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Recycling Building Materials the Right Way

By
Real Estate Agent with Front Gate Real Estate Broker 11085

I dislike waste and hate to throw anything away that might be repurposed. I've been frugal and resourceful all my life and there is no stopping me now.

Pergo flooringSo, when I closed on a foreclosure last week, the living room had a floating (laminate) floor in excellent condition, but not to my liking. It had a natural oak finish and appeared to be a high-end product, but it would have clashed with my decor. The price of the house justified my desire to remove and replace the floor with hardwood planks.

 

 

 

Not wanting to toss the floor in a landfill, the laminate was removed and stacked neatly in a spare room. Luckily the boards were not glued and came apart with minimum breakage.

reused pergo flooringTwo days later, the floor looked great in my son's home. It was a win-win situation for all of us. I didn't contribute unnecessary waste to the landfill, nor did I have to pay a dumping fee. The only cost involved was in the removal and reinstallation of the floor.

 

 

 

The next time you are involved in a renovation project, think about how you might donate unwanted items or use them in a different way.

reduce reuse recycle

Reduce, reuse, and recycle...don't just think about it. Do it!

Comments(12)

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Chad Janusa, MBA - New Orleans Real Estate
Metairie, LA

Great idea! It's important to re-use materials. I live in New Orleans, and you see more and more people recycling architectural items from old houses and repurposing them into furniture.

May 05, 2009 12:36 AM
Pat Starnes-Front Gate Realty
Front Gate Real Estate - Brandon, MS
601-991-2900 Office; 601-278-4513 Cell

I have other ideas for recycling materials in this property. I'll keep the light fixtures and reuse them in other properties, too. The stove will either be donated or put on Craig's List. And the cabinets will be moved to the storage room in the garage!

May 05, 2009 12:54 AM
Ritu Desai 703-625-4949
Samson Properties - Chantilly, VA
Northern Virginia,Washington DC & Maryland Realtor

Great idea!!! I have taken good carpet and made into a area rug.

May 05, 2009 01:19 AM
Pat Starnes-Front Gate Realty
Front Gate Real Estate - Brandon, MS
601-991-2900 Office; 601-278-4513 Cell

That's a great idea, Ritu! How did you treat the edging? Did you have it done or DIY?

May 05, 2009 01:32 AM
Ritu Desai 703-625-4949
Samson Properties - Chantilly, VA
Northern Virginia,Washington DC & Maryland Realtor

This is at my sister's home. The company that installed the hardwood floor agreed to bind the edges for a small fee. And she uses over the carpet for the kids play room.

May 05, 2009 01:39 AM
Bill Gassett
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Hopkinton, MA
Metrowest Massachusetts Real Estate

I agree Pat there is no need to let some good materials go to waste!

May 05, 2009 03:58 AM
Jack Gilleland
Home Inspection and Investor Services, Clayton - Clayton, OH

Now if I could just get someone to take the mountain of roofing shingles off my hands I'd be happy.

May 05, 2009 08:44 AM
Ryan Shaughnessy
PREA Signature Realty - www.preasignaturerealty.com - Saint Louis, MO
Broker/Attorney - Your Lafayette Square Real Estate Partner

Hey Pat - We have two great resources for recycling construction materials in St. Louis.  Habitat for Humanity run reStore which sells salvaged items.  http://www.habitatstl.org/restore/  Also, I often see posts offering salvaged materials for free pickup on the Rehabbers Club.  http://www.rehabbersclub.org/  Glad the recycling worked for ya...

May 12, 2009 06:56 PM
Pat Starnes-Front Gate Realty
Front Gate Real Estate - Brandon, MS
601-991-2900 Office; 601-278-4513 Cell

Jack, you crack me up! I needed shingles only yesterday. Too bad you couldn't send 'em to me.

Ryan, those are two great resources in St. Louis. I found a buyer for my stove on Craigs List.

May 12, 2009 11:37 PM
Pam Simpson
Bob Leigh & Assoc., LLC - Senatobia, MS
GRI, Broker-Assoc.

Pat, that was a great idea on the flooring.  I would love to find a tub like my grandmother used to have in her house.  There used to be this guy in the next county over who had tons of old sinks and bathtubs in his yard (for sale).  But, we are focused on all our outdoor projects this summer.  The indoor projects, like bathroom renovation will have to wait.

May 17, 2009 03:05 PM
Christine McInerney
Great Life RE - Knoxville, TN
The McInerney Team, Knoxville TN Homes For Sale

Great post- you could also advertise things on freecycle.org as well.

May 31, 2009 03:57 AM
Pat Starnes-Front Gate Realty
Front Gate Real Estate - Brandon, MS
601-991-2900 Office; 601-278-4513 Cell

Thanks for the reminder about freecycle.org. I'll try to get rid of the bathtub this way.

Jun 09, 2009 12:56 AM