Lorenz Schilling

We do a lot of demo work or demolition and save and recycle a lot of material from lumber to flooring cabinets etc. It's cheaper to find a contractor who works with us to keep costs down where ever possible on new homes.

Thanks for the ongoing attention to this topic, RiverWired, and its never too early to start planning, that's for sure!

But here's something to think about; What do you start with?

Don't forget to plan for the reuse and recycling aspects of the project. The biggest oportunity for environmental savings during the remodel is the first step of the remodel process - demolition! Ironically, even though its the first step, its the most overlooked step in the planning process!

Check out my blog site: http://recycleyourhouse.blogspot.com/

I've got some ideas for you on reuse and recycling while doing a remodel. See:

YOUR HOUSE, YOUR RULES! Ten Ways To Ensure Your Home Is Properly Recycled & Your Construction Project Doesn’t Generate Needless Waste

Thanks.

Lorenz Schilling
Deconstruction/ReUse Network, Inc.
www.reusenetwork.org

Thanks, Ms. Chait & RiverWired for doing this piece about the deconstruction alternative to traditional crash & burn demolition.

You brought up one downside to deconstruction; that it takes longer is actually a big obstical this fledgling industry constantly faces.

Homeowners (or businesses) are understandibly focussed on planning their new home or building and are usually unaware of this alternative to traditional demolition. If they do hear about it, often times its in the 11th hour.

At Deconstruction Network, we often get calls from people who ask if we can come perform deconstruction on their home next week and they need the home down by week's end. Some even think the service might be free and that they can take a tax deduction too!

Well...

Needless to say, these folks haven't planned for the up front costs or time involved, even though they can often save money in the long run.

We're trying to make a more concerted effort to make green architects and designers aware of their vital role and responsibility to give their clients a heads up about their choices well in advance. Propert owners should consider the deconstruction option two or three months in advance of a scheduled tear down.

Often architects think this is something that should be handled by the general contractor and haven't considered the issue of timing. Asside from the timing, GCs aren't always as progressive, and even if they are supportive of deconstruction practices, often times they're not hired until homeowners are ready to build and the clock is ticking on the vacant property. Architects hold a very influencial role in the viability and success of deconstruction practices and most don't know it yet.

It's a little frustrating and a bit ironic when the first step is the process of construction is a mear afterthought, when lots of good can come from the resources in old homes and buildings.

Lorenz Schilling
Founder/President
Deconstruction Network