Over the past five to ten years, the idea of using reclaimed materials, such as historic fixtures, pallets, and old pipes, has become incredibly trendy. There are entire websites and publications dedicated to the repurposing of old materials for modern projects. Even certain design philosophies, such as farmhouse and steampunk, rely heavily on the notion that reclaimed materials can be stunning. If you are interested in using some reclaimed wares during your upcoming North Carolina or South Carolina renovation, you’re in the right place.
As you read the remainder of this brief guide, you will discover a few ways to utilize reclaimed materials and how to make sure you’re getting the best products you can. It is important to remember that your remodeling job is entirely unique, so what you do with reclaimed materials may be different than what anyone else has done before. That’s the beauty of these products; they can truly become anything you can imagine!
Source your materials first
Before you start dreaming-up concrete plans for projects, it is a good form to have an idea of what sorts of reclaimed materials you actually have access to. If, for example, you’ve always dreamed of covering the ceilings in your historic Carolina home with old tin tiles, but you simply don’t have the budget for them, you might have to consider using other reclaimed materials instead.
One of the best places to look for reclaimed materials is your own house, especially if your home is at least fifty years old. Once your renovation starts, you are likely to have all sorts of leftover wood and other materials that can be repurposed. This is an amazing way to incorporate the history of your home into your family’s contemporary lifestyle. Some project ideas include a reclaimed wood coffee table, a shelving unit made from old studs, and a coffee mug holder crafted from a plantation shutter.
If you don’t have any luck finding materials in your own space, start visiting architectural salvage warehouses and antique stores in your area. Because both North Carolina and South Carolina are rife with history, you never know what you will find in these sorts of shops. You don’t have to be an expert antiquer to find things that speak to you!
Know who will make or install your materials
If you aren’t much of a do-it-yourselfer, it is important to figure out who will actually do the projects you have in mind for your reclaimed materials. Many general contractors are willing to handle these jobs, but you will need to double-check with your team before you make any assumptions. If you have your heart set on a highly specialized project, you might have to pay a true craftsman to do the work right.
At Hatch Homes, we enjoy all sorts of renovation projects, including those that involve reclaimed materials. We are passionate about keeping the history of the American Southeast alive, and we believe using reclaimed products is one of the best ways to do this. If you are interested in learning more about the services the Hatch Homes team offers, contact our office to schedule a consultation.