Mrs. Money: Save Money and Green Your Home Improvement

Summer is a great time to do some home remodeling.  Whether you are sprucing up the exterior of your house, or adding a splash of color to a room by painting, there are ways to go green and save money on your home renovations. 

Here are some ways to do so:

• Use recycled materials.  Some great places to purchase second-hand materials are Habitat for Humanity Restores and thrift stores.  Habitat for Humanity has stores in metropolitan areas that sell used home goods.  If you're looking for a new bathroom vanity, or even a new front door, search Habitat for Humanity first.  Chances are they have something that you can use in your remodel.  Not only will it save you a ton of cash, but you are reusing an existing item and eliminating the unnecessary production of a new item.


• Seek thrift stores for decorating accessories.  I like to stop at my local Goodwill every once in awhile to take a gander at what they have.  Thrift stores are always getting new inventory, so you do have to check often.  And don't let the 70s facade dissuade you from purchasing that painting: you may be able to paint the frame and reuse the canvas and create your own art.


• Check online classifieds like Craig's List to seek out new furniture.  You may be able to score a fabulous deal and help someone else out by taking their unwanted item off their hands.


• Reuse your paint brushes and rollers.  When I paint, I like to buy the good paint brushes.  I've found when I buy the cheap ones it takes longer and the job doesn't look as good.  Buy yourself a paint brush you absolutely love, and make sure you take good care of it.  It should last you a long time!


• Buy quality items.  If you buy all of your furniture made out of press board, you may be replacing it sooner than if you had bought some quality furniture second hand and painted it yourself.  Quality items do last longer, saving you money in the long run.

How have you 'greened' your home renovation projects?

Mrs. Money writes at the Ultimate Money Blog, where she shares tips on frugal living, how to live green and living a simpler life.