Handyman: Metro ReStores offer new, used products
Whenever you plan a home improvement project, having and following a budget is key. It can affect the type of materials you use for the job. You can also cut costs by buying them from one of the Habitat for Humanity Metro ReStores, metrorestores.org.
The two locations in Detroit, along with Farmington and Pontiac, all feature a variety of building products that have been donated by homeowners or contractors. Not only can you save money, but you are also being environmentally friendly by using these products rather than seeing them end up in a landfill.
Darshelle Raheem, director of the Metro ReStores, said for the outside of the home they have roofing shingles, windows, doors, bags of cement and caulk. For the inside, you can find furniture, new and used kitchen cabinets and plumbing fixtures, along with new carpet squares and flooring.
“We also have small hand tools and we sell new paint at a discounted price. That’s our most popular item.”
She said they also stock plenty of donated appliances and as part of the ReStore Certified Appliance project, each item goes through a 19-point inspection and is repaired if needed. They are then sold with a six-month warranty.
While ReStores welcomes homeowners, contractors and landlords looking to find products at a good price, Raheem said she also sees people looking for unique items.
“We get a lot of people looking for retro furniture for their home, and many are buying older items like entertainment centers and re-purposing them for different uses, such as bookshelves,” she said. “We also have treasure hunters looking for older items and antiques.”
If you have items you want to donate items to the ReStores, donations can be new or used, but all items must be in good repair and in saleable condition. All donations are tax deductible, and a receipt is provided for each donation. You can also schedule your item to be picked up.
The ReStores also have deconstruction and salvage division available to help those who want to strip usable materials out of homes and buildings and donate them rather than having them sent to a landfill.
To help get you into the holiday shopping mode, the ReStores are also having their own Thanksgiving Weekend sales.
The Metro ReStore locations include the Detroit-West store, 12630 Greenfield Road, (313) 653-4890; Detroit-East store, 17181 Mack Ave. , (313) 332-0248; Farmington, 28575 Grand River Ave., (248) 442-2267; and Pontiac at 150 Osmun St., (248) 338-8392.
While finding a bargain on home improvement products is reason enough to shop at the ReStores, proceeds from sales also supports Habitat for Humanity’s mission of eliminating substandard housing and improving the community.
Tip: You can now hear the new Handyman Show with Glenn Haege on WJR Podcast anytime on both iTunes and at MasterHandyman.com
If you would like to suggest a question for this column, e-mail askglenn@masterhandyman.com. If you want to talk to Glenn Haege, call his “Handyman Show” on WJR-AM (760) at (866) ASK GLENN, (866) 275-4536 between noon and 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. “The Handyman Show” can be heard on more than 130 radio stations.