What do disassembly, dismantling, demolishing, Discount Divas and Dudes have in common besides a shared letter of the alphabet? They all involve recycling, re-purposing, saving money and the environment!

While many Discount Divas and Dudes have successfully scavenged everything but the kitchen sink from Estate Sales and other sources, some have actually walked away with the kitchen sink, cabinets, fixtures, and floors through “deconstruction”!

What is deconstruction and how can you benefit from it? Read on.

The Lowdown on Desconstruction
Deconstruction is a new term to describe an old process—the selective dismantling or removal of materials from buildings before they are partially or completely demolished.

Simply put, deconstruction is disassembly of, and material salvage, from buildings. It can be as simple as stripping out cabinetry, doors and windows, appliances and fixtures, or as involved as manually taking apart the building frame for reuse. When a building has to come down most have materials—and often very nice interior items from fixtures to electronics—that are still useful.

The trick is efficiently identifying the “salvageable” materials and getting them out of the building. Whether you are the beneficiary of free hardwood floors from a school gymnasium being torn down (as Diva Pam did—see article “Wood You Believe It?”), or purchase vintage fixtures, hardware and appliances for pennies on the dollar, deconstruction offers endless opportunities to save money, recycle treasures, and save the environment.

What You Need to Know
If the idea of scooping up furnishings and fixtures for a pittance sounds appealing and you want to find out about deconstruction opportunities in your area, check your local newspapers and classified ads, or call your local salvage stores or building departments for leads.

Most communities require permits to be issued before deconstruction can occur, and the employees who handle these permits may be a valuable source of future deconstruction sources before the demolition actually begins.

And, don't forget your neighborhood Habitat for Humanity Restore (this link will open up in a new window). They sell quality used and surplus building materials at a fraction of retail prices and proceeds from ReStores fund the construction of Habitat houses in the community for needy families.