Reuse seems simple enough. I suppose you might be able to consider the difference between "reuse" and recycle so just to be clear, when I use the term "reuse" I mean using a space or an item over again in the same or similar manner as it was originally used.
The most obvious reuse, of course is person A's "old house" being reused as living space when it becomes person B's "new house". This is true for most cases including when there is slight to moderate renovation or remodeling to the existing space. In some cases this would include adding more usable living area by finishing an existing garage, attic or basement or enclosing a patio or porch.
Reuse also encompasses the use of materials for their originally intended purpose getting kitchen cabinets from another house or from a ReStore or example. It might be reusing carpet or flooring materials as floor coverings in a different house (or a different part of the same house). It included using windows from one structure in another or reusing them in part of an addition or remodel. It could even be using them in an interior to define space and are essentially a see through room divider rather than a window to the outside. The picture shows a stained glass window but it is a technique more often used with clear glass to be able to keep an eye on offspring in a playroom or family room without being in the same room.
Many of us have seen utility rooms made into bathrooms, hobby rooms or offices. Garages become family rooms oe workshops. Attics and basements become bedrooms, offices. or in law suites, sometimes apartments. Large homes are sometimes divided to make smaller homes or apartments.
For me, these constitute reuse unlike turning a former hospital into condos-- in that case, the fundamental use of the space is changed and to me it becomes recycling rather than reuse at that point. Also a very good thing to do, just different.
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