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While a defunct structure slated for demolition may appear rundown and worthless, the truth is that such buildings contain valuable assets that may be retained through expert demolition work. Scrap metal, concrete, fixtures, and many other parts of a building may be preserved and sold or recycled. Today, demolition involves much more than simply smashing through structures with wrecking balls. The modern demolition process is far more calculated, beginning with a demolition recovery plan. A proper demolition recovery plan will estimate the worth of a building’s contents, and explain how the contractor intends to extract as much value as possible during demolition.

Not all demolition firms are equal when it comes to asset recovery. Demolition expertise and experience have a huge impact on how much value may be realized. A well-established demolition contractor will have the right tools and connections to dismantle a building while retaining assets. For instance, a high reach excavator will allow a contractor to safely take down higher stories. Specific attachments empower contractors to work with precision, maximizing retained value. Contractors may also have on-site concrete crushers, in-house demolition scrap metal recycling and other unique resources for cost-effective asset recovery. Savvy demolition firms will also have the right industry connections to sell salvaged materials.

So far we’ve covered how demolition approaches can maximize income—by selling off scrap metal, for instance. But the other end of the equation—preventing loss—is equally important. Demolition contractors must be legally and environmentally informed to avoid creating unnecessary fines and fees. Environmental remediation must be completed. Historical requirements must be obeyed. And local ordinances regarding noise and dust levels must be followed. If these requirements are not met, asset recovery efforts will be marred with fines and legal fees.

By carefully taking down buildings with salvage value in mind, contractors can partially or completely offset demolition costs, while simultaneously doing their part to save the planet. Construction and demolition debris comprises 40% of this country’s landfill stream. As a country we produce 136 million tons of C&D trash every year. Through green demolition tactics, such as salvaging as much as possible from demolished buildings, contractors can keep more C&D debris out of landfills.

Plus, using recycled demolition materials in new buildings minimizes the amount of resources that must be used to produce new building materials. As is often the case, what’s smart for asset recovery is good for the environment. As an example, demolition companies that wish to retain as much value as possible from each project may own a concrete crusher. A crusher breaks down large chunks of concrete into reusable fill—for pipe bedding, embankments, road construction, remediation efforts, etc. With a crusher, salvaged concrete may be used on site, eliminating fuel needs to transport heavy concrete to processing centers.

Let’s take a look at the top tips on how to recover assets through smart demolition.

Through careful planning, close communication, and strategic dismantling, demolition companies can deliver value to clients. Asset recovery takes many forms, from selling building materials, to earning tax credits for fixture donations. Through such efforts, it is possible to offset some or all demolition costs. Reusing and recycling building materials can greatly reduce landfill fees. An added benefit is qualification for LEED and other environmental certification programs. Builders can receive LEED points for reusing demolished materials on site, for recycling, and for using locally obtained materials. Smart demolition, in which each part of a building is scrutinized for value, also delivers improved scores on LEED evaluations.

The bottom line is that asset recovery is an undeniable advantage for the modern builders. Partner with an experienced, expert demolition company with a proven record of delivering strong asset recovery. As leaders in salvaging and recycling as much as possible from every job site, we here at Elder Demolition get excited when we think about how asset recovery is a win-win situation. Our clients enjoy lower demolition costs while C&D landfill streams diminish. Contact us today to learn more about our approach to demolition asset recovery.