News from the Field
Contractor of the Month: Mighty House Construction
(posted July 27, 2010): We have worked with Doug and Laura Elfline for years, even though their company, Mighty House Construction, just recently marked their 1st anniversary. In the spirit of giving back, they celebrated this achievement by making a donation to Seattle Habitat for Humanity.
Mighty House Construction’s mission is to offer innovative, sustainable building solutions at an outstanding value. They aim to set the standard for exceptional building practices, outstanding solutions to you’re your needs, and excellent customer satisfaction throughout the Greater Seattle area. Click here to learn more about their work.
Clyde Hill Project
(Posted 6/19/2010)
The field crew is midway through salvage work on a unique project in Clyde Hill - Beautiful teak custom cabinetry, teak doors and millwork, hardwood flooring and a copper gutter system are just some of the materials making there way back to the store at the time of this posting.
Here's a "before and after" sequence of the kitchen tear-out:
Click on this link to view other items from this project.
Contractor of the Month: Flip Builders
Each month, we highlight one of the contractors we've worked with recently, to provide an example of the type of work we get to do and the kind of people we meet along the way.
We have worked with Flip Builders since 2001 and continue to do a lot of amazing projects with their crew. The last project we salvaged for them was a condo remodel and we were able to save more material for reuse than they took to the landfill! Flip uses Second Use because they like not having to throw away material and saving their clients money in the process. Salvage also offers them a way to further integrate sustainability into their work.Flip is based out of the Fremont neighborhood of Seattle, but they work as far away as California and Eastern Washington. They primarily work with remodeling and new construction, and sometimes cover condo and commercial projects. Click here to learn more.
Another East Side Gut & Restaurant Salvage
(Posted 6/4/2010)
The 2U field crew started another large scale salvage job on Mercer Island yesterday - We're stripping out multiple bathrooms, doors, fixtures and a set of birds-eye maple kitchen cabinets.
Here's some action shots from day 1:
...Cast-iron tubs on the top floor are the bane of my existence, it's almost never worth the time, trouble and shocking low-back pain.
But sometimes, still - even at my advanced age... I can't help it:
...I'll never enjoy a hot soak in this beast, but maybe you will..?
Back next week to help get it down 3 flights of stairs. Ugh.
On Monday we're going to strip-out materials from an Italian restaurant that's served it's last picatta - a nice load of stainless kitchen fixtures, dining chairs, lights, etc.... maybe even the menus.
Catching Up & Kept Going...
(Posted 5/22/2010)
The intent of this blog is to show where will be going, and what will be getting... sometimes we get so busy that there's little time to provide a "heads up" -
Last couple of weeks, felt like the field crew was hopping from one kitchen strip-out to the next, some of those materials are still in stock - some are still on a truck, parked at our storage facility, waiting for the unload... Good selections of contemporary cabinets, appliances & plumbing fixtures.
Friday we brought back a nice haul from a 1920's house on Bainbridge Island; fir flooring & beadboard most notably -
To view other materials from this project Click Here
We start salvage work on a pretty cool house Monday:
The whole house is full of these beautiful mahogany doors and millwork + quartersawn oak flooring!
Later in the week: pallets of new contemporary light fixtures from a local distributor, a mid-century modern salvage job & PB's going to the dentist to get his teeth fixed... Yo.
Contractor of the Month: MacPherson Construction & Design
Pathway Design and Construction
(posted May 20, 2010): Each month, we highlight one of the contractors we've worked with recently, to provide an example of the type of work we get to do and the kind of people we meet along the way.
We've worked closely with Pathway Design and Construction for a couple of years now and, during this time, they've become more than just a material supplier - they've become an important ally in helping our company and customers to develop a better understanding of sustainable and healthy home practices. So, we were excited to see that they were recognized for their commitment and innovation in the recent issue of the Builder's Journal.
Pathway was founded in an effort to offer their client a home or building that is reflective of the symbiotic relationship between humankind and nature. As owner Paul Kocharhook stated in the article "our overall focus is on the total environment; creating a healthy home using a variety of innovative materials and techniques. We look at the house as a system..." Click here to learn more about their leadership and work.
Second Use is now a Lead-Safe Certified Firm
(posted May 4, 2010): Second Use is proud to announce that we are now a U.S. EPA Lead-Safe certified firm. As of 4/22/10, federal law requires that renovation firms be certified under EPA's Renovation, Repair, and Painting Rule. Common renovation activities like sanding, cutting, and demolition can create lead dust and chips by disturbing lead-based paint, which can be harmful to adults and children. The new rules are aimed at preventing lead poisoning in repair, renovation, and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in homes, child care facilities, and schools built before 1978. Certified contractors are trained in containing the work area, minimizing dust, and cleaning the area thoroughly.
Click here to learn more about the EPA's Lead-Safe certification program and regulations.
Incoming Merch....
(Posted 4/27/2010)
Seth & Jeff striped out a duplex on Monday, and came back with a nice truck load of materials, most notably a pair of 4.5' clawfoot tubs - both in very good to excellent condition, complete with shower rings.
To view items from this job, Click Here
Brad & Jeff picked-up approximately 1000 sf of 6" composite decking material Tuesday, should be on the floor tomorrow - And Flynn was out making the "East Side Sweep" picking up a variety of high quality building (and building adjacent) materials....
Later this week we start a demo project in a nice old lake front house from the 1920's - Materials we expect to salvage include: 500 sf of maple flooring, cabinets, doors, vintage sinks, lighting and hardware.
Oh, and yard art... plenty of yard art!
Bringing Sexy Back...
(Posted April 20, 2010)
The field crew has a kitchen strip out scheduled every day this week - oak and fir flooring on Thursday.
On Monday, we salvaged a sweet birch & ply cabinet set, with this matching vanity.
We're tired of waiting for this era to come back in style...
This is sexy...
The time is NOW..!
Click here to see the kitchen set from this job
Contractor of the Month: MacPherson Construction & Design
(posted April 19, 2010): Each month, we highlight one of the contractors we've worked with recently, to provide an example of the type of work we get to do and the kind of people we meet along the way.
This month, we want to recognize MacPherson Construction and Design. The first job we did with them was this past March, but we're looking forward to working with them on future jobs. MacPherson concentrates on lake front and custom build homes so each project and site is unique and customer driven. Because they coordinate thearchitectural designs, construction, and interior work, they are able to keep costs down and ensure consistency throughout the project.
MacPherson has not typically done salvage on jobsites, although they do recycle and incorporate green elements into the design. They hope to do more salvage in the future.
MacPherson was founded in 1983 and their experience and expertise allows them to navigate through the many challenges and logistics of designing, permitting, scheduling, and construction. They take great pride in having never designed or built the same house twice. Each custom home or renovation is a special reflection of their client's vision. Click here to learn more about their work.