Tips for Remodeling with Salvaged & Recycled Materials

Remodeling your home with salvaged or recycled material has several benefits: First, you can save a considerable amount over buying new material. Secondly, you are keeping many non-degradable items out of overburdened landfills, and third, you can create a signature look that is different from cookie-cutter fixtures and accessories you’ll find in chain stores.

Finding Salvage Materials:

If you’re new to finding and using recycled or salvaged material, you’ll be surprised at the resources that are right in your backyard.

· If you’re looking for an old fireplace mantle, vintage light fixture, architectural pieces or claw foot tub, start by checking antique stores and auctions. If you live in a community with a lot of older homes in less than desirable neighborhoods, check with your city hall to see if any homes are slated for demolition; then contact the demolition company to see if you can salvage any materials. In rural areas, dilapidated barns are often a good source for barn wood that can be used rustic style flooring, molding, ceiling beams or paneling, but be sure to get permission first from the owner.

· Local remodeling companies often have building materials that were removed from homes they are remodeling. The materials are often in good condition and if they were destined for the landfill, they may allow you to have them at little or no cost.

· “Scrap” rough construction materials are often available at construction sights. These are pieces of lumber, plywood, railings and moldings, electrical and plumbing supplies, and sometimes even windows and doors that are fated for the dumpsters. If you ask, the crew may let you take whatever you want from the dumpsters.

· Shop at salvage stores like “Restore” for used building materials and supplies. You will have to pay for these, but you’ll pay less than new and proceeds will help a local charity, like Habitat for Humanity.

· Outlet and overrun stores have discounted prices on discontinued flooring, tile, carpet, fixtures and supplies. Just make sure that you buy enough at the outset to complete your project, because you may not be able to find exactly the same color or size if you need more.

· Check online sources like Craig’s list for individuals who are selling used building materials locally. They may have bought too much or changed their mind and wish to recoup part of their expenditure. A specific search on a site like EBay can make it easy to find exactly what you’re looking for.

· Finally, don’t overlook things you already have in your own home; you may be able to recycle or repurpose them to fit your current need. For example, old windows can be used to create a little greenhouse in the back yard. Cabinets and countertops torn out during a kitchen remodel can be reused in the laundry room or basement craft room.

· If you are creative and artistic, used building materials can even be recycled into works of art. For example old copper tubing or weathered metal could be turned into a jazz metal wall art or modern metal art with a blow torch and some ingenuity.

All text copyright Relica. Photo from Flikr - "Recycled Materials - Reclaimed Lumber" courtesy of Jeremy Levine Design.