Recycled Design

Homeowner Ben Awes built his own house but saved money while doing it. Here are some of the cost-cutting ways he was able to get what he wanted at a fraction of the retail price.

• He had a tree that had fallen on his parents' property milled into planks so he could use them for his wood floor.

• The fireplace hearth is composed of floor tile samples that were given to Awes at no cost.

• The oversize windows were purchased from an auction. Since a regular curtain rod wouldn't span the space, Awes installed a cable across the top and hung simple panels from clips attached to the cable with ball chain.