The Remodel Begins – Demolition
Sunday, January 11th, 2009 at 8:39 pm 
By Ryan BrownThis is the fifth post about my modern remodel in Austin, Texas. Click here for all ‘My Remodel’ posts.
Note – I’m way behind on ‘My Remodel’ posting. Bear with me as I catch up. If you have a specific question or interest feel free to send me a note – ryan at inspiredaustin.com.
Also – I’m going to gloss over the financing and permitting aspects of the process. While these are critical and can take a lot of time, I don’t think it makes for exciting reading. My general advice in this area – work with architects/lenders who are very familiar with the process.
Phase 1: Free/Paid Demolition via Craigslist
Prior to construction, we lived in our house for over a year. While it wasn’t it great shape, we knew there were many items that could be reused. Craigslist to the rescue. We quickly sold our appliances and several light fixtures along with some of our furniture. Great! But we still had several items that could be reused and would be expensive to demo – like concrete pavers, wire fence panels, and our old garage:
The answer – list them on Craigslist for free. But be warned – this will result in an onslaught of calls and emails. We got rid of the pavers and fence within a few hours of the posting. People were happy to dig them out and take them away. Several people came by to look at the garage but found that the trees on our lot would prevent extraction. In any case – materials removed free of charge that won’t end up in a landfill.
Phase 2: Selective Demolition and Extraction
Next we started true, messy demolition. While we considered going with Habitat for Humanity’s DeConstruction service, our builder had a strong relationship with another contractor who’s price couldn’t be beat. He also sorted and recycled materials so it was an easy choice. The crew first went through the house and removed all materials that could be re-used. These ended up at habitat for humanity mostly – some I think the men may have detoured to a local flea market. In any case – not a landfill:
If anyone is interested in the mustard-swirl colored cultured marble countertop with inset shell sink it may still be available at the Re-Store.
We were also able to sell our 50 yr old wood windows on Craigslist to a man restoring a similar home in East Austin – he was pretty excited so I probably didn’t charge enough for them. I was just glad to find them a new home:
Phase 3: Structural Demolition
And then the walls came down. It was neat to see them sort the lumber they had removed – some of it we reused on site (50 yr old lumber is stronger and straighter than today’s 2×4, or so I’m told), and smaller pieces are taken to be re-used as concrete form stakes.
The rest of the materials were taken away in dumpsters – which you can sort for recycling as well. They can even recycle busted up concrete. Finally we were left with the shell of our home, ready for a new addition. Here are some photos:
Stay tuned for another exciting post on ‘My Remodel’ – A New Foundation.
