Schematic Design

Reusing building elements is often labor-intensive, due to restoration needs and needing contractors to work around these elements. However, avoiding the purchase of new materials while reducing construction waste can lead to significant cost savings. Doing a budget comparison between restoration and new construction costs will help building owners make informed decisions.

Elements that can be counted for reuse include all interior walls, ceilings, carpets, cabinetry, interior doors and windows.

Develop a checklist of all interior elements and use this to make preliminary calculations anticipating the percentage of elements that can be reused. Pursue the credit only if these preliminary calculations show that at least 50% of interior elements in the completed building are reused, per the requirement.

Elements to be saved for reuse may be removed for protection during construction, and reinstalled for the same purpose.

Assess the interior space to determine whether the program goals can be achieved while maintaining existing interior surfaces.

Identify walls and ceilings that can be restored. The building owner and architect should evaluate the implications of renovation and restoration against those of demolition and new construction.