5 ways to repurpose waste from a renovation project
If you’ve gutted your basement, kitchen or bathroom, don’t send the leftover waste to the landfill just yet. There are several ways you can upcycle or repurpose items from your recent renovation to create a more unique space at home.
1. Upcycle old fixtures. An old tub can be transformed into a coffee table planter. Broken pipes can become a new lamp. There are plenty of possibilities for your old household fixtures before tossing them. If the scope of the project reaches further than your DIY capabilities, call in outside help — especially if it involves electrical work. Electricians typically charge between $50 and $100 per hour, according to homeowners via HomeAdvisor’s True Cost Guide.
2. Repurpose kitchen cabinets. Kitchen cabinets don’t have significant resale value, and they’re often destroyed during the renovation process. Be sure to communicate with your contractor at the start if you’d like to salvage them during your kitchen remodel. They can direct a cabinet pro on the renovation team to move the cabinets to the garage, laundry room or basement to create a new and distinctive storage area. Consider splashing the cabinets with a new coat of paint once they’re installed — it’ll make the room feel brand new.
3. Don’t scrap shutters. Battered shutters might not serve their exterior purpose anymore, but once they’re removed and replaced, a carpenter or handyman can convert the old ones into a bench, a television cabinet or even a sliding door. The look is perfect for any home with farmhouse or antique influences. From an eyecatching centerpiece to a planter box, there’s really no limit to the possibilities. A local carpenter or handyman can assist with a job like this, and homeowners report paying an average of $390 for a handyman, according to HomeAdvisor’s True Cost Guide.
4. Donate when possible. Whether you’re ripping up flooring or replacing doors and windows, there are nonprofit organizations, such as Habitat for Humanity, and salvage shops eager to take in materials they need for a new project. Working appliances, lumber, sinks, toilets and lighting are just a few items that are fair game to donate. Your general contractor will be able to tell you which items are safe to donate.
5. Responsibly dispose of waste. If you can’t reuse or recycle scraps from your renovation, your contractor will likely have a local waste-removal pro who can remove any waste from your home improvement project. If you have scraps from a DIY project, remember to contact the appropriate pros to remove it in a safe and legal way. There may be permits or bylaws you aren’t aware of that dictate how and when to toss this type of trash. And always consult a professional when dealing with harmful materials like asbestos. Homeowners usually pay about $235 for waste removal services, according to HomeAdvisor’s True Cost Guide.