What Habitat for Humanity ReStore Is

Habitat for Humanity ReStore is a thrift store chain run by Habitat for Humanity, the nonprofit that builds and repairs homes. ReStore sells donated and returned building materials, furniture, and appliances at steep discounts — typically 50 to 70 percent below retail. The money from sales funds local Habitat chapters' home-building work.

ReStore is not a donation center where you drop things off and leave. It is a retail operation: you browse, select items, and pay at checkout. Most ReStores are independently run by their local Habitat chapter, so inventory, prices, hours, and return policies vary by location. Some locations accept donations; others do not.

ReStore differs from general thrift stores because it specializes in building and home goods rather than clothing or household items. You will find kitchen cabinets, doors, windows, flooring, lighting fixtures, and tools. You will also find furniture, appliances, and sometimes décor. The stock changes constantly because items come from builder donations, contractor overstock, and customer returns.

Key Takeaways

  • ReStore sells building materials, appliances, and furniture at discounts, with proceeds funding Habitat for Humanity's home-building programs in your area.
  • Each ReStore location is run independently, so hours, inventory, prices, and policies differ — you need to contact your local store directly for specifics.
  • Items are typically used, returned, or overstock from builders, and ReStore does not may provide condition or provide warranties unless the store explicitly states one.
  • You can often arrange delivery for large items like appliances or cabinets, but delivery fees and availability depend on your location and the item.
  • Some ReStores accept donations and some do not; call ahead to ask whether your local store takes donations and what items they want.

What You Can Find at ReStore

ReStore inventory centers on building and renovation materials because Habitat's core mission is home construction and repair. You will regularly find doors, windows, kitchen and bathroom cabinets, countertops, flooring (tile, laminate, hardwood), lighting fixtures, plumbing supplies, and tools. Appliances — refrigerators, stoves, dishwashers, washers, dryers — are common, especially when they are returned or overstock from retailers.

Beyond building materials, most ReStores stock furniture, outdoor equipment, and home décor. A single location might have dining tables, couches, shelving units, garden tools, and paint. Because inventory depends on what was donated or returned that week, you cannot count on finding a specific item. Some ReStores maintain online inventory lists on their websites or social media; others do not.

Prices are set by each store and typically undercut retail by 50 to 70 percent. A kitchen cabinet set that costs $800 new might sell for $200 to $300. A refrigerator priced at $1,200 new might be $400 to $600. Prices reflect the item's condition and age, not a fixed discount formula.

Condition, Warranties, and Return Policies

ReStore items are not new. Most are used, returned by customers, or overstock from builders and retailers. Some are in excellent condition; others show wear. ReStore does not grade or certify condition the way some thrift stores do, so you must inspect items in person before buying. Test appliances if the store allows it. Look for dents, stains, missing parts, and mechanical issues.

ReStore does not provide manufacturer warranties on appliances or furniture. Some locations offer a short store warranty (for example, 30 days) on appliances, but this varies. Ask the cashier or manager before you buy whether the item has any may provide. If you are buying an appliance, ask whether it has been tested and whether the store will deliver it and may support it works in your home.

Return policies differ by location. Some ReStores allow returns within 7 to 14 days if the item is unused and in original condition. Others do not accept returns at all. Ask about the return window and what condition the item must be in before you leave the store with it. Get a receipt and keep it.

Delivery and Large Item Pickup

Most ReStores offer delivery for large items like appliances, cabinets, and furniture, but the service is not automatic. Delivery fees, availability, and lead times vary widely. Some stores deliver within a few days; others have a weeks-long wait. Some charge a flat fee; others charge by distance or item weight. A few ReStores do not deliver at all and require you to arrange your own transport.

Ask about delivery when you buy. Get the fee in writing, confirm the delivery window, and ask whether the store will place the item in your home or leave it at the curb. Some stores include basic setup (like connecting a washer or positioning a refrigerator); others do not. If you have a truck or can borrow one, you can often pick up items yourself and avoid the delivery fee.

For items you cannot fit in a personal vehicle — like a full kitchen cabinet run or a large appliance — delivery is usually worth the cost. Confirm that the item will fit through your doorways and in your space before you commit to delivery.

How to Find Your Local ReStore and Check Hours

Habitat for Humanity maintains a ReStore locator on its national website at habitat.org/restores. Enter your zip code or city to find nearby locations, hours, phone numbers, and sometimes a link to the store's local website or social media page. Not every Habitat chapter runs a ReStore, so if the locator shows no results near you, there may not be one in your area.

Hours vary by location and season. Some ReStores are open six days a week; others are open four. Many close on Sundays or Mondays. Call or check the store's website before you visit, especially if you are traveling a distance. Some stores have seasonal hours or close for inventory.

Many ReStores post new inventory on Facebook or Instagram, so following your local store's social media account can alert you to items you are looking for. Some stores also email newsletters to customers who sign up in-store.

Donating Items to ReStore

If you have building materials, appliances, or furniture to donate, some ReStores accept donations. Not all do. Call your local ReStore first and describe what you have. The store will tell you whether they want it, what condition it must be in, and how to drop it off.

Most ReStores that accept donations want items that are clean, functional, and in good repair. A used door in good condition is welcome; a broken window frame is not. Appliances must work. Furniture should not have large stains or tears. Some stores have restrictions on what they accept — for example, they may not take mattresses, electronics, or items with recalls.

Donations are tax-deductible in the United States. Ask for a receipt when you donate, and keep it for your tax records. You will need to estimate the fair market value of the items you donated. The IRS provides guidance on valuing charitable donations on its website.

ReStore Versus Other Ways to Buy Building Materials and Furniture

ReStore competes with big-box home improvement stores, online retailers, and general thrift stores. The trade-off is straightforward: ReStore offers lower prices but less selection, no guarantees, and inventory that changes weekly. If you need a specific item in a specific size or color, a big-box store or online retailer is more reliable. If you are flexible and price-sensitive, ReStore is worth the trip.

ReStore also differs from Goodwill or Salvation Army because it specializes in building and home goods rather than clothing and general household items. If you are furnishing a home on a tight budget and do not mind used items, ReStore is often cheaper than general thrift stores for appliances and furniture.

One advantage of ReStore is that your purchase funds Habitat's home-building work in your community. If supporting local nonprofit housing work matters to you, ReStore is a way to shop and give at the same time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to make an appointment to shop at ReStore?

Most ReStores operate as walk-in retail stores and do not require appointments. However, some locations limit capacity during busy times or have special hours for contractors. Call ahead if you are visiting during peak hours (usually weekends) or if you want to ask staff questions about specific items before you come in.

Can I return an appliance if it breaks after I buy it?

That depends on your local ReStore's policy. Some offer a short warranty on appliances (typically 30 days); most do not. Before you buy, ask the cashier or manager whether the appliance has any may provide and what you should do if it stops working. Get the answer in writing if possible. If there is no warranty, you are buying the item as-is.

What if I find an item online but it is not at the store when I arrive?

ReStore inventory changes constantly, and items sell quickly. If you see something on social media or a website, call the store to confirm it is still there before you make the trip. Some stores will hold items for a short time (usually 24 to 48 hours) if you call and ask, but this is not may provide.

Does ReStore accept donations of old kitchen cabinets or doors?

Some ReStores do; some do not. Call your local store and describe what you have. They will tell you whether they want it and what condition it needs to be in. If they accept donations, ask how to drop items off — some have a loading dock; others ask you to call ahead for an appointment.

Is there a ReStore near me?

Use the ReStore locator at habitat.org/restores to search by zip code. If no results appear, there is no ReStore in your area. You can also contact your local Habitat for Humanity chapter directly to ask whether they run a ReStore or plan to open one.