Salvage stores, which can be found across the country, are stocked with materials recovered from the deconstruction of homes, buildings and schools, and from homeowner donations. For example, Habitat for Humanity, the nonprofit based in Americus, Ga., aimed at increasing affordable housing, runs salvage stores across the country under the name ReStore.
"It's like a secondhand Home Depot," says Kirkland.
While interior and exterior doors are common finds at salvage stores, consumers also can buy light fixtures, sinks, cabinets, molding, tiles and many other things needed for remodeling a home. Many salvage stores are updated regularly.
Perusing salvage stores isn't the only way to find reusable materials. Online marketplaces like Craigslist have building merchandise as well as a free section where people give things away. Second Use also operates an online salvage store.
As an alternative, visiting the local dump or salvage yard, although messy, can be a great way to find salvage materials.