Buy Used and Surplus Building Supplies to Cut Remodeling Costs

Remodeling your home can cost a small fortune...and these days, that's just not kosher. If you've decided that your remodel just can't wait until your economic situation improves, why not consider buying used and surplus building materials instead of new ones?

Introducing Habitat for Humanity's ReStores - "retail outlets where quality, used and surplus building materials are sold at a fraction of normal prices." Many of the items sold in ReStores are donated from building supply stores, contractors, etc. who support Habitat for Humanity and are in new or almost-new condition - the average savings is about 60%! Find one near you!

No Habitat ReStore near you? Check out the sites below to find other suppliers of recycled and surplus building materials.

BuildingSurplus.com
Find reclaimed, reused or excess materials, appliances and tools - a kind of classifieds for surplus construction materials. Majority of postings are for materials located in California and Colorado.

The ReUse People
These folks de-construct (as opposed to demolish) properties allowing them to salvage almost 80% of materials. They then channel these materials back into the marketplace through donations and sales at their retail outlets located throughout California, Connecticut, Colorado, Illinios, Missouri, and Washington state.

Black's Farmwood
Black's Farmwood provides reclaimed hand-hewn barn beams, weathered barn siding and rustic wide plank flooring. Located in San Rafael, CA.

Crossroads Recycled Lumber
Located in North Fork, CA, and recycling since 1981, Crossroads Recycled Lumber supplies old growth lumber, timbers, flooring, doors, siding and more to residential and commercial projects.

Build It Green! NYC
New York City's only non-profit retail outlet for salvaged and surplus building materials, including appliances, sinks, windows, and more. Located in Astoria, NY.

The ReBuilding Center
Located in Portland, OR, the ReBuilding Center is a project of Our United Villages working to strengthen local communities by providing used building and remodeling materials, deconstruction services, and green furniture and home accessories.

ReCycle North
A non-profit organization located in Burlington, VT, with a 3-part mission of waste reduction, job-skills training and poverty relief; they have two stores open to residential and commercial customers alike: the Household Goods Store and the Building Materials Center.

AmericanBuilderSurplus.com
AmericanBuilderSurplus.com is an online trading community for the construction industry and residential consumers to buy or sell surplus or salvaged building materials and equipment.

Albion Doors & Windows
A 23-year-old business located in Albion, CA, specializing in antique door hardware, turn of the century entry doors, and decorative glass.

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photo courtesy of flickr: Lindal Cedar Homes