Salvage Building Materials

Shed made from recycled materials

Many opportunities exist to reuse building materials that come from both demolition and alteration projects.

Salvage before demolition or alteration projects

Salvage is the removal of select materials from a building prior to demolition or a remodel/alteration project. These materials include items such as architectural features, cabinets, windows, and wood flooring. The typical home or commercial space often contains numerous reusable items.

For demolition projects, salvaging of non-structural items can begin before a demolition permit has been issued. Contact one of the local used building material stores. Store staff are typically available to visit a site to determine whether potentially salvageable items are desired by their business.

If a building contains enough desired materials, store staff may be able to remove the items from the building at no charge, and many are able to provide receipts to allow for a tax deduction based on the value of the materials. Any items removed before a building is demolished will reduce disposal costs.