We have been talking about remodeling our homes, new Kitchens, Bathrooms, Additions, Basements, etc.

All of this remodeling generates some debris; however, it also generates some materials that are reusable.

Let’s take a look at some of the most obvious items that can be saved and reused.

1.      Lighting Fixtures

These are things that we don’t give a lot of thought to throwing in the trash. Our thinking is usually, “who would want this old thing?” When, in reality, there are plenty of people who not only want these fixtures, but need them as well. Some of your “old fixtures” may actually be the perfect fit for someone else’s décor.

2.      Plumbing Fixtures

“Don’t throw the baby out with the bath water.” This also applies to the plumbing fixtures that you are replacing in your Bathroom or Kitchen. You are tired of the lime green toilet or the mustard yellow bathtub, but it might be just what someone else is looking for. You would be surprised. Also, think of places that it may be convenient to have that extra sink, the Garage, the Basement, an outdoor herb/potting shed. You may not want it inside your house anymore, but it may still be useful.

3.      Cabinetry

Sometimes we don’t think about saving the cabinetry until it’s too late. So before the carpenters smash the cabinets to fit them into the dumpster or load them into their trailer to sell or give to someone else, take a walk around the house and see if there is a place that needs more storage space or could benefit from an additional wall cabinet or two. Places like the Laundry Room, the Garage, the Basement, the Attic or the shed. Even a walk-in closet could be made more usable with the addition of a cabinet for storing off season stuff.

4.      Countertops

Again, we need to think about what we might gain if we install the old countertops somewhere else in the house. Most tops that are being replaced are made of laminate materials. These materials are very durable and can be used in areas that have a need for easy clean up and maintenance. Garages, Basements, craft rooms, potting sheds. And they don’t need to follow the cabinetry either. Countertops can be modified to fit most any space that you may have. Even older Corian® tops can be modified to fit your needs.

5.      Appliances

The refrigerator, dishwasher, and stove, etc. are probably the easiest things to get rid of. Who doesn’t know of an Aunt, Uncle, niece or cousin who needs an appliance? What about a neighbor, brother or sister or coworker whose refrigerator just when on the fritz? The hardest thing about this is getting help moving the items to their new locations.

With the advent of Craig’s List, Ebay and the like, the playing field has been infinitely expanded. And access to all kinds of persons, with every level of interest and need, makes reusing household items as practical as it has ever been.

Happy Remodeling!

Next Time…A Call for Questions 

Q&A&C – Questions and Answers and Comments are expected and welcomed.

YOUR STORY – Tell us about your remodeling experiences, good or bad. We all have had them and perhaps you can help someone else have a great remodeling experience or avoid the issues that you encountered. Remember…keep it clean and civil or we can’t publish it.