1500 New Homes

[cp1969]

I acted as the GC when I built my house and there really doesn't need to be all that much waste.

First, unused lumber, the lumber yard will take back. Anything such as lumber that had been cut or nailed, shingles, sheetrock, etc. that I didn't see fit to keep, I donated to Habitat for Humanity. You get a tax deduction for that. I burned the worst lumber, cardboard, etc. The junk like unusable shingles, and other generally worthless stuff went to the landfill but it was only one partially-full sixteen foot trailer load that I hauled myself.

 

[Ductape]

Well..... you tried both ends, now go to the middle. Catch the truck driver picking up the waste. A little payola can go a long way. Six pack of soda... or suds if he'll take it. Or grease the palm of the guys at the landfill with something that would make their life easier. I'm not saying cash..... but bottled water, or something that would make them appreciate it. I know that when i ran my business...... i found the trash guys to be very important to keep happy. I couple cold sodas fresh out of the machine every now and then.... and they would literally take ANYTHING ! Old oil drums to you-name-it. Just be a little more persistant..... and keep a couple gifts handy !

 

[texasjohn]

I cannot tell a lie.... I dive in the construction dumpster stuff after 5PM and the only folks still working are the Mexican laborers. I don't ask anyone, just take whatever seems to fit my current needs. I chat in Spanish with the laborers and they sometimes point me to additonal good stuff that is on the way to the dumpster but hasn't been placed there yet. I've gotten extension cords, lumber of various lengths from 2X4 to 2X16, 4X4, plastic pipe, air duct insulation, hand tools. I've found numerous doors complete with hardware, double pane glass, full and dry sacks of concrete, molding, etc. Oh, yes, lots of new carpet as well. Well worth the effort. I understand the liability issue, but I figure that if somebody gets upset then I'll plead ignorance and beg forgiveness.

 

[MarEng]

I was GC for about 6 months while taking a break from the 'real' world. Built 20+ houses. The best bonus was the after hours dumpster diving. My work benches are all topped with laminate flooring. I traded unopened bags of flexduct with a local AC shop for AC repairs and upgrades to my house. I'm still using up the OSB and framing material.

For each job the crews were sent out with a certain amount of material. If they didn't use it they either had to haul it off or abandon it. Most left it. Every month or so I had to pay someone to haul it to the dump. Tried talking to the sub's bosses and they said they would rather send too much than have an inexperienced crew have to come back for a second day. They offered their guys no incentive to bring the extras back so they didn't. Makes ya sick doesn't it.

The framing crews used to brace walls with clear 16' 2x4s and then throw them away. They often had to break them to get them in the dumpster.