Benefits of Deconstruction

Deconstruction offers a powerful alternative to demolition, maximizing the value of materials and supporting sustainable, community-focused solutions. Many municipalities now encourage or even require deconstruction over demolition because of its profound social, environmental, and financial advantages. By choosing deconstruction with Second Chance, you help your community, reduce environmental impact, and support your financial interests—all while preserving the unique character and history of architectural elements.

Social Benefits

Creating Jobs and Enriching Communities

Deconstruction doesn’t just save materials; it builds futures. The process is labor-intensive, creating six times as many jobs as demolition. The EPA estimates that recycling construction and demolition materials generates hundreds of thousands of jobs each year, and Second Chance proudly contributes to this by employing over 150 individuals in deconstruction, retail, and logistics.

Job Creation and Green-Collar Careers
Deconstruction requires a skilled workforce. Second Chance provides stable, well-paying green-collar jobs that offer long-term career growth in the expanding Green Economy.
Expanded Vocational Opportunities
Second Chance graduates, through experience and practice, gain skills that prevent recidivism and equip them with the tools for success in many fields, enhancing both their personal dignity and financial security.
Affordable Building Materials for the Community
Deconstruction salvages durable, low-cost materials that are sold to the public, enabling affordable construction and renovation options for families, businesses, and nonprofits.
Architectural Preservation and Enrichment
By preserving historical elements, deconstruction maintains the character and beauty of regional architecture. Materials like reclaimed wood, vintage fixtures, and architectural details add unique value to new projects.
Support for Community Programs
Second Chance provides materials to schools, nonprofits, religious groups, and local organizations, outfitting these groups with affordable, unique resources for projects, art, and community events.

Environmental Benefits

Protecting Our Planet

Deconstruction diverts massive amounts of waste from landfills, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and conserving resources. Demolition debris makes up more than half of America’s solid waste, contributing to environmental harm and landfill overload. By choosing deconstruction, you can support Second Chance’s mission to keep usable materials in circulation and reduce the need for landfill space and new resources.

Reduced Greenhouse Gas Emissions
The EPA reports that demolition waste contributes to climate-altering emissions. Deconstruction helps offset this impact, with the potential to significantly reduce greenhouse gases by keeping salvageable materials out of landfills and incinerators.
Reduced Dependence on Landfills
Every year, Second Chance diverts over 750,000 tons of material through deconstruction, helping to reduce the need for new landfill space and alleviate the strain on waste management systems.
Conservation of Natural Resources
By salvaging and reusing materials, deconstruction reduces the demand for new resources and lowers the environmental toll associated with resource extraction, manufacturing, and transportation.
Reuse and Repurposing of Materials
Salvaged items are given new life, reducing the need for new production and supporting creative projects, sustainable renovations, and artistic endeavors in the community.
Local Material Use
By keeping materials local, deconstruction minimizes the environmental impact associated with the transportation and processing of new materials.
Preservation of Old-Growth Forests
A typical 2,000-square-foot home yields approximately 6,000 board feet of reusable lumber, equivalent to saving 33 mature trees. Instead of turning a structure into waste, deconstruction preserves the inherent value of these precious materials.
LEED Certification for Buildings
Deconstruction contributes to LEED Certification by prioritizing sustainable practices, making it easier for projects to qualify for this green building certification.

Financial Benefits

Cost Savings and Tax Incentives

Deconstruction doesn’t just benefit the environment and community—it also supports your financial bottom line. By donating materials to Second Chance, you may receive generous tax deductions, cost savings, and financial benefits.

Tax Savings
Home and material donations to Second Chance can qualify you for substantial tax deductions, allowing you to save while supporting a good cause.
Cost Savings in Construction and Renovation
Reclaimed materials are sold at a lower cost than new materials, providing an affordable option for builders, remodelers, and homeowners.
Opportunities for Local Tradespeople and Artists
Deconstructed materials provide valuable resources for artists and craftsmen, fostering local businesses and supporting the creation of new, value-added products like furniture and home goods.
Revitalization of Abandoned Properties
Vacant, decaying structures can pose safety risks and decrease neighborhood appeal. Deconstruction allows these buildings to be removed responsibly, creating value from properties once considered liabilities.
Low-Cost Goods for the Community
Salvaged items–including cabinetry, flooring, and fixtures– are made available to the public at reduced prices, supporting affordable home improvement while reducing waste.
Support for Nonprofits and Community Programs
Second Chance donations help other organizations construct or repair homes for elderly and disadvantaged individuals, supporting community welfare.
Tax Write-Off for Manufacturers and Contractors
Businesses can donate excess inventory sustainably and responsibly, receiving a tax deduction while keeping materials out of landfills.
Economic Impact for Local Government
By creating paid training and living-wage employment, Second Chance reduces costs associated with recidivism and unemployment, saving taxpayers nearly $2 million each year.

Partner with Second Chance for a sustainable future.

Deconstruction is a triple-win for the environment, the community, and your wallet. At Second Chance, we’re committed to providing a sustainable alternative to demolition, with benefits that reach far beyond the building itself. By choosing deconstruction, you support jobs, preserve resources, and contribute to a cleaner, greener world. Partner with us in creating a sustainable future, and see how deconstruction can make a difference for you and your community. Use the form for more information, or click the button below to learn how you can support our mission today.