The ReStoration Corner

There's a classic "chicken or egg" issue in some kitchens, and it doesn't have much to do with food or cooking. It's all about kitchen design, and which elements should come first in your kitchen remodel: the cabinets or the appliances.

There are compelling reasons for both choices, but the decision should involve much more than just personal preference. If your goal is to keep your costs – and your headaches – under control, you'll want to carefully weigh another important decision at the very beginning of your kitchen project:

Cabinet Donations

There are many things the ReStore is known for—lighting, furniture, appliances, doors, and windows—all at a discounted price. But the Twin Cities ReStore outlets have also become known for kitchen and bathroom cabinets. The ReStore receives and sells so many cabinets, that ReStore staff refer to it as their “bread and butter.” Entire kitchen cabinet sets are a regular item on the sales floor and provide a great deal of savings to remodelers. Just take a look at how many cabinets were donated or sold last year:

Are you looking to remodel your home kitchen, a rental property, or lake home? Or maybe you want to install cabinets in your garage as a place to organize tools and seasonal decorations?

Whether you're buying new or used cabinets, Jan Hagerman, of Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity ReStore, has some tips and tricks for finding the perfect fit. 

Remodeling your home can be a fun way to customize your space, but it can also be expensive. As DIY television shows and networks increase in popularity, so does thrifting, reusing and repurposing. Try a unique approach to your next home project by purchasing gently-used instead of new materials to lower the cost, especially in your kitchen. Used kitchen cabinets can make your next kitchen remodel substantially more affordable.

Not sure what to look for? These four tips can help you find the right used cabinets and make them your own.

Who says you need heavy equipment and thousands of dollars to make home improvements? If you’re new to DIY projects, it’s important to understand that you can make some noticeable changes without knocking down walls or replacing appliances. In fact, many DIY home improvement projects cost less than 50 bucks.    

Looking for some inspiration? Consider these quick and easy projects to get started.

Sometimes, you just need a little extra storage in your house. If your kids need an extra place for their mittens, their gloves, or their school stuff, Twin Cities Habitat ReStore's Jan Hagerman has two great DIY projects for unique mudroom cabinets.

A lot of people love their houses except for one small portion — which isn't that small at all — the kitchen. And often, ugly, out-of-date cabinets are the culprit. Fortunately, Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity ReStore's Jan Hagerman has some great tips for boosting the appearance of your kitchen cabinet doors.