Week 1 Whirlwind, Part 1

On Monday, our 20 cubic yard dumpster was delivered by Alternative Recycling Systems (ARS). On Tuesday, we used stakes and orange ribbon to set up a construction perimeter. This limits compaction of the soil to designated construction work areas, and preserves the remainder of the site. Demolition and structural work also began on Tuesday.


Demolition began in the original house, and then moved to the first addition. For the most part, there were no surprises: Lots of plaster and lathe were removed from the walls and ceilings. On Wednesday, demolition in the first addition and the upstairs of the original home began. By Thursday afternoon, the dumpster was full and a replacement had to be ordered. So, we are on our second dumpster. This afternoon (Friday) laminate flooring in the kitchen and bathroom were being removed. We anticipate the demolition team will be done with their work on Monday.


Because plaster and lathe are not recyclable, the first dumpster was disposed of at the landfill. However, we have been able to save a few items during the deconstruction. We had all interior doors carefully removed and stacked on a tarp. We also set aside the kitchen cabinet, sink and a small corner shelf; nothing too special but perhaps someone can use these in a basement or workshop. Existing lighting fixtures were also carefully removed and saved, and some of the existing trim has been salvaged as well. We found some original slate roof tiles in the basement, as well as some bricks. We may save and reuse the slate and bricks on site. For the rest of the salvaged materials, I've scheduled a pickup for next Friday by the EcoBuilding Bargains store (previously the ReStore), which reclaims and sells used building materials. Here is the website for the store (located in Springfield) for those who are interested: http://www.restoreonline.org/. For the remainder of the materials that EcoBuilding Bargains decides not to take, we will try to give them away for free on Craigslist.


Whew! More in Part 2 on the structural work. Also, stay tuned for some pictures (we hope to get some up this weekend).