Deconstructing Your Old House

A recent episode of the popular home remodeling show This Old House on PBS introduced viewers to the concept of home deconstruction.

Deconstruction is construction in reverse; dismantling buildings by hand and saving the materials to be used again instead of send them to a landfill. Demolition creates waste, but deconstructions creates jobs, reusable materials and for homeowners- a tax deduction!

The ReUse Center in Minneapolis specializes in deconstruction of old homes. Some homes are torn down when the land is more valuable than the property, and the homeowner wants to build anew. Other opportunities for deconstruction happen when urban redevelopment projects take down multiple homes. This was the case when Childrens Hospital used the services of the Reuse Center in a major expansion program in South Minneapolis.

Deconstruction services was first envisioned as a way for the ReUse Center to secure a more stable supply of quality used materials. The ReUse center aims to reduce demolition waste, provide quality used materials to the public and create job opportunities.

If you are interested in home deconstruction or need reclaimed building materials, call The ReUse Center at (612) 724-2608. Information courtesy The ReUse Center and PBS.