The ReStore does "deconstruction." What is that? 

Some homes are purchased in order to obtain land upon which to build new housing. Perhaps the new owner likes the location but not the house. They purchase the property with the existing house, then arrange to have it torn down and a new home built in its place. This is called "infill" housing and is very prevalent in certain areas of St. Louis.

Numerous fixtures and fittings in these houses are re-usable if they are taken out, and the ReStore offers that service. The first step is to survey the house and decide what, if anything, is appropriate for us to remove. The ReStore Director makes this determination. The same guidelines for taking something out of a house apply to the donations that are accepted for pick-up by the store. In fact, the guidelines for "deconstruction" are even more stringent since we have to supply not only transportation for the items, but the manpower to remove them.

Deconstruction allows us to participate in direct recycling of material. Gutters, downspouts and other aluminum components as well as copper pipes can be brought to the metals recycling facilities and sold, thereby recapturing some of our expenditure immediately without the additional overhead expense as well as enabling those materials to be recycled directly.

Want to help us deconstruct?

First, note that "deconstruction" is not necessarily synonymous with "demolition." It requires skill, and it's hard work, but it also can be fun. Here's a description of the work, from an expert:

The opportunities to participate in deconstruction are variable. We may be offered a home that is several months away from demolition and thus have weeks in which to remove items. Or, we may have only a few days in which to take out as much as we can. In those instances, we need to have people available on short notice. We supply the tools necessary to properly remove fixtures and fittings. On occasion we remove a wall or two to take out a tub or make it easier to traverse the space, but by and large the sledgehammers are used sparingly! It can be tedious at times because there's always one more screw holding something in place though you've already taken 57 of them out! Additionally, removing items involves insuring that they do not fall on you or other people. You're also making holes where they didn't exist, cutting off pipes that can now protrude, and dealing with the ever-present nails and screws that affixed items. It can also be cold in the winter and hot in the summer. The utilities in these homes are often disconnected and we try to take both electrical panels and/or furnaces so the ambient temperature is usually the same as the outdoors. It is a challenge and a lot of fun, however, so if you are interested in this endeavor and are available on short notice, give us a call!