Repair and reuse begin before a building is stripped or demolished. Doors, fittings, timber and masonry can lose potential value when they are broken, mixed or left exposed. A materials assessment helps identify what is worth retaining and what requires specialist handling.
Inventory before removal
List items by material, condition and likely use. Photograph them and record dimensions where relevant. EPA guidance on construction and demolition materials includes source reduction, salvage and reuse as management approaches. [1]
Check whether an item is safe and suitable for its proposed role. Structural reuse requires appropriate assessment; appearance alone cannot establish performance. Separate materials that may contain hazardous substances and obtain qualified advice on handling them.
Arrange the next use
Identify a recipient, storage location and transport plan before dismantling. Compare the cost of careful removal and repair with realistic alternatives. Avoid counting a stockpile as successful reuse when no destination has been arranged.
Local repair businesses can help assess what can be restored, but their time and work need to be budgeted. Keep records of material actually reused and material sent elsewhere. This gives the project a verifiable account of its waste decisions.
Sources and further reading
- US Environmental Protection AgencySustainable management of construction and demolition materials