Home Deconstruction: The Newest Trend in Custom Home Building

Vancouver has a lot of things going for it — fantastic views, an enviable dining scene, and an abundance of outdoor activities to suit just about any lifestyle. One thing it doesn’t have, though, is many vacant lots left to build on.

Families looking to build their custom dream home often rely on agents or builders to help them find a suitable lot with an existing home that can be removed to make way for something new. But what happens to all the materials left behind?

In the past, when an existing structure was demolished to make way for a new home, builders simply had these materials hauled away. Unfortunately, this created a lot of waste, often of perfectly usable materials. However, with a growing emphasis on sustainability in construction, many custom home builders in Vancouver today are jumping on board a growing trend: deconstruction.

What is Deconstruction?

Home deconstruction is a process of dismantling an existing home in a way that allows the materials removed to be reused, repurposed, or recycled. Unlike traditional demolition, where most materials end up in the back of a bin, deconstruction takes a more thoughtful and eco-friendly approach. Builders carefully disassemble the home, ensuring reusable materials are salvaged for future use.

What Materials Can be Salvaged from Home Deconstruction?

Depending on the condition, almost nothing is off-limits for deconstruction. A home builder might try to salvage lumber for framing, or original hardwood floors and wooden beams for use in custom projects. Bricks can be cleaned and reused in several ways, including landscaping or even in new builds.

Doors and windows can be carefully taken out, cleaned, and refinished to be used again in a new build or other projects. Similarly, cabinetry and fixtures from kitchens, bathrooms, and closets often have valuable components that can be reused or sold. Even some types of roofing materials, like tiles or metal, can be given a second life.

What are the Benefits of Deconstruction?

The biggest benefit of deconstruction is the positive environmental impact. By salvaging materials, less waste ends up in landfills, and fewer raw materials are needed for new construction, reducing the overall environmental footprint in the resource-heavy building industry. In Vancouver, as well as other cities, there’s a growing emphasis on sustainability, and deconstruction can help custom home builders meet client’s environmental goals or other green building initiatives.

Deconstruction can also prove to be very cost-effective. While it may take builders more time and effort compared to traditional demolition, salvaged materials can be reused or sold, both of which can help offset building costs. Some custom home builders seek out reclaimed materials which they then use in creative ways to add a touch of character and uniqueness to new homes.

While it may cost more initially to deconstruct a home compared to just tearing it down, it’s an investment you can feel good about —and it may end up paying off if the materials can be sold or reused in your new custom home build!