Viking, Bosch, and other high-end names regularly pass through Green Demolitions’ 43,000-square-foot superstore in Fairfield, N.J., and satellite store in Norwalk, Conn. What sets these apart from other high-end retailers that cater to custom home builders, however, is that the stoves, refrigerators, bathroom fixtures, and other expensive items are donated. Green Demolitions’ Recovery Unlimited is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that focuses on high-end fixtures from renovations and manufacturers’ discontinued products and lines, as well as entire showrooms that are closing or consolidating. Even change orders from super-affluent but impulsive homeowners have resulted in brand new high-end items coming in, then going out to custom builders whose own affluent but increasingly cost-conscious clients are looking for bargains.
"We've had $18,000 kitchen islands come in that were flawless and that we sold for $4,000," says Steve Feldman, the company's president and founder, adding that most items sell for anywhere between 60% and 80% off list price. "As the economy stays difficult, home builders are becoming a bigger part of our sales."
Manufacturers’ warranties are not available, but Green Demolitions can ship entire kitchens and baths anywhere in the U.S.
