Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Habitat ReStore?
The Madison Habitat ReStore is one of over eight Habitat ReStores in Wisconsin. Through the sales of donated building materials the Habitat ReStore of Madison contributes enough funds for two Habitat for Humanity of Dane County homes a year. Through donations from businesses and individuals, the Habitat ReStore diverts large amounts of reusable materials from landfills and provides materials to the public at low prices.

Is the Habitat ReStore open to the public?
Yes! Anyone is welcome to shop at the Habitat ReStore. Store hours are 10-6 Wednesday through Saturday.

What does the Habitat ReStore sell?
Sales items may consist of but are not limited to: cabinets, lighting and plumbing fixtures, hardware, roofing, carpet, tools, trim, doors, lumber, flooring, and windows. Check back often, our inventory changes frequently!

How are the items priced at the Habitat ReStore?
Materials are sold to the public at 50 - 75% off the retail price.

Where do items come from?
The Habitat ReStore accepts new and used building-related materials from contractors, suppliers, individuals, remodelers and property managers.

How often do you get new merchandise?
Our inventory changes often - we are receiving new items weekly, if not daily.

What donations CAN the Habitat ReStore accept?

• Cabinets, up-to-date and not damaged
• Appliances - less than 10 years old and in 100% working condition
• Plumbing, usable fixtures, parts and supplies
• Electrical, usable fixtures, parts and supplies
• Windows, insulated glass, no broken glass, no sashes accepted
• Hardware, knobs, hinges, locks, nails, cabinet pulls, nuts, bolts, screws
• Lumber, at least 6' in length
• Doors with jambs No broken glass
• Roofing, no scrap materials please!
• Carpet, no used carpet, no stains or odors
• Tools, hand, garden, working power
• Flooring, wood, ceramic tile, vinyl
• Millwork/trim, wood casing and base, vinyl base, ceramic
• Miscellaneous, masonry, sheathing, siding, drywall supplies

What donations can the Habitat ReStore NOT accept?
The Habitat ReStore CANNOT accept:

• blinds
• broken glass or mirrors
• used carpet or padding
• furniture
• open or partial cans of paint
• paint thinner or other hazardous or toxic chemicals
• wallpaper

How do I go about donating an item?
If you have good, reusable or new materials, give us a call at (608) 661-2813. For more details, please check out the donations section.

Will you pick items up?
It is a possibility, but due to our limited pick up schedule we prefer to have materials dropped off at a scheduled time.

Where do the proceeds from the sales go?
Proceeds from Habitat ReStore sales support Habitat For Humanity of Dane County's primary objectives of building affordable, energy efficient houses for low-income families, and the rehabilitation of urban residential neighborhoods.

Are my donations Tax deductible?
Your donation may be tax deductible, depending on your individual situation. Please consult a tax professional and see this IRS publication for reference.

Does the Habitat ReStore place a value on the items we donate?
No, you place the value on your donations.

How can my business get involved?
There are many ways local businesses can contribute: financial donations, equipment donations, sponsor a special event for the Habitat ReStore, place an ad for or with the Habitat ReStore, volunteer at the Habitat ReStore, donate materials to the Habitat ReStore, or shop at the Habitat ReStore.

How can I help?
The Habitat ReStore is always looking for volunteers to help with stocking shelves, picking up donations, and general store upkeep. Please check the volunteers section of our site. Thank you!

Do you have an eNewsletter?
Yes we have a monthly eNewsletter. You can subscribe on line through our website or at our Habitat ReStore.

Do you have a deconstruction program?
Yes We have a deconstruction program made up of a paid full time deconstruction manager and a dedicated volunteer deconstruction crew. Please email fbyrne@restoredane.org or call 712-0737 for a deconstruction walkthrough appointment and volunteer deconstruction opportunities