“We wanted to make sure our dream kitchen also fit our budget and our lifestyle. With a little creativity, we’ve been able to remodel with a low impact on the planet and a huge bang for our buck.” – Jim, SW Portland

Here are some local resources to help you remodel resourcefully. Check out our interactive map for a full listing!

You can DIY! (Do It Yourself)

Neighborhood tool libraries and rental shops make it easy to borrow tools you may only need occasionally for a project at home:

• Green Lents Community Tool Library
• Home Depot Rentals
• Interstate Rentals, Inc
• North Portland Tool Library
• Northeast Portland Tool Library
• Southeast Portland Tool Library

Buy second hand, salvage, or repurpose something you already have to save money and avoid waste. Here are some of the reuse outlets in town:

• Habitat for Humanity ReStore
• Hippo Hardware
• Rejuvenation
• Salvage Works
• SCRAP (School & Community Reuse Action Project)
• The ReBuilding Center

Feeling creative? Take a sewing, reupholster or basic fix-it class to help you get started. Local shops offering classes include: 

• Bolt Fabric Boutique
• Collage
• Fabric Depot
• Modern Domestic
• Montavilla Sewing Centers
• Palmer/Pletsch Sewing Classes
• PDX Seamsters

Plan ahead and get a little help from the pros

No matter what the age or type of home you’re in, sometimes it pays to consult a professional while remodeling.

Get a quick assessment of your home’s energy use online, by phone or at your home with the Energy Trust of Oregon free Home Energy Review.

The Regional Green Building Hotline provides free green building resources, promotes local programs and incentives and offers technical assistance to residents and businesses in the Metro region.

Check any contractor’s licenses and work record with the Construction Contractors Board.

Other ways to find contractors include:

• Earth Advantage Institute 
• Energy Trust of Oregon Trade Allies
• ReDirect Guide Home Improvement and Building

Find supplies and sustainable products at Green Depot, which has environmentally-friendly building and lifestyle products, services and home solutions.

Need some color? Metro Paint is recycled latex paint that has helped the Metro region reduce waste, conserve natural resources and look good while going green.

Where do you go to Be Resourceful? Share your favorite Portland community resource.

The City does not endorse or assume responsibility for businesses, companies or organizations listed by the Be Resourceful program.