You’ve heard of building a house, but did you know that you can “un-build” a house, too? Environmentally conscious homeowners are choosing to deconstruct their old homes piece by piece, and donating or selling parts that are still in good condition, as opposed to undergoing destructive demolition. Some homeowners building new homes elsewhere can also elect to reuse parts of their old home by incorporating them into their new build.
Deconstructing an old home is an alternative to demolition that comes with benefits. Although a great benefit of deconstructing is that many of the home’s parts will be repurposed, there’s also a tax advantage for property owners who donate. Deconstruction involves taking a house apart, one piece at a time, all the way down to the foundation. This way, many of the materials and parts removed from the house can be reused or recycled. And, everything that is donated to a qualifying 501(c)3 charity can be claimed on the homeowner’s taxes as a donation based on fair market value.
Are you considering hiring a professional for home deconstruction services in Maryland, but don’t know how you might benefit? Read on to learn why deconstructing your house can be a tax-savvy alternative to demolition.
How it works
The deconstruction process requires an appraiser and a building deconstruction company—you can’t have one without the other in a case like this. The deconstruction appraiser will determine all the salvageable materials and estimate the value as donations, record all donated pieces along with their fair market value, make sure the property owner has all the documentation needed to claim in full and complete applicable IRS forms. Furthermore, a trustworthy deconstruction company will not leave you hanging if the IRS comes knocking at your door with questions.
Deconstruction
Dismantling a house to donate or reuse parts takes skill. A deconstruction company will dismantle a house and separate the materials prior to transporting them to recycling centers, to resell, donate or to a location of the homeowner’s choosing. But before any work begins, they work with a home appraiser to give the homeowner a quote for the cost of deconstruction services. The quote should also include an estimate of net tax savings.
Because deconstruction requires the careful removal of house parts to keep them in good, usable condition, this service does cost more than demolition. The time it takes to deconstruct a house can amount to a couple weeks, depending on the size of the home.
Salvaged parts
On average, up to 90 percent of a house can be repurposed or recycled. While materials like rotten wood and drywall cannot be reused or salvaged, many kitchen and bathroom parts are highly sought after.
Popular salvaged parts include interior lumber, wood beams, hardwood flooring, doors, windows, large appliances, vanities, light fixtures, bathtubs, HVAC units, brick, certain types of roofing and a whole lot more!
Don’t leave your home deconstruction project to just any company. If you are interested in learning more about home deconstruction services in Maryland, look no further than Jane Campbell-Chambliss & Associates, LLC. Contact our team today!