Tripod member Tripod_Josh asks:
Where are good places to look for quality scrap wood? I live in the city and don't see a lot of nice pieces of lumber lying around the sidewalk or in people's trash cans. I would like to make some cool shelves and other furniture but can't afford the materials.

Handy Girl Jennifer suggests:
Finding trash is an important skill that some are born with and others must develop and practice. Luckily for you, Josh, I was born with it and you have been enjoying the fruits of my labor for years. For those of you who are not close personal friends of mine, let me impart some closely guarded tips. Dumpsters are great hiding places for worthy trash. I found my bedroom light fixture at the Museum of Fine Arts' dumpster. Construction site dumpsters are good, but security may be tight, so beware! Also, trash after the first weekends in June and September is always good. You could furnish a fourteen-room mansion on one of these weekends alone.

As far as yard sales go, the best are usually in the suburbs or the economically depressed towns. This applies to Salvation Army stores, too. I don't want to sound like a snob or an elitist, but it seems to be consistently true. A great way to quench your thirst for the yard sale, off-season, is to go to church bazaars. They are cheap and a treasure trove of goodness — for your home, cash flow, and spirit.

More Handy Girls Answers | Ask the Handy Girls