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Deconstruction

Deconstruction is like construction in reverse! It involves the careful dismantling of a building so that materials can be salvaged for reuse rather than dumped in a landfill. With deconstruction, up to 80% of a home, including structural lumber, framing and bricks, can be recovered in reusable condition.

BENEFITS

Choosing deconstruction over demolition has significant environmental, social, and economic benefits, including:

  • Conserving precious natural resources
  • Diverting usable materials from area landfills
  • Creating good, green jobs
  • Making building materials available at low or no cost to those in need
  • Helping to avoid costly dumping fees
  • Providing the donor with a significant tax deduction

In order to proceed with a deconstruction and donation, the first steps are to speak with your personal contractor/builder, a contractor that specializes in deconstruction, and with an independent third-party appraiser who is qualified to appraise the value of the materials to be donated. Because the tax deduction associated with a deconstruction can be substantial, you should consult with a tax professional before making a final decision.

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WE CAN HELP

Our Donations Team can provide a list of appraisers working in the DC area. If a full-scale deconstruction is not for you, we can also recommend other options.

For more information, contact the donations team at Donations@CommunityForklift.org or (301) 985-5180.