Remodeling on a budget in Kentucky

[DixieLace]

My husband and I are considering buying a house that is in need of a total remodel. Everyone says we might as well just demolish it but we really like the layout and are up for the challenge. Its an adorablehouse with a nice property and we are getting it very cheap.

My question is this- I have always heard of places that sell used building materials (doors, cabinets, etc) and we have been trying to find one of these places that has a larger choice of products. Does anyone know of any of these that are in KY or TN? Or any other types of places like this?

[upnorthlady]

Have you tried the Habitat for Humanity Restores? I believe there are several in KY. Here in MN, we have purchased quite a few building supply items at these stores. For example, I wanted to buy some of those rubbery kickboard pieces that go underneath kitchen cabinets. Menard's and Home Depot had these in boxes of 50 for $85 a box and they didn't have the color I wanted. I went to our local Habitat Restore and found exactly what I wanted for $3 a box! We also got doorknobs and floor tile there for just a fraction of the cost.

[Stephen in SOKY]

I've quit even stopping into the Habitat Restore here in Bowling Green, no exageration, their prices are higher than new on most items. There's place in Fordsville that's great for cabinets and cabinet hardware. Johnstone Supply (843-4545) in B.G. is the best for HVAC items. Super Home Surplus (467-4663) in B.G. is said to have great prices on fixtures, flooring etc. although I can't testify to that.

[Simpler Times]

The Habitat store in Paducah is worthless...never open, no stock, and ridiculous prices on what they do have. There is one is Cape Girardeau (sp?) that is decent although I've only been there once. Check out some of the weekly consignment auctions. Sometimes you run into deals there.

[MikesMate]

There is an Amish salvage store in Munfordville, they usually have flooring and light fixtures among other things. There is also an Amish cabinet shop around Munfordville that makes their own flooring, lumber, and paneling. The place in Bowling Green Stephen was talking about has some good prices, but be careful if you get cabinets there, they're flimsy and not very well built.

[cider]

There is a Habitat store in Louisville, down by Slugger Field. I haven't been to it so can't give an opinion.

[FarmersDaughter]

If you live near a Lowe's, Home Depot, or similar store, stop in frequently to check their clearance and scratch & dent areas. I've seen some very nice looking cabinets, bathroom vanities and appliances in these areas that are marked down considerably. Often the flaws are hardly noticeable.

[jmtinmi]

Do not neglect to try freecycle for some of your needs. I often see building stuff on them.

Craigslist has a 'free' heading.

Also, networking is a great resource. If you can establish a relationship with a few real estate agents, who will let you know when houses are being updated for sale it might net some really useable stuff.

Become the ones to call when stuff needs to be removed, use what you can, sell what you can, recycle the rest.

[crobar]

Find your local craigslist and watch the materials and general catagories daily, in addition to the free catagory. Also cruise the local yard sales and auctions, I realize this works only if you have ample time. I recently bought a water heater off Craigslist for $25. It works just fine.