Pay Less for Home Remodel Supplies

More than repositories for used items, these not-for-profit house-part recycling centers also sell new items, such as kitchen cabinets and bathroom sinks. Here's how it works: Builders and designers donate job-site surplus in exchange for a tax deduction. Some showrooms even donate display models. The centers then sell to the general public at a cut rate. For the best selection, check your calendar. "People don't do a lot of renovations between mid-November and the end of December, so inventory piles up," says Steve Feldman, founder of Green Demolitions, a reuse center in Fairfield, New Jersey. From May to October, when renos are in full swing, there's a higher turnover. That time of year, it pays to visit frequently if you need something specific.