Many people building Calgary custom homes opt for a deconstruction approach. They dismantle their old house, salvage usable building components and materials, and use them to help build a new one on their current lot. There are many advantages to this approach; you can stay in the same neighbourhood, minimize disruption and uprooting of your family, and dramatically improve your overall property value.
However, tear-down rebuilds do create a problem: what do you do with the leftover materials that can’t be repurposed? Sending them to landfill is one option, but it’s not the most ecologically responsible choice. Builders of Calgary custom homes encourage clients who choose to deconstruct their homes to recycle reusable components.
Calgary Custom Homes: How to Recycle Your Old House
Recycling old building components is actually a fairly straightforward process that offers many benefits to homeowners and the local community. It’s an environmentally friendly approach to custom home construction, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, saves material from going to landfill and helps create jobs. Experts note that deconstruction has just as many community benefits as environmental benefits.
Here’s how it works:
- Find a local deconstruction company. It’s important to work with experienced professionals to maximize the effectiveness of your deconstruction project. If possible, choose a not-for-profit deconstruction company.
- Schedule a consultation. Have a company representative visit your home to assess the viability of the project and give you a cost estimate.
- Choose a bid. Proceed with the company that offers the most competitive bid for your deconstruction contract. Schedule a date, and let the professionals do their job!
The home deconstruction team will aim to salvage as much of your current house as they can, so essential components can be reused in your new custom home, especially if your new home has a similar floor plan. This can significantly lower your costs and your up-front investment, so if you’ve never considered deconstruction before, it is certainly worth a close look.
Most deconstruction projects can be completed in a matter of days. Once the job is done, the deconstruction contractor will present you with an inventory of recyclable materials. From there, you have two options: donate them, or sell them.
Calgary Custom Homes: What Can a Deconstruction Crew Salvage?
You might be surprised to learn just how much of your house can be recycled or reused. Deconstruction teams work methodically but carefully; they essentially “unbuild” your house step by step.
Depending on the age and condition of your current home, the crew may be able to salvage:
- Bricks
- Wooden frames
- Asphalt shingles
- Tiles and flooring
- Carpeting
- Furniture
- Appliances
If your home is relatively new and in good condition, the deconstruction company could save just about everything except the plaster, wallpaper and drywall. Even broken pieces of wood and glass can be reused; scraps of wood can be used to make mulch, and recycled glass is becoming increasingly common in the world of interior design.
Calgary Custom Homes: Donate or Sell Salvaged Materials?
The choice of whether to donate or sell your salvaged building materials is yours to make, and there are benefits to both approaches. Donated materials may be tax-deductible, so you have the financial incentive to give them away for reuse. Construction companies and other businesses also buy reusable building materials. Your deconstruction contractor will be able to suggest avenues to pursue if you opt to go this route.
Deconstruction can save you thousands of dollars, compared to the cost of demolishing your home outright. In some cases, you may actually be able to turn a profit on the sale of salvaged materials, which you can pocket or reinvest in your new Calgary custom home.
Calgary Custom Homes: Questions About the Process?
If you have any questions about the home deconstruction process, or about the custom home-building process, we at Fine Line Homes are happy to provide you with all the information you need to make a smart, informed decision. Visit us online to download our free information guide, or contact Fine Line Homes via phone or email.
