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Don't Trash It - Deconstruct It

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400 311291

Deconstruction is essentially a careful process of dismantling a building, rather than just demolishing it. It involves taking apart a structure piece by piece, in the reverse order of how it was built. This method allows valuable materials to be salvaged and reused, which not only reduces waste but also preserves some of the architectural history of the building. Deconstruction can apply to entire homes or specific parts, offering a great way to recover materials rather than sending them to the landfill.

 

A real estate agent can play a significant role in facilitating deconstruction by informing clients about the benefits and process involved. They can guide homeowners on how to connect with deconstruction services, like Second Chance, and help them understand the potential tax savings they could receive by donating their property for this purpose.

Agents can explain the differences between deconstruction and traditional demolition, so clients are making informed decisions about their properties. By providing this information, they can help homeowners contribute to sustainable practices while also supporting workforce development programs that assist individuals in gaining valuable skills.

Does your community have a similar deconstruction service?

Don't trash it, deconstruct it!

This post was inspired today by Jan Green - Scottsdale, AZ 

Posted by

Margaret Rome
HomeRome Realty
Broker/Owner/Realtor®

Baltimore, Maryland


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Comments(15)

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Jan Green - Scottsdale, AZ
Value Added Service, 602-620-2699 - Scottsdale, AZ
HomeSmart Elite Group, REALTOR®, EcoBroker, GREEN

What a great post Margaret!  Good for you and congrats to the buyers.  Hope they can keep as much as possible out of the landfill and make a home for other items!

Jun 05, 2025 12:55 PM
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400

Thanks again, Jan Green - Scottsdale, AZ, for your encouragement on this subject. I was involved with Second Chance years ago. I was hoping you could take a look at Andrea Bedard and me when we attended the Wrecker's Ball

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Jun 05, 2025 06:26 PM
Jan Green - Scottsdale, AZ

Great chatting with you Margaret - you're a go-getter!  Loved your post of Wrecker's Ball!  So cool you 2 could go together!

Jun 05, 2025 06:49 PM
Mark Don McInnes, Sandpoint-Idaho
Sandpoint Realty LLC - Sandpoint, ID
North Idaho Real Estate - 208-255.6227

As should be expected we are seeing more and more of this but not nearly enough.  Mark

Jun 05, 2025 03:11 PM
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400

Mark Don McInnes, Sandpoint-Idaho 

If each of us shares this with our colleagues, we can slowly make a difference. 

Jun 05, 2025 06:29 PM
Dennis Neal
Exp Realty of Southern California, Inc. - Big Bear Lake, CA
Your Home Sold in 21 Days or We Sell It For Free

Hi Margaret, this is such a fantastic and insightful post! You've eloquently highlighted the profound benefits of deconstruction, truly showcasing your dedication to sustainable practices and community development. It's inspiring to see you champion such impactful and forward-thinking ideas. Wonderful!

Jun 05, 2025 03:14 PM
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400

Dennis Neal 

Jan was the one who led me back to Second Chance. I mentioned this land, with its old buildings, in last week's Zoom meeting, and Jan reached out.

Jun 05, 2025 06:32 PM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten
Retired Broker/Owner - Phoenix, AZ
602-380-4886

Yes we do Margaret.  The folks that put our flooded kitchen back together were able to save a few things to donate.  And we donate items quite often to a non-profit. Sometimes it has to do with homes, others it's just stuff like used furniture etc.  Not junk!

Jun 05, 2025 03:23 PM
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400

Anna "Banana" Kruchten 

I’m not at all surprised to hear that you've been actively supporting a non-profit. It’s wonderful to see your commitment to making a difference!

Jun 05, 2025 06:51 PM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Good evening Margaret,

Your post fascinated me and I looked up in Austin and we do have companies that do deconstruction services! I've not thought about it but i think we will see more of this kind of tearing down and making way for new. I leaned something and will make sure I suggest this when clients are undergoing renovations!

 

Jun 05, 2025 06:02 PM
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400
HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400 - Pikesville, MD
Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome

Dorie Dillard Austin TX

If we could get one person in each State, this would be an excellent way to network and expand this idea.  Perhaps another group could be formed, or a Zoom presentation could be held.

Jun 05, 2025 06:54 PM
Jan Green - Scottsdale, AZ

I'd be happy to invite a speaker from our deconstruction crew with Stardust Building Supply - non-profit doing this since 1998.  

Jun 08, 2025 05:19 PM
Charles Ross - eXp Realty (Salina Group) | Broker
Salina Group - Salina, KS
Love To Help People

Margaret Rome, this is such a thoughtful and green take on real estate! ♻️ Deconstruction isn’t just smart—it’s soulful. Love how you blend sustainability with service. #StayMotivated #BuildBetter 🌍🔨

Jun 05, 2025 07:04 PM
Jan Green - Scottsdale, AZ

Thanks for the mention Margaret!

Jun 08, 2025 05:20 PM
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400

Charles Ross - eXp Realty (Salina Group) | Broker 

When we think of 'green takes," we think Jan Green - Scottsdale, AZ 

Jun 08, 2025 04:35 PM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Retired Home Stager/Redesign

Hi Margaret- I love the idea of this. Larry and I both dislike adding to the landfill. When you can refurbish, rebuild, or repurpose something it's so much better than trashing it. 

Jun 05, 2025 07:24 PM
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400

Good to see you Kathy Streib. We could make a difference if each of us talked about this with everyone thinking of any kind of rehab/remodel.

Jun 08, 2025 04:43 PM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Hello Margaret - real life creates opportunities where some might see a disaster.  It takes vision and an upfront plan to help make such transformations possible.  

Jun 06, 2025 04:24 AM
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400

Michael Jacobs, and it creates jobs for those who need them, giving back to the community. 

Jun 08, 2025 04:45 PM
Lew Corcoran
Better Living Real Estate, LLC - East Bridgewater, MA
Expert guidance. Exceptional results.

Thanks so much for sharing this insightful piece, Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400. I appreciate how clearly you highlight the benefits of deconstruction - not just for the environment, but for preserving history and supporting local programs. Really valuable info for anyone looking to make smarter, more sustainable choices! 😊

Jun 06, 2025 01:15 PM
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400

Lew Corcoran. By supporting the local programs, it is a win-win for all.

Jun 08, 2025 04:47 PM
George Souto
George Souto NMLS #65149 - Middletown, CT
Your Connecticut Mortgage Expert

Margaret I have not seen residential building or commercial building be taken down piece by piece and then the materials reused.  BUT I have seen this done to old barns where the wood is salvaged and reuse to put up very unique homes.

Jun 06, 2025 04:07 PM
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400

George Souto:

Deconstructing a house takes a lot more time, money, and skill than a barn!  I have a 'coming soon' home that was once a barn. 

Jun 08, 2025 04:53 PM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Retired Home Stager/Redesign

Jun 07, 2025 05:57 PM
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400

Thank you for doing this each and every week and thank you for including me! Kathy Streib 

Jun 08, 2025 05:20 PM
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Oswego, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Good morning Margaret. My Dad was way ahead of his time. He practiced deconstruction in the 50's and 60's. Me, not as much but always when possible. Enjoy your day.

Jun 08, 2025 05:16 AM
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400
HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400 - Pikesville, MD
Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome

Wayne Martin

I would love to hear more about Dad's projects. Have you shared, or would you like to share, with us?  

Jun 08, 2025 04:56 PM
John Henry, Florida Architect
John Henry Masterworks Design International, Inc. - Orlando, FL
Residential Architect, Luxury Custom Home Design

Anything we can do to save an already threatened environment is a good thing.  Thanks for bringing up the subject!

Jun 12, 2025 02:00 PM