Staff Report
Published June 30, 2010

A website hosting classified ads for home construction materials and services launched a Charleston section Tuesday.

The website, called DiggersList, offers contractors and homeowners a place to sell and buy excess materials. The site is set up in 31 cities, including Columbia and now Charleston.

DiggersList was created by Matt Knox as a way to reduce the volume of building materials going into the nation’s landfills. Through the website, people can buy, sell and trade new or used home improvement items, such as light fixtures, sinks and countertops — items that might otherwise be thrown out.

The site also allows people to advertise and bid for construction-related jobs and services.

“A lot of people think this is only lumber, nails and concrete, but it’s fit-and-finish products as well,” Knox said. “What we offer is the ability to buy and sell these home materials at a place that was specifically invented for that purpose.”

The site has partnered with Habitat for Humanity as it gets started in the Charleston area.

The nonprofit group, which builds affordable housing, will add to the classified listings an inventory of home improvement materials that have been donated by contractors, suppliers and homeowners. Habitat for Humanity sells these donated items in its ReStores, and the proceeds help fund its operations.

DiggersList has also added a donation option on its site, allowing homeowners, contractors and suppliers to donate excess building and home improvement supplies to Habitat for Humanity instead of selling them.

The site also lets people list items for sale but offer them as donations to an affiliated nonprofit group if they don’t sell within an allotted time period.