Absolutely Wolf, I cringe when I think about the lost revenue and loss of history I have witnessed becuase of fast track demo jobs where there was simply not enough time to save anything. I now try to salvage as much interesting architectural detail items as I can (mianly fo rmy own onterest in things architectural). It can be a great source of revenue as well.:)

James said:
Purdy,

I agree with Demobud. Most demolition contractors figure their margins with the scrap in their bids.

A route you may want to take is start taking to electrical and mechanical contractors and doing their “scrap outs” I have done several jobs where the mechanical and electrical contractors just dump their scrap in our recycling bins and just go on with their job. That would be the first place I would start to get into the commercial side of it.

What are you currently doing now to get business?

Right, James, I have also been on jobs with other trades and have actually subcontracted with them to do their demo. THis helps me in keeping house as a demo contractor and lets me have the salvage. It also means that the mech contractors don't have to waste their time on demo and can put their resources on build back.

Purdy,sometimes all it takes is to approach the demo contractor and make him an offer. However, a lot of demo jobs have the salvage figured in as part of the profit of the job, especially where salvageable equipment is concerned. You will have to beat the estimators margin to realistically get the salvage.