Sandra Thomas

Reclaimed Wood

You can't buy old growth wood at your local building supply,
but it was the standard material a century or so ago. Thanks
to a renewed appreciation for the quality of old wood and the
eco-conscious desire to reuse it, you can buy reclaimed wood
from de-constructed homes, barns and old factories. Reclaimed
wood is centuries old and rich with resin and the patina that
only comes from age. This wood was center-cut from trees that
grew slowly in dense forests, producing tight inner rings that
yield strength and beauty that current fast-growth trees can
never rival. The reclamation process of removing nails, sawing
and re-milling old wood is usually more expensive.

Reclaimed wood is a worthy investment for any home, but if
your budget will not allow for it, you might obtain it by good
old initiative and sweat equity. Ask friends, put an ad in the
paper or online like Craigslist, and take frequent drives in
the country looking for falling-down structures. Ask the owner
of such a structure if he will allow you to take the wood in
exchange for cleaning up the site.

Be forewarned that deconstruction is a huge and sometimes
dangerous undertaking, and it helps if you know what you are
doing. Wear safety gear and gather several friends who will
share the proceeds for their help and contribution of
equipment needed, like a tractor, trucks, pry bars and claw
hammers. Make sure that you make safety your number one
priority.

Salvaged Building Material Suppliers

Baseboard, crown molding, fireplace mantels and solid wood
doors are available at a salvaged building materials supplier.
Search online for a local salvaged materials supplier. Similar
options exist through the following websites:

www.PlanetReuse.com - A nation-wide free source for anyone in
the construction business, both professional and layperson.
You can advertise or browse listed materials, then click on an
ad to let Planet Reuse set up an interface between you and the
seller.

www.Freecycle.org - Available in most major cities, the great
thing about Freecycle is that everything is free, even
membership. You can make requests or offer unwanted items.
Freecycle sends daily emails, so be prepared for an overloaded
inbox. Be ready to respond quickly if you see what you want.

Finding inexpensive sources of wood is a great bargain,
especially for someone who loves to work with it!

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Is It Best to Repair or Replace Your Car?
When is it time to buy a new set of wheels?

(NAPSA) - A growing number of people are finding that the
economy has them debating whether it's best to buy a new car
or repair the one they have. If you are trying to decide
between buying and repairing, here are some tips that may
help:

Comparing Costs

It is typically less expensive in the long run to repair the
vehicle you already own rather than purchasing a newer one.
Financing even a $2,000 repair typically means lower payments
(or similar payments for a shorter time) than those incurred
when purchasing a newer vehicle.

The 50-Percent Rule

After receiving the estimate of a major repair, consider the
"50-percent rule." When the cost of a needed repair approaches
50 percent of the vehicle's value, it is time to seriously
consider replacing it.

Reliability and Maintenance History

The best way to know a vehicle's condition is by maintaining
it on a regular basis and using the same repair shop. If a
repair shop knows the service history of a vehicle, consumers
can look to its technicians for guidance on when their vehicle
likely will need major repairs.

"Following the vehicle manufacturer's maintenance
recommendations can greatly increase the life span of
vehicle," said John Nielsen, director of AAA Approved Auto
Repair and Auto Buying.

Cosmetics

The cosmetic condition of a vehicle can greatly affect its
value and a motorist's desire to hold on to it. Motorists
should take a critical look at their vehicle for signs of wear
and tear and evaluate how important their vehicle's cosmetics
are to them.

Lifestyle

Changes in lifestyle can be a large factor in changing
vehicles. Family size, commute length, recreational usage and
business needs are all legitimate reasons to consider
purchasing a newer vehicle that is better suited to a
consumer's driving routine.

Outside Factors

Several outside factors may impact the decision between
repairing and replacing a vehicle, such as reduced pricing and
special offers from manufacturers. A vehicle that could become
a valuable classic might be worthy of extraordinary repairs
and maintenance.

www.sandrathomassells.com

Several Projects to choose from!
A description of CBR's Main Project is above. In addition, there are several Area Realty Associations participating with projects all over central Ohio. If you would like to get involved in any of these projects, please contact the Association name listed below.

REALTOR® Care Day Contact List

Area Realty Assn Project Application

1. Check local classifieds for repairmen who want old electronics and appliances. Sell working appliances, or give
to a friend in need. Take remaining appliances to the landfill and pay a small fee.

2. Gather scrap metal and salvaged electrical wire and store until prices for copper and steel rise again. When prices are
no longer rock bottom, sell scrap metal to a salvage yard.

3. Reuse untreated wood (studs, shelving) removed during demolition in future remodeling and carpentry projects. Do not
reuse wood with mold, rot, or lead-based paint.

4. Save sawdust and wood shavings (from untreated new wood) for mulch. Save old carpeting for a weed barrier in the
garden.

5. Have leftover paint from former owners? If it's still good even though the lid is rusty, save for use in out-of-the-way
places and the future doghouse.

6. Contact Habitat for Humanity to see if they are interested in any of the carefully-salvaged items (cabinets and bathroom
vanity) or leftover new materials.

7. Sell anything of value that will not be used in the renovation or future projects: light fixtures, vintage hardware, antique furniture, mantelpiece, mirrors, intricate door trim or molding. Contact salvage companies who specialize in vintage materials, or sell through Internet auctions (eBay) or classifieds (craigslist.com).

8. Have a yard sale for the rest. Carefully removed ceramic tile, leftover plumbing materials, electric switch plates and
outlet covers, miscellaneous screws, nuts and bolts, etc.  Advertise in local papers with a special alert to handymen and
contractors.

9. Recycle glass, paper, and plastic when possible.  www.Earth911.com is a helpful resource to locate recycling
plants in your area.

Some landfills will not accept construction waste from anyone but a contractor, so do-it-yourselfers should always find out
what permits they will need. If they cannot obtain a permit, they can hire a construction waste removal company, some of
whom bend over backwards to ensure the good leftovers will be reused or recycled, and not just automatically sent to a
landfill.

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