Savings ALWAYS start with a plan. Remember the A-Team slogan "I love it when a plan comes together!" ? You can make that your mantra when you decide to work with used building materials...and you'll come out the winner.
Step ONE
Develop a practical plan for your remodeling project. If you don't have experience, get help from an experienced friend or professional -- learn from them. You'll save money and time on this project...and all your projects to come. Humility is a great investment opportunity! :-)
Step TWO
Make a detailed list of all the tools and buiilding supplies you will need to complete the project. All the way from the number of nails to the roofing replacements down to the sealant in the basement! This list will be "practical" if you make distinction between NEEDS and WANTS. And if you're looking for salvaged materials -- note some options that will work, with attributes that are absolutely necessary -- like size, quality factors.
Step THREE
Develop a real world budget. Compare "New Material" costs to "Used" and be sure to fudge Upward on used materials for mistakes and waste that is inevitable. Never use sale prices when budgeting -- you can't count on that windfall. Sale savings can help offset the deficit that is sure to be part of your budgeting process if you are new at the game!
Step FOUR
Research, research, research. Finding and buying used building materials, recycled materials, architectural salvage or old stuff is an artform. Learn the terms to use in your search engine searches: recycled materials, building salvage, restoration, reuse, architectural salvage etc. And also add your location (city, county, state) to the search to find items close to you. And don't forget to search for the nationally known resources for used building materials: Habitat for Humanity, Re-Store, Salvation Army, Re-use stores, CraigsList, Goodwill and local construction companies.
Step FIVE
Don't forget the added costs for used materials -- you might have to drive farther and more often to find the materials -- factor in your gas and your time. And the time of any assistants you hire.
Step SIX
Do the analysis in the harsh light of economic daylight! Ask tough questions like...
How much actual savings can you identify between new and used materials?
Is there a local source that's convenient and low cost?
Is it important to you to reduce waste going to your local landfill?
How creative are you with mixing and matching small supplies of any given material?
Which items have a "do not budge" criteria that will be hard to meet with recycled finds?
Do you have extra time to invest in the added creativity and craft required to use recycled materials?
Do you want some great stories to tell? How much are you willing to invest in the fun side of the equation?
Step ONE
Develop a practical plan for your remodeling project. If you don't have experience, get help from an experienced friend or professional -- learn from them. You'll save money and time on this project...and all your projects to come. Humility is a great investment opportunity! :-)
Step TWO
Make a detailed list of all the tools and buiilding supplies you will need to complete the project. All the way from the number of nails to the roofing replacements down to the sealant in the basement! This list will be "practical" if you make distinction between NEEDS and WANTS. And if you're looking for salvaged materials -- note some options that will work, with attributes that are absolutely necessary -- like size, quality factors.
Step THREE
Develop a real world budget. Compare "New Material" costs to "Used" and be sure to fudge Upward on used materials for mistakes and waste that is inevitable. Never use sale prices when budgeting -- you can't count on that windfall. Sale savings can help offset the deficit that is sure to be part of your budgeting process if you are new at the game!
Step FOUR
Research, research, research. Finding and buying used building materials, recycled materials, architectural salvage or old stuff is an artform. Learn the terms to use in your search engine searches: recycled materials, building salvage, restoration, reuse, architectural salvage etc. And also add your location (city, county, state) to the search to find items close to you. And don't forget to search for the nationally known resources for used building materials: Habitat for Humanity, Re-Store, Salvation Army, Re-use stores, CraigsList, Goodwill and local construction companies.
Step FIVE
Don't forget the added costs for used materials -- you might have to drive farther and more often to find the materials -- factor in your gas and your time. And the time of any assistants you hire.
Step SIX
Do the analysis in the harsh light of economic daylight! Ask tough questions like...
How much actual savings can you identify between new and used materials?
Is there a local source that's convenient and low cost?
Is it important to you to reduce waste going to your local landfill?
How creative are you with mixing and matching small supplies of any given material?
Which items have a "do not budge" criteria that will be hard to meet with recycled finds?
Do you have extra time to invest in the added creativity and craft required to use recycled materials?
Do you want some great stories to tell? How much are you willing to invest in the fun side of the equation?