Renovate Responsibly - Lamorinda & East Bay Resources

You’ve finally taken the time to swallow hard, research everything, pack your things, and entrusted what feels like your life with a contractor. You’re going to renovate that ancient bathroom of yours, add that kitchen, bump out that bedroom or pop those ceilings for more light. So far, it’s just what you imagined — beautiful, trendy, sophisticated and welcoming.

Now you’re faced with a decision: What do you do with your old stuff — the fixtures, furnishings and decor? What about all those leftover materials and unused building supplies?

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For items that can’t be used as is, you might want to consider:

• Restoring or upcycling materials. Did you not use all of the wood purchased for cabinets and shelving? Or the marble for the countertops? Well, you could always use those materials to create a complimentary accent for another part of your home.
• Turn to your neighbors! Lamorinda has a healthy Facebook group called “Lamorinda Remodel and Repurpose”. It’s aim is to “capture and divert construction materials that might otherwise end up in a landfill. Don’t send to the landfill if you don’t have to. Be green.” 
• Donating to thrift stores or charities. Habitat for Humanity runs multiple locations called “ReStore” and other local charities are great options. If you’ve got bulkier items, some secondhand shops and charities will even pick them up from your home. But the holy grail (which is worth a gander before you buy new and also to donate your old finishes) locations can be found in Berkeley: Ohmega Salvage and UrbanOre. Happy hunting - and let it be worth your time to separate good from bad, and try to recycle the good. 
• Recycling any eligible materials. If you didn’t already catch wind of the Buy Nothing Movement in each of the Lamorinda cities, head to your local recycling center if you have items that are metal, glass, paper, cardboard or plastic. Some places will even accept batteries and electronics if you have no more use for them. 
• Contacting a scrap metal dealer. A scrap metal dealer may be interested in purchasing pieces of metal left over from the renovation.
• Throwing it in a dumpster. Be aware that you might be required to pay a fee if you throw items in the city or county dump...and the price tag can add up (since it’s typically by weight). Renting a dumpster for your property could also be an option.

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If you’re working with an architect or designer, be sure to get their opinions. They may be able to recommend which items you should keep around as spare supplies.

Are you thinking of renovating your home this year? 

Chroma Realty has a renovation manager on staff with an excellent reputation for getting projects done without delay or fuss. Consultations are free and the happy client list is long.