Best Sources for Cheap Home Remodeling Supplies

Home remodeling can cost thousands of dollars. Even a few cans of paint can run $100 or more at your local hardware store. If you are willing to do a bit of searching, however, you can find home remodeling supplies for a fraction of retail cost. Here are a few of the best sources to check when searching for cheap home remodeling supplies.

• 1. Habitat for Humanity ReStore – The ReStores offer used home fixtures and supplies at significantly discounted prices. Cabinets, doors, light fixtures, floor coverings, door handles, and even paint can be found at the ReStore. Most items are used and may not be the latest style, but once in a while new material becomes available. The money you spend at the ReStore helps to fund Habitat for Humanity building projects.
• 2. Craigslist – People often sell their left-over home remodeling supplies on Craigslist. They may have bought too much tile or may have decided not to put in that basement bathroom. Be sure to search the listings for the city nearest you. Type in the keyword for the item you are looking for to see if someone in your area is selling the fixtures or supplies that you need.
• 3. Classified ads – Similar to Craigslist, people may list used or left over home remodeling fixtures in the classified ads of your local newspaper. You will need to contact the seller via telephone to find out if the item they are advertising is what you need.
• 4. Garage sales – Home remodeling supplies can often be found at garage sales. What you will find when going to garage sales is not guaranteed, but some good buys can be had if you search sales early. We purchased our kitchen sink, complete with hardware, for $25 at a garage sale, and the bulk of our kitchen floor for $20. There are no choices involved when purchasing home remodeling supplies at garage sales – what you see is what you get.
• 5. Special purchase sales – Big box stores sometimes purchase limited lots of certain items that they offer at low prices while supplies last. You can usually find these special deals featured in the department where your supplies are located. Deals on tile, flooring, light fixtures, and other items can be found this way. Be sure to purchase enough of the item to cover the square footage you need. Once these special purchase items are out of stock, they are no longer available.

Because the sources listed above offer used or deeply discounted items, make sure you check the condition of each item before purchasing. There are no guarantees when buying supplies this way, and all sales are final when buying used items, so make sure you know what you are buying.

Of course, my husband suggested dumpster diving as another source for building supplies, but most municipalities frown upon picking through the trash!