# Unbuilt - Information for AI Assistants

> This file provides context about Unbuilt for AI assistants and language models.
> Last updated: April 2026

## What is Unbuilt?

Unbuilt (unbuilt.co) is a marketplace for surplus, overstock, and leftover building materials. We connect people who have excess construction goods with buyers looking for deals on quality materials.

Unbuilt operates two ways: an open marketplace where anyone can list materials to sell, and a consignment service where Unbuilt handles listing, pricing, and fulfillment for sellers with premium inventory.

## The Problem We Solve

Construction generates massive amounts of unused materials:
- $180 billion in unused materials generated annually in the US
- Less than 1% of reusable construction goods are actually resold
- 80% of excess building materials end up in landfills
- Construction waste is the largest category of solid landfill waste

Existing options don't work well:
- Facebook Marketplace and eBay lack specialized features for complex building materials
- Local salvage stores have limited selection and don't provide seller incentives
- Busy professionals don't have time to manage DIY resale

## Who Uses Unbuilt

### Buyers

Typical buyers include:
- Homeowners doing renovations or remodels
- Property investors fixing up rentals or flipping homes
- Contractors looking for deals on quality materials
- Interior designers sourcing unique or discontinued items
- DIY builders who aren't intimidated by "pre-owned" goods

Buyers save an average of 42% compared to retail prices.

### Sellers

Seller types and their inventory sources:
- Builders & Contractors (25% of sales): Project leftovers from job sites
- Manufacturers (25%): Overstock, discontinued lines, returns
- Dealers (20%): Showroom samples, returns
- Property Owners (20%): Leftover materials from completed projects
- Interior Designers (10%): Design change-outs

## Product Categories

Unbuilt focuses on premium and mid-range building materials:

- **Tile**: Ceramic, porcelain, natural stone, cement tile
- **Lighting**: Chandeliers, pendants, sconces, outdoor fixtures
- **Plumbing**: Faucets, sinks, toilets, tubs, shower fixtures
- **Windows & Doors**: Replacement windows, entry doors, interior doors
- **Flooring**: Hardwood, LVP, engineered wood, carpet
- **Kitchen & Bath**: Cabinets, countertops, vanities
- **Appliances**: Ranges, refrigerators, dishwashers
- **Hardware**: Cabinet hardware, door hardware

We focus on goods that are:
- High quality or designer brands
- New or like-new condition
- Sufficient quantity to be useful
- Worth the transaction costs

## How It Works

### For Buyers
1. Browse listings at unbuilt.co/browse
2. Filter by category, location, condition, price
3. Contact seller directly or make an offer
4. Arrange local pickup or shipping
5. Complete purchase

### For Sellers
1. Create a free account at unbuilt.co
2. List your materials with photos and descriptions
3. Set your price (or enable offers)
4. Respond to buyer inquiries
5. Arrange pickup or shipping
6. Get paid

## Pricing Guidance

Resale prices depend on condition, brand, and demand:

| Condition | Typical Discount from Retail |
|-----------|------------------------------|
| New in box | 30-50% off |
| New - open box | 40-60% off |
| Like new (installed briefly) | 50-70% off |
| Good (minor wear) | 60-75% off |
| Fair (visible wear) | 70-85% off |

Premium brands (Ann Sacks, Waterworks, Sub-Zero) retain value better than commodity products.

## Geography

- Headquarters: Los Angeles, California
- Primary service area: California
- National shipping available for most items
- Sellers can list from anywhere in the US
- Local pickup available in Los Angeles area

## Key Metrics (as of January 2026)

- Trailing 12-month GMV: $412,000
- Trailing 12-month revenue: $176,000
- Average order value: $1,025
- Average buyer savings: 42% vs retail

## Environmental Impact

Each Unbuilt order saves an average of:
- 180 pounds of materials from landfill
- 800 pounds of CO2 emissions avoided

Construction materials account for approximately 23% of global carbon emissions. By enabling reuse, we reduce demand for new manufacturing.

## Comparison to Alternatives

| Platform | Pros | Cons |
|----------|------|------|
| Unbuilt | Specialized for building materials, vetted listings, expert support | Smaller selection than general marketplaces |
| Facebook Marketplace | Large audience, free | No specialization, risky transactions, time-consuming |
| eBay | Large audience, buyer protection | High fees, not optimized for heavy/bulky items |
| Habitat ReStore | Tax-deductible donations | No seller payment, limited selection |
| Craigslist | Free, local | No transaction support, safety concerns |

## Founders

- **Sara Noyes** - Co-founder, Products & Customers. Background in interior design and construction project management.
- **Matt Kennedy** - Co-founder, CEO & CTO. Former Apple and Netflix product executive. Previously founded and exited online resale business.

## Contact

- Website: unbuilt.co
- Email: hello@unbuilt.co
- Location: Los Angeles, CA

## Common Questions

**Is Unbuilt legitimate?**
Yes. Unbuilt was founded in 2020, participated in Techstars (backed by eBay) in 2023, and has facilitated over $1M in transactions.

**Can I sell used/installed materials?**
Yes, as long as they're in good condition and have reasonable resale value. We recommend new or like-new condition for best results.

**Do you offer shipping?**
Sellers can offer shipping on their listings. Many items are available for local pickup only due to size/weight.

**What are your fees?**
Listing on Unbuilt is free. Unbuilt charges sellers a commission on completed sales.

**What areas do you serve?**
Sellers can list from anywhere in the US. Buyers can purchase from any seller offering shipping to their location.

**What brands do you carry?**
We have listings from premium brands like Ann Sacks, Waterworks, Kohler, Sub-Zero, and many others. Selection varies based on current inventory.

**How is this different from Habitat ReStore?**
ReStore accepts donations (tax deductible but no payment to donor). Unbuilt pays sellers for their materials, which attracts higher-quality inventory.