obtain One-Of-A-Kind Items

By repurposing supplies or items to use in your remodel, you can not only get these things less expensively, but your home will truly be unique. Antique and vintage are key words in interior design, and can make your property stand out on the street. Adding unique architectural details to bring back the original look of your front porch, or refinishing some salvaged cabinetry gives your house character, and can significantly increase the resale value. You may even learn of some special historical stories that are associated with the things you are salvaging, and by bringing them back to life, allow those stories to be passed on.

Reclaimed furniture, floors, and trim finish pieces in your home

Image via: Inspiracionline

Reclaimed materials for remodeling projects often cost 40-60% less than the same items brand new. Older items tend to be of more solid construction, meaning you’re obtaining a higher quality item that will last longer in your house. The volume of supplies that go to landfills each year is staggering, as is the energy required to manufacture new items. Using reclaimed materials or recycled items in your home remodeling project saves you money, helps the environment, and reduces waste.

Sheila Konecke is a real estate investor working with home sellers and buyers throughout Washington DC, Maryland and Northern Virginia areas since 2002. Sheila can be reached at We Buy Ugly Houses Washington DC for those looking to buy or sell a house in the Washington DC area.

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