Dawn,

Yes, you may have found the mother-lode we all dream of. Pity, you weren't early enough to bag the cabs, but take what you can get!

Anyway, yes, a lot of the parts can be recycled; windows, trim, flooring, stairs, etc., and if you can get permission it might be very cost effective to hire someone who knows how to dissassemble the whole house.

To find someone with those skills I'd start with your local historical society, and local house museums, etc. These people maybe able to put you on to people who know how to do this in a way that keeps the materials useable. There may be some help in the phone book, but many demolition people are just rip it/ crush it guys, so they may not be what you want.

But there are people who specialize in disassembly of houses. They will come with The tools, skills, and appreciation, and probably most important to the bank, the liability insurance, for the job. Taking out a few cabs is one thing, but when you start to get into structural parts, then you really need to know what you're doing.

If you can get this organized, maybe the bank would appreciate a little public applause for allowing you to "save" a building. (Don't go public, 'til you've got it nailed down, though!)

If it were me, and I had the storage space, I would save the entire thing, or at least as much as is salvageable. You never know when you're going to be in the mood to add an addition..... Worst case you can re-sell some parts, later.

Good luck, and please let us know what happens and how you decide to go. Rescuing a house is probably the dream we all secretly have when we take on one of these structures. Lord knows it would be easier to simply buy a new one, but somehow the older beauties catch our eye and we are hopelessly smitten. To find a salvageable clone, would be a dream come true for most of us!

Molly~

Well, I have hit a snag..

I called this morning to find out if we would be allowed to "rescue" a few of the house parts. The gentleman I spoke with informed me that the house will not be taken apart, it will face a wrecking ball.

I am now waiting, (on the edge of my seat) to see if DH and I can just remove some doors, moldings, etc..The first banker I spoke with gave me alot of mumbo jumbo about the house not being in their posession yet and I was redirected to a second banker that currently holds the deed.

He says that he doesn't see a problem, BUT he has to ask around and that he'll contact me later. Would it be wrong of me to call back for an answer?

On the sly, how much trouble would I be in for going in over the weekend and just taking out what I want? I wouldn't even consder this if I knew it was going to be resalvaged and not facing a demolition company. There are no signs or warnings to keep out and the house has already been valdalized.

I'll keep you posted and keep my fingers crossed. Sadly, no one really cares about this house, the property will soon house a bank and car lot and I suspect that it all comes down to the bankers worrying that we will injure ourselves and sue, which we would not.

Any advice?

THanks,
Dawn

Sorry, but a bit of midnight salvage might equal B&E and burglary ...... (grand theft house, or is it theft of a grand house?)

That's why I suggested you try to get a real house dismantler lined up. Sometimes you can find one who will take what you don't want as payment, sort of finder's fee. (Assuming you can come to some arrangement with the bank.)

The bank is really unlikely to allow you to go on the prop. by yourselves for a bit of DIY salvage because there is the real risk of injury, even for ripping out a bit of trim, not mention the stairs.

I'd keep looking for some professional help (without giving away location, of course), plus keep trying to come to some deal with bank. They may have time pressures to unload it, so you may have to hustle on this. Banks are cautious institutions, but if even remotely local, they are also pretty interested in a good public perception, so you have that in your quiver to grease the wheels.

Good luck!

Molly~

(PS: Worst case, if you can't get the pieces in place, perhaps your local hist. society people can find a savior for the building that can act fast enough to get it done. Sometimes, that's the best you can do.)

Thanks Molly, good insight. We've got a GC that is a close friend and also insured, I think he might become helpful at some point.

I even considered the option of asking him to call the bank, they may be more willing to bend, if dealing with a male GC.

Sadly, the town the house is in has given in to complete tourism, this is the last standing house in the square and they are demolishing it without a care.

Either way, I'll post on my outcome, hoping for a great one.

Dawn

Good luck on your salavage project. While your there you might want to look around the yard and see if there are any plants you can save too.
We had a place that was going to be razed near us. I got permission to remove plants....the house itself was not worth saving by anyone.
Some of the plants were varieties you just don't see much anymore...and as odd as it sounds they're just as important I think to the restoration of an old home.
Let us know how you make out.
BTW I wonder if you were willing to sign a insurance waiver if they'd be more incline to let you in to remove things. Seems EVERYONE is concerned with insurance claims and lawsuits.

Well, I spoke with the banker. He really didn't give his permission, however he did say that he'd never miss a few doors and such taken from the property. The property is switching hands soon and I've got to make a jump this weekend.

He told me that I should keep an eye out for any signs of demolition and simply go on sight when the demolition crew is there. He suggested that I ask then about pulling up the flooring and ask if anyone would salvage some of the boards.

The house is carpeted right now and I think I will try and pull some back to see what is underneath. The thing I am sad about is that I really don't know how in the world I could save the banister and rails, it seems like it would be a really hard job, especially with no power tools.

Wish me luck, I'm going for it this weekend and I will be happy with whatever I can salvage, no matter what.

Dawn