Just because your do not have a strong budget does not mean you cannot renovate part of, or even all of your home. With the current economy in Alberta this means looking for alternate resources and getting creative. The following is a list of five ways to score the ultimate deal on construction and renovating materials. This will enable you to RECLAIMIVATE your space.

Bargain Hunt Online

There are several sources online where there are always deals to had. Most of these websites are generalized and have everything from cars to real estate for sale. There is one diamond in the rough online that is used by contractors and general handyman types and is extremely useful for both buying and selling used or leftover construction materials. RENOBACK is a website dedicated to user listed materials ranging from insulation to heavy duty equipment, all exclusively in the construction industry (no 80’s VHS tapes on here). This directly benefits you, prices are incredibly low as most materials have been paid for during the project and are either leftover or were not returnable. It also keeps a tremendous amount of garbage out of our landfill, either way it’s a great resource for the weekend warrior or the veteran contractor.

Reclaimed Renovation Materials

You don’t have to look hard to find someone throwing away different materials as they are removed during renovation. If you are willing to put in a little sweat equity you can get some amazing materials that would otherwise end up in the landfill. Most renovations throw away absolutely every thing they remove including fixtures, cabinets, plumbing, ect…. Repurposing, repainting, and getting ultra creative can score you some FREE material if you use your imagination and are not afraid of a little extra work.

Scratch and Dent

Just about every supplier, showroom, or trade has materials and items they could not use on a job, were returned and have an open box, or are slightly damaged. If you ask the sales person for their scratch and dent section, you will almost always be pleasantly surprised by some of the stuff they are discounting. Being strategic is also helpful, buy a refrigerator with a dent on the side, and once it is in its home you can not even see the dent. Once again a little sweat equity can also go a long way, scratched finish or paint can be stripped and re‐finished. This resource is used by pros and DIY specialists alike.

Do It Yourself

If you like a challenge or already have the skill, a renovation can be exciting and rewarding and best of all you do not have to pay anyone. Of course I would not suggest doing anything you’re not comfortable with, and you need to be sure what your doing is safe. Check with your local city/municipality to see what you will need permits for, consult a professional before removing any walls ect., and never touch any of the mechanical components of your home unless you are a trained professional (electrical, plumbing etc…) When it comes to successful DIY projects you need to pick things that are achievable, otherwise you will lose interest and make completing the task very difficult. In saying that setting tile, doing trim work, painting, and installing certain flooring are all good projects to try out. There are unlimited resources to help you be successful when tackling any DIY project.

Friends and Family

One of the best resources you have is your social network, reach out to your friends and family for their experience and physical labor. Chances are you know a few trades people or experienced DIY’ers, reaching out for advice, or help can give you an excuse to hang. You don’t need to be the pain in butt friend who always asks for help with a project either, make it fun. Have a painting party, or a backyard man day building a deck, beer and pizza can go a long way.