Successfully leading comprehensive deconstruction
Comprehensive deconstruction is rapidly becoming the norm in the construction industry. Both for new construction and remodels, an evolving market is sparking new and creative uses of materials from existing structures. In July of 2008, Structural Associates was charged with leading the deconstruction of a 6,000 s.f. house in Aspen. Using the Aspen Efficient Building Program (AEPB) as a minimum baseline, we achieved a 70% recycle rate on the project. We surpassed our Green Point requirement, and saved the Owner tens of thousands of dollars through the re-use of raw material, direct sale of salvaged goods and tax deductions on items donated to Habitat for Humanity.
By conducting a thorough walkthrough of the property, our team began by identifying items that could be reused or salvaged for donation or direct sale. We identified the most cost-effective components to salvage, and created various levels of deconstruction options that best fit the project. Through coordinated efforts with Habitat for Humanity, we developed a deconstruction plan that followed the chain of custody through delivery at Habitat’s resale store. The items donated were sold at a discount to the public, and proceeds helped support the construction of low-income housing throughout the valley. We also coordinated third-party appraisal of the donation package, yielding a tax-deductible value of approximately $16,000. Items not beneficial to Habitat for Humanity were sold locally via Craigslist as well as newspaper advertising.
Our deconstruction process included a focus on the following items:
Appliances- This particular project was a prime candidate for appliance recycling. Because appliances come in standard sizes, we were able to salvage and donate two 48” Sub Zero fridge/freezers as well as a wall-mounted Kitchen-Aid oven. The value of our appliance donations were approximately $5,000.
Cabinetry & Doors- This 1980’s custom home had a substantial amount of build-in oak cabinetry and solid doors. By carefully removing and transporting to Habitat, our team was able to salvage every single piece of cabinetry and millwork out of the home and contribute nearly $9,000 worth of tax-deductible donations as a result. By identifying these high quality items in the pre-deconstruction walkthrough, we were able to safely remove and salvage them.
Mechanical Equipment- A considerable portion of the home’s mechanical system was salvaged and sold to local homeowners. Because high quality mechanical equipment can often last 15-20 years, our team felt that salvaging the equipment and offering it for sale to local homeowners was a cost-effective way of diverting it from the landfill and helping others complete home improvement projects at a reduced cost. Proceeds from the local sale of items were returned in check form to the owner.
Raw Materials- The most substantial deconstruction efforts involved the sorting, grinding, and reuse of raw materials on site. During the demolition phase, skilled equipment operators separated wood, stone, steel and concrete as they took the building apart. Wood material was shredded and hauled separately to the landfill to be re-processed as mulch. All mixed assembly waste was shredded on site to significantly reduce volume, and to be re-used as cover at the Pitkin County landfill. The entire concrete foundation of the existing structure was crushed and stockpiled on site. The crushed concrete was independently tested and provided excellent quality backfill material. By processing and reusing the existing concrete foundation on site, we reduced the material export, backfill import and material cost by approximately $10,000.
By sharing a common belief in environmental responsibility with the owner, Structural Associates set goals of salvaging $20,000 worth of components and achieving a 70% recycle rate, both of which we successfully reached. Structural Associates is a leader in the application of efficient deconstruction and we encourage you to contact us if you have any questions or wish to discuss your project with us.
