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    7 Ways to Save on Home Renovation Materials

    Let’s be real… no one WANTS to pay top dollar for their renovation and we agree you shouldn’t have to. You may equate spending...

    • Ken Schwartz
    • January 15th, 2019
    • 5 min read

    Let’s be real… no one WANTS to pay top dollar for their renovation and we agree you shouldn’t have to. You may equate spending less money with compromising on quality or design but that is often not the case if you use your resources to the full extent. Don’t know where to start? We’re here to help! 

    Whether you’re planning to love or list your upcoming renovation, these 7 tips are sure to save you a fortune during the process.

    Use Buy, Sell and Trade Resources

    Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace are great places to look for materials, furniture and other items. You can search by category and keywords as well as set up alerts for when something specific is listed for sale. Joining Facebook groups can also be helpful for buying and swapping materials. Some other useful sites for materials include: Plannetreuse.com reusewood.org freecycle.org and diggerslist.com.

    Buy "Oops Paint"

    Your local hardware store might have a stash of paint that customers returned because they were unhappy with a finished mixed color or didn't end up needing. This is a great opportunity to pick up perfectly good paint at a deep discount. 

    Tio: Before purchasing, check the paint label, which has a dried swatch of the actual paint and may contain the name of the paint shade that was mixed. Since a machine mixes the paint, at times shades may vary due to malfunction. Compare the shades of paint by looking at the actual color swatch that has been hand-dabbed on the label rather than by reading the name.

    Scope Out Construction Sites

    If you happen to see new homes or businesses under construction, stop by and speak to the foreman or general contractor about picking up any excess windows, lumber or plywood. These materials will most likely end up in the dumpster or landfill anyway so don’t be shy! Ask and you may receive.

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    Consider Scratch & Dent

    Don’t be fooled by the name! You can visit scratch and dent stores specifically or find the designated isle in the big box stores to find some substantial markdowns on items such as cabinetry, sinks, tubs, paneling, flooring and appliances. You’re probably envisioning scratches and dents or at least something wrong with these items but that’s not always the case. It’s possible the boxes could be damaged or open or perhaps the floor model was discontinued to make room for new models. Also once the item is installed, the cosmetic damage is often hidden. When it comes to appliances, scratches and dents can easily be fixed by the consumer in most cases.

    Contact the Manufacturer Directly

    It’s a little-known fact that you can actually call individual specialty stores and sometimes receive reduced pricing on mis-orders. You can do this for windows, doors, trusses, roofing and more. If you are a bit more flexible on design, (considering the options may be limited) you can score some brand new materials for a fraction of the retail cost.

    Ask your Contractor

    If you’re planning to use a contractor, it’s a good idea to ask if they have any leftover materials from previous jobs such as flooring or countertops. Depending on their stock and the square footage needed to complete the job, contractors are sometimes willing to sell the materials to you for a discount. This is a win for both you and the contractor since excess stock often ends up in the trash anyway.

    Visit your Local Salvage Store or Reuse Center

    The words “salvage store” may be off-putting at first if you’ve never stepped foot in one before. Home salvage stores are private businesses that hunt down usable materials, kind of like a thrift store for renovators. Simply Google something like “salvage stores” or “reclaimed building materials” to find options in our area. Depending on the store’s selection, you can find plenty of new or almost new items to choose from.

    Additionally, the words “reuse center” can also trick you into thinking that these types of stores only sell old or used materials. It’s true that you will find some secondhand goods but you can also find brand new kitchen cabinets, bathroom sinks, furniture, appliances, home accessories and more. Habitat for Humanity ReStore is one of the most popular nonprofit home-part recycling centers across the country. Builders, designers, and showrooms donate their excess materials in exchange for a tax deduction and the public then is allowed to purchase these materials at a reduced cost. Pretty cool right? 

    Do you know what most of these tips have in common? You save green while also being green! Reusing and repurposing are immensely helpful to the planet and keep materials out of landfills for decades and even centuries to come. 

    We love giving home renovation advice so if you're planning one, feel free to send us a message!

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    About the author

    Ken Schwartz

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    Since 2008, I have been helping clients reach their goals, and doing so in the most professional fashion possible. I graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of California at San Diego in 2008. After working in the field for a short time, I found my true calling in Real Estate. My ability to talk with people and problem solve made real estate a perfect fit for me. I obtained my Real Estate License in 2008 and have worked in the industry ever since. My previous experience includes Property Management and helping clients Buy or Sell their home. In 2012 I received my Real Estate Brokers license and have recently joined the team at CENTURY 21 Affiliated. When I'm not out selling homes, I love spending time with my wife and 4 french bulldogs. I also play in an adult baseball league, which helps fulfill my competitive nature. Having played baseball in high school, it is a great extension to my glory days. Thankfully San Diego has such great weather, we can play year round. My expertise in the San Diego market and the outstanding resources of CENTURY 21 Affiliated give my clients the satisfaction that I can provide them the best quality service out there. A Real Estate transaction can be a stressful time, but it doesn't have to be. We do everything we can to make it as smooth as possible, while delivering our clients the best value and helping to build their personal wealth.

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    Ken Schwartz Real Estate

    Ken Schwartz | CA DRE #01854235 | NMLS 2461429

    2020 Camino Del Rio N. Suite 800, San Diego CA 92108

    2020 Camino Del Rio N. Suite 800, San Diego CA 92108

    Call Us:

    858-500-2195

    Message Us:

    [email protected]

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