Generally it’s best to avoid undisturbed properties to build new homes, but not all existing developed lots are worth saving. Sometimes the house is in too poor structural condition to remain standing, or the cost to upgrade to current energy efficient standards is not cost effective. So deconstruction is a great way to salvage what you can in a responsible, but also fun way. Here are some tips:

Tips:

• First know that by deconstructing your building you are diverting so much waste from going to the landfill.
• Large or small, most construction projects can benefit from deconstruction. If it’s a small project you can often deconstruct yourself by saving light and electrical fixtures, plumbing fixtures and decorative millwork. Visit the Building Materials Reuse Association for how-to and best practices guides. Anything more complicated should be handled by a professional, especially if there’s a chance that hazardous materials are present.
• Deconstruction takes more planning than a standard demolition — coordinate which items should be included in your new house with your architect; all other items to be donated/bought, recycled or tossed should be coordinated with your contractor or deconstruction expert.
• Deconstruction also takes more time than demolition — depending on the size of the project it can take several weeks whereas demolition might take one week, max. Time also means money, so make sure you have a good understanding of how this will affect your timeline and budget.
• Some items may need a little facelift or upgrading before they’re reinstalled. For example nothing can come close to old, historic windows, but they will need to be brought up to current energy standards. Consider taking these to a refurbishing company who can give them they upgrade they need, while maintaining their historic integrity.
• Not all materials can be reused as they were originally intended. For example structural lumber, while high in quality, might not be acceptable to a structural engineer. However old wood is often quite good looking and can be used as ‘decorative’ beams, columns, etc.
• While hiring a deconstruction company costs money and is more expensive than demolition, you can make money off of it, or at least break even. Through the deconstruction process you will ’sell’ your goods to the deconstruction company who can either sell it back to you, or give you access to their stock of salvaged goods for a trade or sum of money. Anything else is ‘donated’ and written off on your tax returns. So depending on how you choose to deconstruct you can end up profiting from being green.

Items to Consider Reusing

• Flooring
• Windows
• Columns
• Doors
• Gates & Fences
• Decorative Millwork
• Lumber
• Cabinetry
• Countertops & Tile
• Plumbing Fixtures
• Lighting & Electrical Fixtures
• Fireplace Mantles
• Brick & Stone

If you don’t have the opportunity to deconstruct, you can still use salvaged materials in your homes. Check

PlanetReuse: Reclaimed Materials Resource

• Best Salvage Shops: Online and Offline
• Re-Retail Value: The Best Salvage Shops Across The Country
• How to: Find Salvaged Materials
• Top Ten: Sources for Architectural Salvage

Visit these sites for more valuable information:

• Building Materials Reuse Association
• Deconstruction Institute

from: Re-nest

The certfication you will see most often for an energy efficient home is Energy Star New Homes.

We all are familiar with the name Energy Star because we all look for the logo when we buy appliances..Actually there are products in more than 60 categories that are eligible for the  ENERGY STAR label. Used properly they use less energy, save money, and help protect the environment.

Energy Star is a government owned third party organization. To earn the ENERGY STAR certificate, a home must meet strict guidelines for energy efficiency set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. These homes are at least 15% more energy efficient than homes built to the 2004 International Residential Code (IRC) and include additional energy-saving features that typically make them 20-30% more efficient than standard homes.

Specific areas that the Energy Star program concentrates on are: Effective insulation, High-performance windows, tight construction of the building envelope and well-sealed ducts, Efficient heating and cooling equipment and energy efficient products.

The final step to successfully building an Energy Star-rated  house is that it must pass an inspection by an independent home energy rater to meet the EPA’s guidelines for energy efficiency. When the home passes the final inspection, it is given the gold star brand found on Energy Star appliances. This independent third party verification happens during the building process and after it is done. 

These are two links to help you identify EnergyStar Builders. You will also be able see how many qualifying homes they have built…or if they are a new partner.

 Energystar Builders in Lower Delaware

Energystar Builders in Dover