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Deconstruction
What is it?
Deconstruction is a sustainable alternative to demolition. Instead of sending building materials to landfill, TRP Canada carefully dismantles structures so reusable lumber, fixtures, and finishes can be given new life. Every project helps reduce waste, conserve resources, and strengthen our local circular economy.
Start your project
What Are the Steps for Building Deconstruction?
1
Get a Salvage Survey from TRP
A TRP representative or our deconstruction Associates will visit your project and write a salvage survey with photographs identifying the type, quality and quantity of all salvageable materials.
2
Receive an Appraisal Consultation
The survey and photos will be sent to qualified building materials appraisers who will give you a preliminary value of your donation for $150 plus GST. If you choose to go ahead with the project, the appraiser you hire will complete a full appraisal report. Usually for $1700.
3
Get a Free Deconstruction Bid
A TRP-Certified Deconstruction Contractor will submit a bid to carefully deconstruct your building to TRP specifications.
4
Donate Your Salvaged Materials
TRP takes it from there. We will work with the appraiser to get a final inventory list evaluation and with that we write up your CRA Tax Receipt.
What are the benefits to the owner?
The value of donated used building materials can be significant—often enough to offset the cost of deconstruction. The chart below presents real examples of deconstruction projects along with the donation amounts received by the homeowners.
These figures are influenced by a variety of factors and are provided for illustrative purposes only. They should not be considered a substitute for assessing your individual circumstances. Homeowners receive Tax Credits while a Corporation receives a donation receipt to lower net taxable income.
For additional homeowner information, see the Canadian Homeowner’s Guide to Donations.
BC Appraised Value Examples Below
Actual Appraised Donation Values for Homeowners
| City | Sq. Feet | Appraised Value |
|---|---|---|
| Surrey | 910 | $55,510 |
| Burnaby | 1224 | $44,270 |
| North Vancouver | 1112 | $43,615 |
| Vancouver | 2550 | $70,805 |
| North Vancouver | 2728 | $167,765 |
| Delta | 3122 | $90,030 |
| Victoria | 2303 | $148,103 |
| Vancouver | 1418 | $56,255 |
Difference Between Deconstruction and Demolition for a Homeowner
This chart presents a composite analysis based on real-world projects to compare the economics of deconstruction versus demolition. The model is a single-story, 1,174 square-foot home featuring a raised foundation, composite shingle roofing, single-pane windows, and hardwood flooring. By using this representative structure, we can clearly illustrate the financial distinctions between the two approaches
In the machine demolition scenario, the homeowner incurs a cost of $30,156. By contrast, in the TRP deconstruction scenario, the homeowner receives $41,530 in tax credits, reducing total deconstruction costs to $10,870, resulting in an overall savings of $19,282. The tax credit is eligible to be carried forward for up to five years. In Year 1, the homeowner claims $19,020.74; the remaining $22,509.26 can be rolled over to Year 2 and beyond.
.
| Deconstruction | Demolition | |
|---|---|---|
| Strip out | 18,122 | 10,109 |
| House removal & disposal | 27,078 | 14,547 |
| Foundation removal | 5,500 | 5,500 |
| Appraisal cost | 1700 | - |
| -------------------- | -------------------- | |
| Total Deconstruction costs | 52,400 | 30,156 |
| -------------------- | -------------------- | |
| Appraised value | 41,530 | - |
| Total Deconstruction costs (from above) | 52,400 | 30,156 |
| Tax Credit - used over 5 years (29% & 14.7%) | 41.530 | - |
| -------------------- | -------------------- | |
| Net Total Costs | 10,870 | 30,156 |
Net Total Cost of Deconstruction After Tax Credit $10,870
* 29% federal & 14.7% BC
Let’s Get Started
Are you a homeowner or a Corporation? Contact us for more information to see how we can help you: