If you’ve ever thought about the hidden cost of building a home, you might be surprised to learn that construction waste can be as high as 80% of a job site’s overall cost. Wood, drywall, and cardboard make up approximately 60 percent of a job site’s total waste. Fortunately, there are ways to cut down on your waste and increase efficiency.
Wood, drywall, and cardboard make up between 60% and 80% of job site waste
Wood, drywall, and cardboard make up around 60% to 80% of job site waste, according to the National Association of Home Builders Research Center. The waste can be recycled or disposed of. Creating an efficient design can help builders save money and reduce the amount of waste generated.
The average home generates three to five pounds of construction waste per square foot. In addition to minimizing packaging, builders can use advanced framing techniques and design to reduce the quantity of materials used. A detailed framing plan helps builders avoid costly mistakes.
Depending on the construction project, builders may want to consider reusing lumber cut-offs to use in various on-site applications. These can be used for blocking, shims, and bracing. Alternatively, builders may choose to have these cut-offs returned to their original manufacturer.
Pre-cycling reduces waste
Pre-cycling is a good way to reduce construction waste. It is a technique which prevents waste from entering the landfill, and can save money and time.
A number of techniques are employed to help builders cut their waste costs. Some of the most common include the use of reusable products, efficient jobsite practices, and selecting recyclable materials.
For example, the recycling of a window or door in good working order can be a viable alternative to purchasing a new one. The reuse of materials is a great way to save money, and the creation of a circular economy can also be beneficial for the environment.
However, the most effective methods of reducing construction waste are often more difficult to implement than those mentioned above. These strategies involve educating building owners and industry professionals on how to best manage their waste.
Dumpster rental and removal are a necessity
The construction industry produces a lot of waste and debris. Having a trash removal service can be a necessity for any project. A dumpster is an easy way to get rid of excess material.
Getting a quote from a local company is a good way to start. The right size dumpster will help you to save money up front.
The cost to rent a dumpster will vary depending on the region you live in. Prices will also depend on the amount of trash you have. It’s important to choose the right size so you don’t waste the rental company’s time.
It’s not uncommon for people to leave piles of junk at their house or garage. In addition to being a mess, these items can be harmful to the environment and can cause damage to city streets.
Change orders disrupt construction
Change orders are a common cause of project failure. These orders are issued to change a design, scope, and/or schedule. If the order is not properly handled, it can be harmful to the project and the parties involved. However, there are several ways to prepare and implement change orders that can minimize the likelihood of a failure.
When a change order is issued, it must be clear and detailed. It should include the description of the work, timing, and pricing. Additionally, it should have agreed terms and conditions. A change order should also indicate the impact of the change on the project.
Another factor that should be considered is the time required for the change order to be approved and completed. The negotiation process can also take a significant amount of time, requiring extra work for both the parties.
Soil and contour testing
Soil and contour testing as part of construction waste is an important part of the quality assurance process. Testing is done to ensure that the materials used in construction are of a satisfactory quality. It is also used to verify the uniformity of the foundation moisture and density. Several tests are used to achieve this goal.
One of the more common tests is the crumb test. This is a simple test that can be performed on the construction site. The test is usually done on NRCS projects. If the soil contains a high concentration of soluble salts, it is dangerous for foundations and piping. Another is a microsiemens per centimeter test that can detect if the soil has an electroconductivity value.
These tests are only a small part of the evaluation of soils and compacted earth fill. Many fine-grained soils are difficult to grade and can cause unstable laminated surfaces.