Reduce, reuse, RENOVATE!
When I first bought my century-old house, I was blown away by the beautiful heart pine rafters in the attic. So, when it came time to rip them out during a recent second story addition, I was unsure what their fate would be. I knew that I didn't want them to end up in a dumpster but I certainly didn't have the time or skill to construct them into something. I had the lumber set aside in the yard for a few months until this morning. In response to a craigslist.com add, a contractor came and took the beams away for $100. More than the crisp bill in my hand, I was most happy that they were going to be used in the renovation of an 18th century home nearby.
It might be hard to imagine that items you are discarding during a renovation can be useful to someone else but a great deal of materials can be recycled. Kitchen cabinets can be installed in Habitat for Humanity homes if they are in good shape. Your old appliances could make someone very happy even if they are avocado green. Building materials like antique windows, flooring and hardware can often find new homes as well.
If you are looking for more inspiration stop by the R.E.X. Project to watch an entire house (including landscaping) get recycled. What clever ways have you come up with to recycle your renovation refuse?
It might be hard to imagine that items you are discarding during a renovation can be useful to someone else but a great deal of materials can be recycled. Kitchen cabinets can be installed in Habitat for Humanity homes if they are in good shape. Your old appliances could make someone very happy even if they are avocado green. Building materials like antique windows, flooring and hardware can often find new homes as well.
If you are looking for more inspiration stop by the R.E.X. Project to watch an entire house (including landscaping) get recycled. What clever ways have you come up with to recycle your renovation refuse?
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