IS DECONSTRUCTION CHEAPER THAN DEMOLITION?
Choosing between deconstruction and demolition will usually depend on what kind of project you are hoping to complete, but the cost involved is often also a factor that must be taken into consideration. Many people wonder if it is ultimately cheaper to deconstruct or simply demolish an entire structure and start over, but which way ends up being most cost effective? Let's take a look at the factors that decide this so you can make the choice that is best for you and your project.
WHAT IS DEMOLITION?
Demolition is the process of completely demolishing a structure, typically using heavy machinery such as excavators and cranes. It requires large amounts of energy to tear apart a structure, dismantling it in pieces until nothing remains but empty land or rubble. Demolition is usually faster and more efficient than deconstruction, making it the preferred option when time constraints are an issue.
WHAT IS DECONSTRUCTION?
Deconstruction is slightly different from demolition in that instead of tearing something down quickly, it focuses on carefully taking it apart piece by piece with the goal of salvaging reusable materials while minimizing waste. This careful approach can be used with both residential and commercial buildings, but because of its slower nature it can sometimes cost more than simply demolishing a structure. However, being able to reuse elements of the structure can often save money, so the ultimate cost versus savings will depend on a few different things.
WHICH IS CHEAPER?
The answer to the question of whether deconstruction is cheaper than demolition actually depends on a variety of factors. The primary consideration when deciding between the two methods is the size and condition of the structure being removed. Generally speaking, if the structure is in fairly good condition, it may be more cost-effective to use deconstruction techniques instead of demolition. This is because deconstruction allows for certain materials from the building to be salvaged and reused.
Deconstruction also takes longer than traditional demolition, which can add additional costs due to labor hours. However, depending on local laws and regulations regarding waste disposal, there may be some fees associated with removing items from a structure prior to demolishing it that make it more expensive overall. Also, loads of materials taken to a dump will be charged a fee usually based on weight. This is not something you have to worry about as much if you are keeping things and reusing them.
On the other hand, if a structure is in poor condition or is considered unsafe to enter, demolition may be a more cost-effective option. Since it does not involve labor-intensive activities such as salvaging materials for reuse, demolition can sometimes be done at a much faster rate and with fewer expenses. There may be additional expenses to consider, though, such as the safe handling and removal of asbestos or other hazardous materials.
Ultimately, when deciding between deconstruction and demolition for removing a structure from your property, it is important to consider both potential costs and benefits of each method before making a decision. In some cases, deconstruction may have lower upfront costs but higher disposal fees. In others, demolition may have higher initial costs but lower overall expenses due to shorter completion time. Carefully weighing the pros and cons of each method can help you determine which is best for your particular situation.
