Lloyd’s Woodworking · Hudson, Massachusetts
By Lloyd’s Woodworking Inc. · Published
What Should I Save Before My Contractor Starts Demolition?
DIRECT ANSWER:
Before demolition in an older home, identify and document original doors, trim, molding, hardware, built-ins, cabinetry, stair components, paneling and distinctive woodwork. Decide what will be reused, what should be saved as reference and what can be removed before the dumpster arrives.
THE WORST TIME TO DECIDE SOMETHING WAS WORTH SAVING IS AFTER THE DUMPSTER LEAVES.
CREATE THREE LISTS
SAVE AND REUSE
SAVE AS REFERENCE
REMOVE OR REPLACE
DOORS
Before removing doors, document:
Location
Dimensions
Swing
Hardware
Trim
Condition
TRIM AND MOLDING
Save representative profiles even if the material itself will not all be reused.
HARDWARE
Do not automatically discard:
Knobs
Hinges
Locks
Backplates
Latches
Hooks
Specialty fittings
BUILT-INS
Before demolition, consider whether built-ins can be:
Preserved
Modified
Repaired
Integrated into the new design
STAIR PARTS
Document and preserve distinctive:
Newels
Balusters
Handrails
Trim
Paneling
CABINETRY
Even if old cabinetry will be removed, useful architectural elements or hardware may deserve consideration.
TAKE MORE PHOTOS THAN YOU THINK YOU NEED
Storage is cheap.
Reconstructing undocumented architectural details is not.
Frequently asked questions
WHAT OLD-HOUSE ITEMS ARE MOST IMPORTANT TO SAVE?
Prioritize distinctive original components, hard-to-replace profiles and items that define the architecture.
SHOULD DAMAGED WOODWORK BE SAVED?
Representative damaged material may still be valuable for replication.
SHOULD OLD HARDWARE BE SAVED?
Often, yes, until its importance is understood.
WHEN SHOULD THIS HAPPEN?
Before demolition begins.
BEFORE YOU REMOVE IT, LET US SEE IT.
Original doors, trim, molding, built-ins and architectural woodwork may be difficult to replace once they are gone. Send Lloyd's photos before making an irreversible decision.
PREFER TO TALK? Call Lloyd's Woodworking 978-562-9007