We've been taking apart old structures for years when we build new ones for our clients. Most companies
head for the dump grounds with all the materials. And they also charge you for it. We do things
much differently.

First off, we take all the reusable wood and clean it of all nails and screws. It then comes to my house for staging.
We then either take it out to the wildlife center to help build enclosures for rescued animals, or we use it ourselves.
I have built over 320 ft. of fence line and over 950 s.f. of decks at my home using reclaimed lumber.
All metal is separated and recycled at the metal yards.

When it gets to be too crowded on my lumber racks, I turn to craigslist and give the lumber away
to those who need it. In fact, that's how I met the couple who run the wildlife center.

The bottom line is that we try and reuse everything we can to keep good wood from seeing the
landfills....that's just a waste. It takes extra man hours and resources to do this, but we feel it's the right thing to do.
 

We use Forest Stewardship Council Certified Lumber when possible. We prefer buying from suppliers that support
responsibly managed forest harvesting versus those who come in and clear cut everything in their sight.
Even our Ipe [Brazilian Walnut...the most beautiful decking in the world] comes to us from companies that
replant ten times what they harvest in South America.

For those who might not know, Ipe is the one wood product on earth that is less expensive than
composites and guaranteed up to 15 years longer. It is the 'green' wood of choice for those
concerned about the manufacturing process of composites.

When it comes to installation of any outdoor structure, special care is taken around tree roots,
tree trunks, plants and vines. We try and make as little impact on your yard as possible.
Tree roots are never cut for footings, we'll change the plan instead of endangering roots
of any tree. Our fences never encase a tree...we box around them to give them plenty of room to grow.
Mature trees get the same treatment, they tend to sway in the wind and having a structure right next
to or tied to [by the real Einstein builders] is asking for trouble.

Last week a client asked us to remove four large Rosemary plants. I text messaged a few of my friends and
in 15 minutes we had them all spoken for. They are dried out now and about to be redistributed
and planted to live again.
 

When considering who will build your next project, ask the other contractors what they do with the
things they haul off. Also ask them what they charge for hauling and demo work.
Compare that to what we do....with us demo and haul off are free and you will
have the knowledge that the materials we remove will go to good use.