We're looking for some advice for tackling our very first D-I-Y home projects. We haven't even moved in yet, but our next residence is already in need of some cosmetic and safety upgrades, including replacing an old, unsafe sliding glass door with a much sturdier set of french doors. Wanting to go green, and help out a local charity, we're thinking of turning to the Habitat ReStore.
Have you ever bought new or used household items from your local Habitat ReStore? We thought we'd check their prices even before trying the big-box stores up the street. If we can find gently used french doors (not to mention a new front door and a couple of lighting fixtures), we'd jump at the chance to buy them from such a great organization—wouldn't you?
Find your nearest Habitat ReStore here.
Related posts:
• Habitat ReStore: Green, Cheap, and Karma Building
• Habitat for Humanity Plans Passive House in Vermont
• Where to Donate Carpet?
(Image: Flickr member Logantech licensed under Creative Commons.)
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Comments (8)
we've been meaning to get back to our re-store but honestly, we've been twice and i think austin is the ORIGINAL one and we haven't really found too much! i'd love if AT did an awesome post of re-store type places in austin, tx as we're new to this city and can't seem to find too many! my parents visited their re-store in FL and LOVED LOVED it, so maybe my expectations were already too high! we plan to give it a go next weekend but i'm SURE you'll find something lovely and such a greener option to buy used then head to home depot/lowes! good luck!
http://www.casacullen.com/
I LOVE our Habitat Restore. It's my favorite place to shop and donated items too. The selection varies from day to day just like any other thrift store, but I have found some very good deals there. I've purchased some new items from them that were donated by contractors sometimes in situations when custom items like cabinets or doors were made and didn't fit. I wrote a blog post on a very good visit to the Restore http://condo-blues.blogspot.com/2009/11/habitat-restore-treasure-hunt.html They had a huge crate of travertine tile just begging to come home with someone.
If you donate items, get a receipt from them. You can take it off your taxes as a charitable donation.
If you go in regularly with an open mind they can be great! If you go in looking for a specific item, it can be a little frustrating. Also, make sure you have very specific measurements to avoid "oops" moments. They don't take returns.
I LOVE the restore in Alaska!!! Like someone previously said if you go often with a open mind. They have a really big selection of stuff here though. I would love to spend a few hours over there jsut looking through everything!
CasaCullen: Whatcha looking for in Austin? For great vintage beams and floors (and beautiful reclaimed lumber in general), try Vintage Material Supply. They'll even make stuff for you - I love the beam I got there, and they did my stair treads and bathroom counter. If I know what you're looking for, I might be able to direct you to other sources. Missing Austin...
My local one was very small and didn't have much. They seemed to specialize in old cabinets, books, and not much else. I was a little disappointed, since I was looking for a couple of old boards and there were no boards!
We bought a gorgeous set of pocket doors for our dining-room-turned-nursery at ReStore. They were already framed and ready to install--even the size we needed that we were going to have to custom build--for $75. And my sister got a new oven on the same trip...for $40. Like any thrift store, it varies from trip to trip. I've been back several times since and found nothing I could use. Doesn't mean I won't keep trying! The perfect sliding dual pane patio door WILL show up one of these days!
I've gone to one, in a less than desirable area of town, and they had a good wide selection of items. As others have said, if you're not looking for specifics and willing to get what catches your eye, it's great.
My only issue is I was offered items "under the table" from one of the workers. It really left a bad impression of how the place is run, and I've not been back since. I'm still considering hitting one in a "nicer" side of town to see if they have a different setup.