between deconstruction and demolition is that with deconstruction the materials are

handled with a level of care sufficient to preserve their condition and suitability for

reuse. Demolition will generally be faster and less gentle than deconstruction.

This project is primarily directed towards research into the methods, labor, and

costs involved in deconstruction. Actual salvage of building materials is a

secondary benefit. Also, the amount of actual salvage will be limited by the

widespread use of lead-based paint on the wooden building materials, making them

unsuitable for reuse. In the case of most of the smaller pieces of dimensional

lumber, stripping the lead-based paint is simply not cost effective or

environmentally beneficial. For these reasons, many of the parts of the building

will be dismantled using deconstruction techniques in order to document the

process, while still eventually ending up in the dumpster. 2x4 small wall studs for

instance are typically salvageable. In this project, since they are painted they will

be disposed in a landfill. However, since the information on salvage time and costs

will be needed in the accurate planning of future projects, the wall studs were

deconstructed rather than demolished. Generally, meetings were held at the start of

each day, to discuss the planned activities for the day, what methods were used, and

which materials were being demolished or deconstructed. Any worker who was

unsure about any activity was told to ask for clarification immediately, because the

accurate distinction between how much time was spent on each building

deconstructing for theoretical salvage or demolishing for theoretical disposal was

critical.