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The idea of finding resources for free building materials may not seem possible to some. With perseverance and some luck, you can find free flooring materials, lumber, kitchen and bath fixtures and just about everything else you need.
Steps
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Visit your local paint stores and see if they have an "Oops" shelf. Many times the paint color is not quite what the customer wanted, and they return it to the store. Rather than dispose of it, the store offers it to customers for free. -
Visit your local flooring stores and check for freebies. They often give away small sections of carpeting that may be stained or too small to sell, odd lots of tiles or pieces of vinyl flooring. While they may be too small by themselves to cover a floor, you could mix and match remnants to cover a room. -
Check out the dumpsters at various stores and commercial buildings to see what they have available. Even if what you find is not useful as construction material, you may be able to trade it for something useful to you, such as nails, screws or other odds and ends.
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Check to see if there is a local Freecycle for your area. You can do this by entering the word Freecycle with your county and state or province in your search engine. -
When you find a group, you will need to join. [3] X Research source -
After you join, put the word out. Explain what you're looking for in the "Wanted" part. [4] X Research source -
Check to see if the item you're looking for is already available. -
Also take the time to offer something you have but don't need around your house. This makes the whole deal nice and reciprocal.
Community Q&A
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QuestionWhere else could I find boards that are free, aside from your already mentioned tips?Community AnswerMaybe go to a construction site and ask the superior if he will give you sheetrock and other surplus materials.
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QuestionMy roof is in bad shape and leaks. What can I do if I cannot afford insurance?Community AnswerYou can try to repair the roof yourself. Get the tiles off your roof and put some building plastic as underlayment that hangs in the gutter. This does not fix the issue, but it is an effective and cheap temporary fix.
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QuestionWhere can I find salvaged kitchen cabinets?Community AnswerIf you have a Habitat For Humanity in your area, they often have stores that sell used items to repair your house. We bought several of our kitchen cabinets there. They have odds and ends of hardware, furniture, bathroom items, etc.
Video
Tips
- There is no trading allowed on Freecycle. However there may be a buy, sell, trade, group in your area also. Put the words buy, sell, trade, give away, in your search, your county and state.Thanks
Warnings
- When trading services, familiarize yourself with the income tax laws involved. Some trading might be viewed as bartering, so check with your accountant.Thanks
Things You'll Need
- Heavy duty gloves
- Eye protection
- Tools as needed
- Vehicle for hauling construction materials
References
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rr9DtigqXAU
- ↑ https://accidentalhippies.com/2017/12/07/building-materials-cheap-free/
- ↑ https://www.freecycle.org/browse/
- ↑ https://wiki.freecycle.org/How_To_Use_Freecycle
- https://inhabitat.com/a-craigslist-for-materials-helps-recycle-construction-waste/
- https://www.wisebread.com/need-cheap-or-free-construction-materials-go-to-a-demolished-housing-development
About This Article
Getting free building materials can be tricky, but with some perseverance and a little luck, you might be able to make it happen! Drive through neighborhoods right before bulk city pick-ups, since you might be able to find old furniture you can repurpose. While you're driving around, check the dumpsters of apartment buildings for discarded furniture. You'll often find more stuff in dumpsters at the end of the month right before people move out. Another way to get free building materials is to visit your local recycling center since local recycling centers usually have a free section. If they don't provide free materials, you can always call your city dump and see if they allow you to take things. To learn how to use the Freecycle program, read on!
