Deconstruction

The Mission: Salvage what matters.

What Is Deconstruction?

Unlike demolition, deconstruction involves dismantling structures to preserve reusable materials. Instead of demolishing a home using a machine, we take it apart by hand.

A New Life For Old Materials

Through deconstruction, we ensure that the materials in your home are not wasted taking up space at the landfill. Dimensional and old growth lumber, cabinetry, doors, millwork, bricks, more can all find a new home.

Municipal Demolition Bylaws Are Changing

Municipalities throughout British Columbia are changing their demolition bylaws to make deconstruction a requirement for certain homes. In Vancouver, the Green Demolition Bylaw requires certain levels of deconstruction and salvage based on the age of a home.

1910-1950 Homes: 75% of materials must be recycled

1910-1950 Character Homes: 90% of materials must be recycled

Pre-1910 Homes: 3 metric tonnes of wood material must be salvaged

Heritage Homes: 3 metric tonnes of wood material must be salvaged

Sustainable Results.

Canada’s building sector is our third-largest carbon emitter, and landfills account for almost 20% of Canada’s methane emissions. By deconstructing a home instead of demolishing it, you save perfectly good building materials from going to the landfill and reduce carbon emissions.

Committed to Doing It Right

At Demolition Impossible, every step of our process is designed to reduce waste, support reuse, and uphold higher labour and environmental standards. From on-site sorting and material salvage to partnering with trusted strategic partners, we work with the future in mind.

We believe that deconstruction can (and should) support the circular economy. That’s why we build landfill diversion and material recovery into our workflow from day one. It’s not just about getting the job done — it’s about doing it in a way that respects the people on-site, the community around it, and the future it’s making space for.

What We Handle

When planning your new build, consider deconstruction as alternative to demolition

  • In addition to full home deconstruction, smaller structures on your property such as a garage, pergola, or deck could be candidates for deconstruction and salvage.

  • Kitchens and other areas inside your home can be a candidate for deconstruction. The cabinetry and other millwork you no longer need might be exactly what someone else is looking for at their property. We can efficiently deconstruct and transport these items to another home instead of sending everything to the landfill.

  • Let us help you identify what can be diverted from the landfill. We can assist in finding new homes for almost anything.

  • Materials are methodically sorted onsite and taken to the correct facility or a new home.

  • We capitalize on our relationships with strategic partners who specialize in reusing the materials we deconstruct.

How It Works

1

Site Visit & Inventory

During initial site visits, we establish an inventory of salvageable material

2

Hazmat & Permits

We conduct a hazardous material survey and assist with permit submission.

3

Deconstruction & Sorting

We deconstruct the home and sort all salvageable materials.

4

Salvage Coordination

We divert materials from landfill through donation and our salvage partners.

5

Foundation removal, Cleanup, & Reporting

We remove the home's foundation, provide a clean site for construction, and build your impact report.

6

Final Visit

We enjoy the impact of your decision to choose deconstruction and say our tearful goodbyes.