DeConstruction

Deconstruction is the hand demolition of buildings in the reverse order of their construction in order to carefully remove materials for reuse and recycling. This technique reduces the disposal of materials into the landfill, and provides materials for renovation and other small-scale construction projects.

Deconstruction In Progress

AHFH DeConstruction begins removing material from this large homesite.

AHFH DeConstruction underway... lumber, windows and tile roofing were all salvaged.

AHFH DeConstruction was able to salvage 85% of all the materials from this project.  Only the brick chimneys and foundation remained when AHFH volunteers finished.

Contact our  DeConstruction Director Bill Bowman:  (512) 472-8788 x407  or [ email]

All proceeds benefit Austin Habitat for Humanity and the community!

Additional project pictures in the photos section of our ReStore website.
The award-winning Austin Habitat DeConstruction Crew has worked in conjunction with the US Forest Products Laboratory in experimental research projects including the assessment of the Badger Army Ammunition Plant as seen in the photo at left.  Projects like the Fort Campbell Deconstruction Pilot Program and the assessment of the Badger Army Ammunition Plant help determine the reuse-ability of dilapidated structures and save landfill space creating a better world for us all.

Volunteering for DeConstruction

Our goals are to provide a high level of safety to prevent injury and to extract the maximum amount of reusable materials in the best possible condition for resale or recycling. All participants will undergo an orientation explaining why deconstruction is being undertaken and the intent of the project.

DeConstruction is labor intensive.  It requires good communication and willingness to work in pairs and within an overall team.

A competent person will supervise all deconstruction activities.

Tools used include hammers, nail kicker, electric saws, crowbars, cat's paws, pry bars, sledgehammers, ladders, electric screwdrivers, asphalt shingle removal shovels, and wheelbarrows.

Participants will be handling heavy objects, such as wood beams.  No deconstruction work will be undertaken on any structure over two stories.

Overall, the work is dirty!  It requires a good sense of what is going on in the surrounding environment, know-how to use tools.

Participants will be required to work in accordance with OSHA and EPA regulations as there may be exposure to lead-based paint (i.e., no smoking, respiratory protection, hand washing at breaks).

No one under the age of 18 is permitted to volunteer on a DeConstruction work site.  

For more information, visit our Volunteer page.