We recently completed a full interior soft-strip of a 2200 square foot home in Sandy, Utah. The owners of the mid-70's multi-level brick house didn't feel right about demolishing their home without letting some of the materials benefit others. Over the course of 4 days, our deconstruction crews war able to remove all of the kitchen cabinetry & appliances, carpeting, doors, trim, hardwood floors, windows, lights, plumbing fixtures, and accessories. We were even able to pull up most of the upstairs sub-floor and a few dozen 2x10 floor joists. In total, we reclaimed and/or recycled almost 10,000 pounds of great material from this house. Material were donated through The Reuse People of America and appraised by Leslie Suh Appraisals. Every item was then taken to the Habitat for Humanity Restore in Salt Lake City for sale & distribution within the area. Money generated from the sale of the reclaimed building materials helps pay for low-income housing projects in the greater Salt Lake area.
This small project highlights the value of deconstruction and building material donation. The homeowners will receive a tax deduction for their donation which substantially off-sets - if not entirely covers - the cost of responsibly removing these items instead of junking them. Plus, they are able to make a difference for people in their communities by donating high-quality reusable materials. We all benefit because less trash is generated which means longer landfill life, lower disposal fees, and an improved environment. Talk about a win-win-win!
Are you remodeling your house, vacation home, apartment building, or commercial property? Have an entire house or building that will be demolished, but you want to do it responsibly? Give Material Resourcers a call today to learn how we can help, and facilitate the same benefits for you!
Daniel: I saw the news clip about your deconstruction of the mansion in Park City, and wondered about smaller projects. I am preparing to take down my family’s farm home (about 1860-1960), built over time without any particular plan! You must go through one room to get to another, the building is shifting, electrical old, etc. My builder and architect agreed it would be costly to try to save the building, so we’ll just take 105 years of family memories, and transfer them to a new home this year. I am wondering if you have a use for the metal roof, hardwood paneling, woodwork, flooring, old brick and adobes? If so, I’d like to meet you there and get that information from you before I sign my contract with the builder. Thank you, Bonnie Cavill 801 647-3285
Daniel Salmon
Author