|  | | | Restoration Resources | | | Maintained by: | | Welcome to Restoration Resources!
We salvage authentic architectural antiques, ornamental elements, old original house parts in Boston & New England; marble fireplace mantels, vintage hardware, lighting & bath fixtures, garden statues, stained glass windows, wood doors & mantles, & unique decor. | |
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For any questions or comments feel free to e-mail us at VintageResources@gmail.com or call 617-542-3033
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 | | | - 10 Reasons to Shop for Salvage
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| Why it makes sense to shop for salvage and reclaimed items:
Submitted by Bill Raymer, owner of Restoration Resources, 1946 Washington Street in Boston’s historic South End.
1. Cost Effective: Bill Raymer, owner of Restoration Resources in Boston, points out that even if you could find someone today who would be both capable and willing to create and replicate the quality and intricate detail found in an original architectural antique such as an old fireplace mantel, to do so would most likely be cost prohibitive. It would be far more cost effective to purchase a salvaged mantel from a business such as Restoration Resources. The business is committed to preserving and recycling these precious and rare pieces and building materials, and making them available to customers at very reasonable prices.
2. Craftsmanship: It is extremely hard to find new architectural elements that are made with the same quality of building materials and degree of craftsmanship and care, as the architectural elements produced over the past century. Shopping at a salvage business such as Restoration Resources provides access to treasured architectural antiques “reclaimed” from old buildings and homes throughout New England. While customers who shop at Restoration Resource vary, and can encompass home owners, apartment dwellers, proprietors of retail outlets, architects, interior decorators or restaurateurs….they still all share Raymer’s enthusiasm for the craftsmanship and uniqueness of original architectural elements.
3. Capture History: When you purchase architectural antiques, you are purchasing something that comes with historical significance and exudes timelessness. Vintage architectural elements and unique artifacts are carefully excavated from many noteworthy buildings, churches, historical sites, buildings, period homes, and town houses throughout New England. Some of these relics include balustrades that once graced the Massachusetts State House cupola, original copper Art Deco panels removed from the New England Power Building in downtown Boston, the 1870’s vestment cabinet formerly located at Boston College High, a 17-foot bar and back bar from a saloon in Rhode Island, copper transom windows from the Longyear estate in Brookline on Fisher Hill and a tabernacle, alter, and plaster-winged cherubs from the former Church of Ascension in Cambridge, MA. Needless to say, every architectural antique has its own unique character and story.
4. Authenticity of Restoration: Homeowners and individuals who are dedicated to maintaining the architectural integrity of a building and/or restoring a property or product to it’s original condition, must rely upon salvaged materials for their projects. Restoration Resources has a well organized showroom and warehouse stocked with antique hardware, as well as original doors, windows, mantels, lighting and assorted wood elements. It is regarded as New England’s primary source for architectural salvage and décor.
5. Socially Responsible to Go Green: Besides preserving a bit of history, when you purchase salvaged materials, you are also helping to conserve resources, save our environment and to support a local merchant such as Restoration Resources, whose business is dedicated to rescuing and recycling items that previously may have been destined for a landfill.
6. Tax Deductions: Consumers as well as businesses are eligible to receive tax credits when they donate their unwanted items and materials to a salvage business such as Restoration Resources, instead of hauling items to the dump, or leaving them for the trash, In some cases, depending upon the items, the salvage businesses may actually assist in dismantling as well as “picking up the trash”. Raymer believes that it truly is a situation where one person’s trash can be another person’s treasure!
7. One of a kind pieces: Raymer believes that there is no comparison between the pieces that were painstakingly produced during the turn of the century and the “cookie-cutter” manufactured items primarily found in today’s day and age. According to Raymer, the quality, beauty, ornateness, and intricate detail of these architectural antiques is unique, and often just can’t be duplicated today. The craftsmanship and materials simply do not exist anymore.
8. New Creative Uses of Old Things: This reclaimed architectural salvage can be used as is, in its original state, or it can be repurposed and transformed in creative ways into new pieces, furniture, and home décor. Raymer and his staff are always willing to share ideas and information on how to integrate old pieces into new homes, as well as how to create new uses for his architectural elements. He points out that one of his customers created a dramatic counter from salvaged five-panel doors, combined with beautifully turned newel posts for legs. Salvaged barn planks have been repurposed into a kitchen table, carved wooden doors have been strung together to create a stunning wall, as well as room dividers. One Salvage company in New York recycled tree trunks salvaged from trees downed by Hurricane Wilma and transformed them into beautiful hand crafted coffee tables. Recycled materials can simply be appreciated for their intended usage, or they can be used in new or unusual ways to create totally new objects and to beautify and enhance a space.
9. Save by redecorating vs. purchasing a new home: Since the economic downturn, some of Raymer’s customers who originally were planning to purchase a new home, have now decided to hold off for a while. Instead, they are creating a “new” look and sprucing things up, by redecorating and/or renovating their existing homes with reclaimed materials and accent pieces that are striking, “earth friendly” and loaded with character and charm. Shopping at Restoration Resources gives them an affordable, creative, and “virtuous” opportunity to easily change their environment, while helping to save our environment at the same time!
10. LEED Certification: Usable building materials and house parts are generated from New developments, (transforming old buildings such as schools or Beacon Hill townhouses into condominiums), demolitions, or renovations, tenant and home improvements and the homeowner’s desire to upgrade older (but still perfectly functional) elements such as lighting and bath fixtures, or simply to accommodate newer or different interior decorating tastes. In the past, due to tight construction schedules and the lack of recycling programs and green incentives, these discarded and surplus materials often ended up as waste in a landfill. Now with programs such as LEED(Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) there is far more awareness and rewards for recycling. By donating their surplus materials to a salvage business such as Restoration Resources Companies can now earn valuable Leed Certification points. Recycling in this manner keeps the strain off of our landfills, and enables valuable resources such as hardwood floors to be repurposed into someone else’s home. |
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