Peter Ton had hit home improvement centers across the San Fernando Valley hoping to score a granite-top bathroom vanity and commode.
Then on Monday he discovered the newly opened Habitat ReStore in Chatsworth.
“This is my treasure, right here,” said Ton, 50, patting his new countertop and throne, for which he paid $200, less than a third of the retail rate. “I went to Home Depot and Costco and couldn’t find it.
“But I found a good price right here.”
Habitat ReStore, opened Saturday by Habitat for Humanity San Fernando/Santa Clarita Valleys, sells surplus and used building materials, appliances, furnishings, antiques, kitchen items and more.
Proceeds from the outlet at 9606 De Soto Ave., will help support building homes or fixing up residences for veterans and low-income residents.
Many of the goods are donated by top-notch stores and manufacturers. Some of the top-shelf furniture is donated by Hollywood game shows and giveaways.
“It’s a boon for the Valley. We’re trying to be upscale,” said Donna Deutchman, executive director of Habitat for Humanity San Fernando/Santa Clarita valleys. “Lots of stock, no schlock.”
On Monday, the store’s six new employees celebrated an opening day take of $16,301.97 – or 65 percent of its expected monthly net.
Elected officials had converged from across Los Angeles to celebrate good stuff sold cheap for a worthy cause.
Such as the 1950s Haywood dining room set, coffee table and end table on sale for $1,000 – 60 percent less than on eBay.
Or the new Whirlpool washer and dryer, surplus from an “Ellen Degeneres Show” Christmas giveaway, on sale for $500 – half its retail price.
Or the new six-burner commercial stove and oven for $5,000. The new custom granite-and-wood bar for $1,300. Or even the Victorian cash till from England for $125.
“What’s flying out the door?” said Habitat ReStore Manager Carlos Echenique, gazing across the 10,000 square-foot showroom. “Couches, tables, chairs, desks.
“We’ve got tile coming out the ears, with more tile coming (this) week.”
Habitat ReStore, developed by Habitat for Humanity International, is one of more than 700 such stores nationwide. It is now accepting donations of new and used building materials, fixtures, furniture, appliances, tools and thrift goods except books and clothes.
It expects to clear $25,000 each month – about a quarter of what it costs to build one low-cost home, Deutchman said.
The Valley’s Habitat for Humanity chapter has so far built 214 duplex homes. In March, it broke ground on a dozen units in Sylmar to be set aside for incoming and disabled veterans. Next year, it expects to build 85 more veterans homes in Newhall.
Its Habitat for Heroes has become a model for the more than 300 Habitat chapters across the country.
Each item sold will go toward housing one more incoming hero, Deutchman said.
“Look at these prices,” Deutchman said, gesturing toward a $200 overstuffed sofa and love seat. “These brand-new couches were from Door No. 2 in “Let’s Make a Deal.”
“Is this a deal?
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