Amidst the financial crisis, many home builders around the country have run out of financing.  Last week a bank decided to completely level 16 completed and partially built homes in Victorville, California because the builder defaulted on the project.  While this is unfortunate, some bargain hunters were able to pick up some extremely cheap construction materials and home fixtures.

In the LA Times report about the Victorville demolition, the bank sent a representative to keep away the vandals and sell things to bargain hunters.   Some passerbys were were able to salvage a granite counter for $40 and dual-pane windows for $20 a piece from the model homes.  Another person was able to score a trailer full of 2-by-4s for $40.  These materials and fixtures are supposed to be used for personal projects only, but they are definitely excellent deals considering that everything is practically brand new.

Another demolition of townhomes is scheduled in eastern Murrieta in California on May 15th and there is probably something there that is worth saving.     These demolitions seem like a complete waste of time and effort, but it is understandable that  lenders and developers are cutting their losses on homes that may not even sell when completed

If you live in an area with an overabundance of housing developments,  then you should definitely keep an eye open for these demolitions if you are thinking of doing some home improvement.  There may just be a nice designer counter and sink that you can get for $20.