Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore sells building materials

North Las Vegas homeowner Ruth Spears always has a project to work on.

"I do a lot of rehabs and I'm always building stuff," she said.

In addition to taking care of her own home, Spears has four investment properties across the Las Vegas Valley that she's constantly updating.

A few years ago, Spears stumbled upon ReStore, Habitat for Humanity's nonprofit home improvement store and donation center that sells new and gently used furniture, appliances, home accessories and building materials to the public.

Since then she regularly purchases building and plumbing materials, among other things, at ReStore.

"I go through there almost on a daily basis to see what they have," she said. "If it's a good deal, I'll grab it."

Habitat for Humanity is a nationwide nonprofit that builds homes for low-income families.

Executive Director Meg Delor said the first Las Vegas-based ReStore opened in April 2006 at North Decatur Boulevard and West Vegas Drive before relocating to 4580 W. Sahara Ave.

A second location opened four years later at 3455 E. Flamingo Road.

"The money we generate from the ReStores covers between 65 to 70 percent of our operating expenses, which means we have more dollars for our programs, family services and home construction," she said. "It's a way for us to stretch that philanthropic dollar and prevent things from going into the landfill."

According to Delor, homeowners can save at least 50 percent by purchasing items, which are donated by private individuals, builders and retailers.

"It's a great resource because of the value," she said. "You can get new and gently used materials at a great price and find some unique items. It's different than walking into typical home building store because you'll find something different every single day."

Las Vegas resident Skip Wagner said he stops by ReStore at least three times a week for everything from plywood to refrigerators.

"I have an art studio and rental property on my piece of property so I'm always looking for lots of different things," he said.

According to Wagner, saving money is a huge advantage of shopping at ReStore.

"I've saved an enormous amount of money by shopping there and I always look there before I go to a hardware store," he said. "You'll find much more reasonable prices and the difference in cost is pretty nice for a lot of people."

Wagner added, "If you have the time to look, you'll definitely come out with a pretty good deal."

For Spears, she said repurposing things is her main focus.

"I like to take things and turn them into something different," she said. "It's a lot more cost effective to buy things and repurpose them rather than to purchase something new and tear it apart."

Spears added that she hopes ReStore always remains open in Las Vegas.

"I hope they never shut down," she said. "It's a lot more cost effective and the whole giving back to the community aspect is awesome."

Contact Ann Friedman at afriedman@reviewjournal.com or 702-380-4588. Find her on Twitter: @AnnFriedmanRJ