Deconstruction & Building Material Reuse

Deconstruction is the process of carefully dismantling a building or portions of a building to recover materials for reuse, donation, and recycling.

Unlike conventional demolition, which typically prioritizes speed and disposal, deconstruction seeks to preserve the value of building materials and keep them in use for as long as possible.

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Why Deconstruction?

Whether you’re renovating a space, demolishing a building, or planning a major redevelopment project, deconstruction can help reduce waste and create new opportunities for material recovery.

Building materials contain significant environmental and economic value. Recovering those materials before demolition helps preserve resources and reduce waste.

Benefits of deconstruction include:

Potential to Reduce Disposal Costs

Recovering reusable materials can reduce the volume of material requiring disposal and may help offset project costs.

Preserve Valuable Resources

Reusing materials extends their useful life and reduces demand for new products and raw materials.

Unique or vintage materials can help meet project needs or designs that are difficult to achieve using new materials

Preserve Embodied Carbon

Building materials contain embodied carbon associated with extraction, manufacturing, transportation, and installation. Reuse preserves that investment and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.

Create Jobs

Research has shown that deconstruction can create six to eight jobs for every one job created through traditional demolition.

Support Community Reuse

Recovered materials can benefit nonprofit organizations, reuse stores, affordable housing projects, artists, and community organizations.

Tax Deduction

Donating building materials can provide a tax deduction when those materials are donated to a non-profit 501 (c)3 organization.

Deconstruction Is Not All or Nothing

Projects can incorporate varying levels of material recovery depending on schedules, budgets, and project goals.

PRe-demolition cleanout

Remove furniture, equipment & reusable items before construction begins.

soft stripping

Recover high-value and easy-to-remove materials such as:

  • Appliances
  • Lighting
  • Cabinets
  • Plumbing fixtures
  • Architectural elements
partial deconstruction

Recover additional materials including:

  • Doors
  • Windows
  • Trim
  • Flooring
  • Millwork
full deconstruction

Carefully dismantle a building to maximize recovery of reusable materials.

adaptive reuse

Preserve an existing structure while renovating it for a new purpose. This approach often provides the greatest material conservation benefit.

Plan Early for Success

The most successful projects begin planning well before demolition starts.

  • Incorporating deconstruction requirements into project specifications
  • Conducting building assessments
  • Identifying reuse outlets early
  • Developing a waste management plan
  • Establishing material storage areas
  • Coordinating with contractors and haulers

Planning several months to years in advance often provides the greatest flexibility and recovery potential.

Smiling couple unpacking boxes in their new home kitchen, ready for a fresh start.

Finding Homes for Recovered Materials

Commonly Recovered Materials

  • Cabinets
  • Doors
  • Windows
  • Lumber
  • Flooring
  • Lighting fixtures
  • Plumbing fixtures
  • Hardware
  • Architectural items

Potential Outlets

  • Reuse Stores
  • Building material reuse centers
  • Architectural salvage organizations
  • Community reuse programs
  • Online reuse marketplaces
  • Local nonprofit organizations
Tip: Contact outlets early to confirm acceptance requirements and pickup options.

Reclaimed Building Materials Stores

OrganizationWebsitePhone
Boston Building Resourcewww.bostonbuildingresources.com617-442-2262
Habitat For Humanity Restore, Carverwww.hfhplymouth.org/restore508-866-4199
Habitat For Humanity ReStore, Hanoverwww.sshabitat.org781-337-7744
Habitat for Humanity Restore, Greater Lowellwww.lowellhabitat.org/restore/978-215-9975
Habitat For Humanity Restore, Lawrencewww.mvrestore.org978-686-3323
Habitat For Humanity Restore, Leominsterwww.restorencm.org978-227-5556
Habitat for Humanity Restore, South Yarmouthwww.restorecapecod.org508-394-6400
Habitat for Humanity Restore, West Roxburywww.habitatbostonrestore.org617-327-1170
Habitat for Humanity Restore, Worcester/Ashlandwww.habitatmwgw.org/restore508-799-9259
Nor’East Architectural Antiqueswww.noreast1.com/603-394-0006
ReCONNstruction Centerwww.reconnstructioncenter.org/wp/860-597-3390