I’ll admit that my family is the “cobbling” kind of people. Our depression-era farm house was slapped together in a sturdy, but irregular fashion. So when it comes time to replace windows, doors, or other basic components, we try to do it as cheaply as possible. Last week I discovered ReStore (a project of Habitat for Humanity), and I will never shop for home improvements supplies the same way again!

Habitat ReStores are retail outlets where building supply and home improvement companies can donate their quality leftovers for resale to the public. Think “Goodwill” for the DIY’er – these stores have it all! While a little jumbled (you will need to dig around a bit to find what you really want), they have aisles for bathroom fixtures, appliances, tile, windows, doors, décor, lighting, paint, hardware, and more!

In addition to providing extra funds for the Habitat for Humanity buildings – some Restores generate enough money to build an additional 10 homes per year – the outlets promote environmental responsibility by allowing quality building materials to be recycled.

While they have a large assortment of used materials, here are some of the brand-new finds we saw at our local Omaha ReStore:

 

  • Pella brand Double-Hung Windows and Doors (originally $1800 – marked down to $500)
  • 5 Gallons of Exterior Paint for $20
  • Boxes of Laminate flooring for $22
  • Chandeliers starting at $60
  • Boxes of Tile for $10
  • Spa tubs for $500

 

Did I mention that our family of six FINALLY owns a dishwasher? After many years of begging and pleading with my husband, we brought home a nice pre-owned dishwasher from our Omaha ReStore for $60!

For the ReStore near you, and an opportunity to get some great deals on those last-minute storm windows or insulation for your home, visit your local Habitat for Humanity website and look for the ReStore link. (And for a taste of what ReStore has to offer, check out this online tour of the St. Louis ReStore!)