Where to Find Recycled Building Materials to Build a House

If you’re looking to build a house but don’t want to break the bank, recycled building materials are a great option. There are many places where you can find used and recycled building materials.

This article will discuss some of the best places to find them. We’ll also provide tips on how to select quality materials and save money while doing it. So, whether you’re a homeowner or contractor looking for supplies, read on for the best tips on where to find recycled building materials.

Residential Construction Dumpsters

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One of the best places to find recycled building materials is at residential construction sites. Construction workers often discard usable materials in the dumpster (aka skip bin), such as wood, metal and drywall. If you see a construction site in your neighbourhood, ask the workers if you can rummage through the dumpster for any useful materials.

Know that when contractors use a large skip bin it allows the disposal of far more varied items than a standard garbage disposal. Generally speaking, items such as building materials and flammable liquids, which couldn’t be placed in domestic waste, are perfectly fine to go in the bin so you have to be careful as you look through the waste.

Before picking any materials for your construction, however, ensure they are fire-resistant and up to code. If they’re not, leave them be. As you’re looking, remember that safety materials like smoke alarms and fire extinguishers should never be salvaged or purchased used. You can find many fire extinguisher companies that provide quality equipment, instead.

With the right measures, you can come up with a recycled building that is cost-effective and safe.

Architectural Salvage Stores

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Another place to find recycled building materials is an architectural salvage store. These stores sell various used and antique building materials such as doors, windows and hardware. They are a great option if you’re looking for unique, high quality or one-of-a-kind materials for your construction project.

There are many factors that you need to consider when sourcing materials from architectural salvage stores. Some of these include the condition of the materials, the price and whether or not you’re able to find what you need.

First and foremost, ensure that you inspect the condition of the materials before purchasing them. This is especially important if you plan to use them for structural purposes. 

Second, be aware that prices vary greatly from store to store. It’s important to compare prices and estimate what you’re willing to spend before making a purchase.

Finally, keep in mind that you probably won’t be able to find all the materials you need for your project in one place or at one time. You might have to visit multiple stores, and you might have to keep checking as stores get different items in stock, which can be time-consuming and frustrating.

Demolition Sites

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Another great place to look for recycled building materials is at demolition sites. Demolition crews often discard usable materials like bricks, lumber and metal. If you see a demolition site in your neighbourhood, ask the workers if you can rummage through the debris for any useful materials.

Better yet, if you know a building is slated for demolition, contact the demolition company and ask if you can go through it and take what you need first.

Before taking any materials from a demolition site, it is important to check if they are structurally sound. Inspect the materials for cracks, holes or other damage. If the materials are damaged, they may not be safe to use in your construction. It is also important to ensure the materials are clean and free of hazardous materials such as asbestos.

Yard Sales and Garage Sales

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You can score some great recycled building materials at yard sales and garage sales. Homeowners often get rid of old bricks, lumber and other materials when they renovate their houses, and these materials can end up in yard and garage sales.

It is important to visit these sales early if you’re looking for specific materials like antique bricks or lumber. This is because these items are often popular and tend to go fast. You may also find great deals on new building materials, such as lumber, at these types of sales. Homeowners who are renovating their houses often get rid of good-quality lumber that they don’t need, so you may be able to snag some at a fraction of the cost.

Habitat for Humanity ReStores

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Habitat for Humanity ReStores are a great place to start if you’re looking for recycled building materials. These stores sell new and gently used building materials, furniture and home goods at a fraction of the retail price. You can find everything from lumber to appliances to light fixtures there.

There are over 800 Habitat for Humanity ReStores across Canada and the United States. To find one near you, visit their website and enter your postal code. Ensure you call ahead to confirm their current inventory, as it changes often. Also, check their website or social media for special sales or events. Do not forget to ask about their donation and discount policies.

Friends and Family

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Ask your friends and family if they have any building materials they no longer need, like lumber from a home renovation or bricks from an old patio.

You may be surprised at what people are willing to give away for free or at a low cost. Even if your friends and family don’t have any building materials, they may be able to point you in the right direction. They may know of someone who is getting rid of materials or know of a great place to find recycled building materials. Ensure that you return the favour when they need help with something.

Scrap Yards

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Are you looking for metal materials, such as pipes or wires? If so, you may be able to find what you’re looking for at a scrap yard. Scrap yards are businesses that buy and sell scrap metal. They often have metals that are useful in home construction, such as copper, aluminum and steel.

Before heading to a scrap yard, it is important to call ahead and ask about their current inventory. This is because scrap yards have a changing inventory that depends on what they have bought recently. It is also important to ask about their prices as these can vary depending on the type of metal and the current market value.

Feature image: Redd; Image 1: Ekaterina Belinskaya