TRIMMING DOWN EXPENSES ON PROJECT SUPPLIES
I tried doing that with our basement reno—kept a spreadsheet for every receipt, trip, and even the gas money. Honestly, it was eye-opening, but also a bit depressing. I thought I was being super thrifty by hitting up salvage yards, but factoring in all the driving, time off work, and random “bargain” fails... sometimes new ended up cheaper overall. Not saying salvage isn’t worth it, but the hidden costs add up fast.
sometimes new ended up cheaper overall. Not saying salvage isn’t worth it, but the hidden costs add up fast.
That’s definitely true in a lot of cases—those “hidden” costs sneak up on you. But I’ve seen some projects where salvage or reclaimed stuff really did save money, especially for unique finishes or when you need just a small quantity. I guess it depends on what you’re after and how flexible your timeline is. If you’ve got a tight schedule or need a ton of matching materials, new might make more sense.
On the flip side, I’ve had clients score serious deals at auctions or by buying leftover lots from other builds. Sometimes you get lucky and find exactly what you need nearby, which cuts down on travel and hassle. It’s kind of a gamble, though… not everyone has the time or patience to hunt for that perfect find.
I’d say if someone wants to go the salvage route, planning ahead is key—know what’s worth the extra effort and what isn’t. Otherwise yeah, it can end up being more trouble than it’s worth.
Title: Trimming Down Expenses on Project Supplies
I’ve run into that same dilemma—sometimes you think you’re saving with salvage, but then you’re driving all over town or spending hours cleaning up materials. Still, I once found reclaimed hardwood flooring for a fraction of the cost, and it gave the space so much character. It took some extra elbow grease, but for smaller projects or accent pieces, it’s been totally worth it for me. Just have to know when to draw the line, I guess.
I hear you on the time sink with salvage. I’ve had projects where tracking down reclaimed beams or old brick seemed like a bargain, but factoring in the hours spent sourcing, hauling, and cleaning... sometimes it just doesn’t add up. That said, there was this one kitchen reno where we used old barn wood for shelving—took forever to prep, but the end result was unique and actually saved us a chunk. It’s a balancing act for sure. Sometimes I wonder if the “savings” are really worth it, especially when labor costs creep in.
Sometimes I wonder if the “savings” are really worth it, especially when labor costs creep in.
That’s the kicker, isn’t it? I’ve tried to “save” by sourcing secondhand tile, but by the time I’d driven across town twice and scrubbed off years of grime, I started questioning my life choices. My rule now: I tally up hours like I’m billing myself—if it takes more than a weekend, I just buy new. Sometimes paying for convenience really is the budget move.
