Starting New Construction Strong

Now that you have a solid plan in place to not only build but also deconstruct your new sustainable home, it’s time to prepare the site for building by organizing your materials.

Sustainably Sourcing Construction Materials

Before you start purchasing, look around for materials that can be repurposed or recycled in your new house. Old wooden doors from demolition may only need a little refinishing to be revived for interior doors. Or, they can be cut for shelving. Reclaimed stone may be just the right touch for a front walkway or unique mantle. 

Beautiful, reclaimed materials can also be found at your local recycling center, Freecycle.org, and thrift stores like Habitat for Humanity ReStores, Salvation Army, and Goodwill.

Once you’ve recovered as many materials as you can, it’s time to hit the store. We recommend buying high quality, long-lasting materials that won’t need replacing and can be repurposed if or when your home is ever deconstructed. Most home building projects require a significant amount of materials. Talk to the shop owner to negotiate bulk pricing, buyback of excess materials, and returnable packaging and containers. Take your plans along with you to avoid overbuying and impulse buying. 

Cleaning Up a Completed Building Project

As your new home takes form and you reach the end of the project, be sure to take the proper steps to clean up and sustainably dispose of excess materials. 

Arrange Buybacks

Many shops will buyback unused materials kept in new condition. If you reach the end of your project and still have materials left over, head to the store, and negotiate a buyback.

Schedule Pick Ups and Drop Offs

Arrange for pick up and drop off of materials for donation or disposal. Having everything pre-sorted will move this step along quickly. Remember, donations may be tax-deductible!

Chip Wood

Scrap brush, trees, and branches that you cut to make way for your new house can be chipped into mulch for your garden and flower beds. Wood chippers can be rented for the day to repurpose waste into usable material.