Key Takeaways:
- Building profit can increase when steps are taken to recycle or repurpose construction waste properly.
- Contractors should work with professionals to properly dispose of asbestos and other lethal materials.
- Proper waste management lets you comply with legal and environmental regulations and build a good reputation in the community.
- Construction costs can be cut by finding new uses for materials and building off-site.
- More and more building contractors are seeing the benefits of reducing construction waste.
From a remodeling project in Brentwood, CA, to building a brand-new home in Hollywood Hills, construction waste is everywhere on building sites. In fact, managing construction often proves the most significant disadvantage of any project, considering how it is one of the biggest contributors to building contractors’ profit loss.
But what is this waste, and how can your building contractor reduce it?
Voshall Construction will tell you about everyday post-construct waste and the benefits of reducing it for building profit.
Types of Construction Waste
Concrete, cement, and ceramics
When building a home involves pouring and shaping concrete, cement, and ceramic materials, there is often leftover waste from these materials. Not only are these some of the heaviest materials on a construction site, but getting rid of them also tends to be expensive. Cranes are often needed to lift and dump the waste, and there are disposal fees at landfills.
Wood and plastic
Wood is used in more than just framing, and plastic is used in insulation and pipes. These materials can be easily recycled but often end up in landfills if not correctly disposed of. Building profit can increase when steps are taken to recycle or repurpose this construction waste properly.
Insulation and asbestos material
Insulation and asbestos materials can be reused in some cases but often need particular disposal due to health risks. Due to its highly hazardous nature, building contractors should work with professionals to properly dispose of asbestos and other lethal materials. However, you shouldn’t worry if your house was built recently since building codes prohibit using asbestos in new construction.
Coal tar and asphalt
As attractive as asphalt may be for your driveway, it can be difficult to repurpose or recycle when it comes to demolishing a building. In the olden days, it used to be burned off, but this is now illegal, and building contractors must work with experts to dispose of it properly. Recent techniques and advancements have made it possible to repurpose coal tar, such as infrared asphalt restoration.
Paints and varnishes
Building contractors often joke about how paint is melted plastic. And while they may not be wrong, it’s still not easy to dispose of. Like asphalt, it used to be burned off or disposed of in landfills, but there are now better options. Paint can be donated to fire departments for practice burns or brought to designated recycling facilities.
Sealants and adhesives
Old sealants and adhesives can take years to break down, making them incredibly damaging to the environment if not disposed of properly. Many building supply stores now offer take-back programs, so instead of throwing out that half-used tube of caulk, bring it back to be recycled or properly disposed of.
Metals
When structures are demolished or raised, metal is often one of the materials left behind. Rather than throwing it away, building contractors can reuse these metals and save money on building materials. Suppose they are unable to reuse the metal themselves. In that case, they can also sell it to scrap metal companies which will recycle it for future building projects.
Benefits of Proper Construction Waste Management
Benefits of health and safety
Increase in profits through reduced waste disposal fees and cost savings from reuse. When the material is lying around on the site, it poses a safety hazard. It can also increase the likelihood of building code violations. For keeping their workforce and clients safe, waste management enables contractors to keep their sites clean and organized.
Legal compliance
In addition to building code violations, improper waste disposal can lead to fines and penalties from local authorities. As a homeowner, you can save essential time on your construction project by ensuring your building contractor complies with all local waste management regulations.
Even if it may cost a little extra, it’s worth the peace of mind to know that your contractor is taking all necessary steps to dispose of construction materials.
A good reputation for contractor
Effective waste management adds to the building contractor’s credibility and reputation. Homeowners want to work with a contractor they can trust, and demonstrating responsibility in the waste disposal process shows clients that they prioritize sustainability and efficiency.
This higher credibility lets more clients and potential investors trust the contractor’s abilities, potentially leading to higher profits.
Saving costs on the project
Your sole intention is to build a beautiful and functional home for yourself, not build up piles of construction waste. When the contractor knows how to reuse and recycle the building materials, they can save on costs for purchasing new materials. Your construction project will now be completed without any unnecessary added expenses.
Eco-friendly building
Not only does reducing waste saves money for the building contractor, but it also helps promote a healthy and eco-friendly environment. We all know it is essential to reduce our carbon footprint and lessen environmental waste. By ensuring that your building contractor practices proper waste management, you, too, can contribute to preserving our planet.
A win-win for all parties involved
The public is becoming more and more conscious about environmentally friendly building practices. Building contractors can attract more clients who prioritize sustainability by promoting eco-friendly construction. On the other hand, you can get your home built at affordable rates because no waste will end up in landfills, reducing disposal fees.
Ending Note:
Are you saving money on your construction project and helping the environment? Talk about a building win. So next time you hire a building contractor, inquire about their waste management practices. You can now add an eco-friendly building to your list of selling points for potential buyers. Let’s reduce construction waste, one building project at a time.
Contractor in Brentwood, CA
If you want nothing but the best in terms of the quality of your construction, Voshall Construction, serving Brentwood, CA, can help. We will give you a building project that saves money and helps the environment by reducing landfill construction waste. Get your home-building project started with us today.
