I have been a member of the COOP since 1984 and have relied on it for materials to maintain my properties in Mission Hill since moving here in 1987. I served on it board for several years. Yesterday I went to purchase a piece of window glass approximately 22" x 30" and was charged $82.88, including tax. I called today and asked if there had been a pricing error and Greg informed me there had been no error. I told him I thought the nearly 6X cost compared to Lowe's was a steep charge to support a local enterprise like the Coop and he sharply responded that I should shop at Lowes. Well if that overcharging rate persists and is similar across the line of products sold there, one should not be surprised to learn the Coop is shutting down glass sales and other items are surely to follow. A snarky response from Greg compounds the issue with trying to support this enterprise. OTB read more

Everything is donated... you never know what you will find! We found a lovely vintage hanging light fixture festooned with little leaves which now lights up a bathroom. We found two fabulous wall sconces - simple & elegant - that now light up a hallway... and then we hit the mother lode!!! An amazing ceiling fan with light with cool primary color panels that can be swapped out for brown ones (we saw those online). We got the fan for $15... it was missing a couple of parts (like the remote control) - but we contacted the manufacturer who hooked us up with a distributor and the parts were about $150. So... for $165 we got a $700 fan in sublime condition and it has upped our kitchen game considerably! read more

In January, I began planning my new kitchen with the guidance of Daniel Lerch, one of the designers at Boston Building Resources; today, I have a new kitchen that exceeds my initial kitchen redesign dreams, in large part because Daniel not only listened to what my husband and I wanted, but used his design imagination and know-how to enhance our ideas and make our kitchen not only more efficient, but more attractive. In addition to creating such a great design, Daniel directed us to cabinetmakers, countertop makers, and general contractors that were as professional and easy to work with as Daniel said they would be. I really enjoyed working with Daniel and the others at BBR--everyone was so pleasant--and I am so pleased with the final product they played such a major role in making a reality. Thank you, Daniel and BBR! read more

We were dealing with Greg Caplan, no idea how the other employees are. We reached out to them because of cracked window. 2 guys came to look at it, charged us $200 as a deposit, we were told we'll get $100 back and a reduced price afterwards. It turned out that the contractor doesn't work for less than $500, so we never saw the $200 again...So disappointing!!! read more

Boston Building Resources definitely sells reasonably priced building supplies. Some prices are more reasonable than others. Their reuse center sells used products at steep discounts, which is great when you are not picky about every little detail. You can get really good deals on single and small batches of items. The main store is about the same as any other home improvement store. They have high quality products available at high quality prices, so you will likely not save a buck on their new windows, cabinets and doors. Their home owner class series is the main draw for me however. Twice annually they host a series of classes taught by experienced contractors to teach you all you need to know about basic carpentry. They take you from framing a wall from lumber to hanging drywall, table saw safety and every thing in between. It is a huge help for those of us just starting out on our own projects, looking for a refresher, or who simply want to ask informed questions when interviewing contractors for projects on our own homes. You can also sign up for as many or as few sessions as you need. Each week is taught by a new instructor, new content, new lesson and separate registration. The class sizes are small so that we get plenty of hands on experience and interaction with the instructor, so sign up early if you are interested in a topic. That alone is a great resource, and why I am a big fan of Boston Building Resources. read more

AFFORDABLE, COMMUNITY-ORIENTED, UNINTIMIDATING, ECO-FRIENDLY, EDUCATIONAL, INSPIRING. Both components of Boston Building Resources - the reuse center AND the showroom (where they also teach classes) - are amazing. If you need something very particular and very new, perhaps go to a big-box hardware store. But for ANY other home repair/project, come here first. Reuse center: - Super helpful staff. If you are looking for something mega-specific, ask someone to help you find it (it can be hard to navigate in there!) - Browse at your own wonderful peril; you'll end up wanting to build a greenhouse out of old windows or replace all of the knobs in your house with antiques or something, but there are worse things to want to do, right? - If you don't mind dated/damaged packaging, you can get DIY basic or small supplies for dimes on the dollar, many unused (hooks! tools! soaker hose! switch plates! brushes! adhesives! hinges! chain! rope! a miter box??) - CHEAP. NEW. WARM-WHITE. LED. LIGHTBULBS. - Lots of: doors, windows, molding, hardwood flooring planks, light fixtures, cabinetry, shutters - There's a free stuff shed to the right of the entrance! The showroom: - Super helpful staff (again) - helped us figure out how to use an amazing epoxy kit to repair our deck and columns - Sign up for a membership (cheap); this gives you a discount in the showroom no matter what, and a discount in the reuse center if you income-qualify - New composters offered for good prices - Classes and tutorials about using some restoration products they carry - Weatherproofing and insulation materials sold here I haven't investigated this myself, but they also apparently have a list of approved contractors that work with BBR supplies, if you are looking for someone to help with a job that's out of your area of expertise! I'm so glad this place exists. It's an amazing resource for anyone living in an older (or newer!) home that would rather reuse than buy new, and rather support a non-profit than a multinational corporation. You'll pay less, have less of an impact on the environment, learn a lot more, and probably get something with a lot more character. Win-win-win-win. read more

I would agree that you can sometimes encounter a weird attitude here- like they are doing you a favor. It wasn't always like this. The prices aren't exactly cheap for used cabinets, but they are generally high end. Unfortunately, they won't break up sets -which I get on some level. The cabinets seem to be donations from wealthy people who are upgrading their mega kitchens for something even more high end. For a working-class owner occupant of a three family just trying to give my tenants a workable kitchen the sets are just too large to make it worthwhile. Maybe if a set doesn't sell they could break it up?? read more

Excellent group of people on staff. A great place to drop by once a week if you live nearby, just in case they have something cool. Like the gigantic side-by-side commercial freezer/refrigerator (the kind with the motor on top) that I bought for $150. This unit runs about $3200 new. And remember to donate your stuff if you're doing any home remodeling. They also have cool classes on home owner type stuff like fixing screens and glazing windows. I think I'll go over today! And don't forget the Free Shed outside the front door for cool odds and ends read more

You can come here and get discounted Guardian Angel window guards (if you're a City of Boston resident, that is). These lovely devices are top-rated at keeping children from falling out of your window, something we should all try to do if there is any possibility! Call ahead to make sure they have your size available. Also great that they are open on Saturdays. read more

This place is really confusing. I thought it 'recycles' used materials. That way things don't end up in landfills if someone else can use it. They should look up the definition of 'recycle', cuz all they want is brand new sh!t that you didn't or couldn't use. If that's the case, then change all that literature that you keep sending me about recycling stuff. I also don't get their pricing. Window cost 200 at home depot. Guess how much it costs here? $200. Then next week, it 'might' drop, followed by the week after that. It goes on til it eventually moves or someone here calls a buddy and tells them about the deal. I'd like to find out how they stay operational. My guess is some government program. Also, as mentioned in another post, there is a bit of smugness or attitude from those running the place. I'm not sure if they are managers or higher up. Example, whomever "Lindsey" (spelling) is needs an attitude adjustment or be taught on how to talk to people. She speaks with a condescending tone. read more

I can't say enough good things about this place. The staff is wonderful, helpful, intelligent and informative. Paul has taken me through many projects explaining in detail how they should be done and guiding me through them. A great help for a homeowner. Lots of good products and ideas. A gem in the neighborhood! They also offer classes and great prices. read more

Bought our composter here. Super easy and $40 cheaper than Home Depot. Great to support a co-op. We'll be back.

This is supposed to be a non profit, community oriented business, but I have been treated better at all others "for profit" business. These people will not make any effort to make you feel welcome or be helpful in any way. They act like they are making you a huge favor by accepting your business. Do yourself a favor. Go to the Habitat for Humanity store, called "Restore" in West Roxbury. Wider selection, better prices and best of all, nice, respectful, caring people. read more

They carry great, top quality things. They do a lot of good things for the neighborhood like workshops and have cheap prices. I check this place out first whenever I am looking to do a weekend project. read more

The BMRC is a great place - keeps items out of the waste stream and reduces the cost for homeowners. I was so impressed with the staff. They were helpful, professional, and well-organized. I had barely put my car in park before someone was at my side to help me unload. I recommend taking advantage of this cool resource! read more

I joined the reuse center as a low-income member having to pay $10 for the privilege and provide my tax return. What did I get in return: Access to materials with some prices higher at RETAIL locations for new material. They don't take returns either and now I'm stuck with a light that never worked and some dried up paint. I don't know what their mission is but it certainly doesn't seem to be to help low-income families. GIVE TO HABITAT INSTEAD. read more

A great resource for owners of older property. For maintaining double hung wood frame windows from the 1920s and before, they stock cedar parting bead, no. 8 spot cord and V-shape spring bronze. At the moment there is no where else in Boston for these items. Salespeople are knowledgeable, quality is good, and prices are fair. read more