FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions

How do I arrange for a salvage company to remove or pick up materials? How much does it cost to hire a salvage company? How soon before my remodel/demolition project do I need to contact a salvage company? Will salvage operations add more time to my job? Can salvage take place before I've received permit approval? Is there a place to just drop off materials? How do I know if my materials are reusable? Will I receive payment for my materials? Are the retail yards open to the public? Where does the material come from?

How do I arrange for a salvage company to remove or pick up materials?

You can contact any of the NBSN member businesses with questions about your salvage project. If they are unable to assist you, they may suggest that you contact another firm. For contact information, make sure to visit our Members page.

How much does it cost to hire a salvage company?

NBSN member businesses do not charge for their services. However, due to the large quantity of projects, the businesses cannot do pick-ups or strip-outs of material that is too far away or too marginal.

How soon before my remodel/demolition project do I need to contact a salvage company?

Ideally, you will want to contact a salvage company several weeks before a project begins. If the material has already been removed, you may be able to arrange for a pick-up in less time.

Large commercial or public projects will probably require more time, due to scheduling issues.

Will salvage operations add more time to my job?

If you plan ahead, material salvage operations should not add much time to your job. NBSN member businesses are certified contractors and their experienced road crews are adept at removing materials quickly and efficiently. Remember that the larger or more complicated the project, the more time that the salvage crews will need to prepare.

Can salvage take place before I've received permit approval?

In most cases, non-structural salvage operations can take place before you've received final permit approval. The period between permit application and approval is ideal for salvage operations, because it does not affect the timeline of your project. Additionally, material removal can provide valuable economic benefits before your project even starts, reducing dump fees and sometimes provides payment or a tax-deduction for the property owner. Keep in mind that salvage cannot take place with registered historic properties prior to permit approval.

Is there a place to just drop off materials?

Yes! All of the NBSN businesses have material drop-off areas at their retail yards, which are open 7 days a week. Make sure to call ahead if you have a question regarding material acceptability criteria.

How do I know if my materials are reusable?

Often, a salvage company can answer questions regarding acceptability over the phone—although final judgment would be reserved until the material is seen in person. If possible, you can email digital photos of the material—it may save you a trip. In the case of large salvage projects, NBSN businesses may send a staff member to do a preview of materials.

Will I receive payment for my materials?

Each of the NBSN member businesses acquires material differently. In some cases, materials are simply given to the businesses. The sale of that material helps cover their operation costs and the costs associated with processing the material. These donations may be tax deductible. Tthis option varies from company to company, so make sure that you communicate your interest in it ahead of time. Cash payment or payment through in-store credit depends entirely on the quality and marketability of the material. The more labor involved in acquiring or removing the material, the lower the payment will be for material. In the case of high-quality items, consignment may be an option.

Are the retail yards open to the public?

	All NBSN member businesses operate retail yards that are open to the public. The inventory changes frequently, so you will want to check in often to see new material. To facilitate your shopping experience, you should bring exact dimensions and descriptions of the material you need.

From where does the material come?

The majority of the material in the salvage yards comes from homes in the Puget Sound region. Material is either dropped off by the homeowner or contractor or removed by staff. NBSN businesses also get material from commercial and public spaces, such as old schools, hotels, and local government buildings. In addition to the regular stream of vintage and contemporary building materials, the salvage yards are also home to many unique finds such as bowling alley lanes, urinals from the World's Fair, chandeliers from the Seattle Opera House, and stained glass from historic churches.

Are salvaged materials safe to use?

The unfortunate reality of some salvaged materials is that they may contain hazardous materials, such as lead-based paint or asbestos. Salvage yards take great care in protecting the health of their staff and their customers, so information regarding safety and health concerns is readily available.

NBSN businesses do not deal with materials that may contain asbestos. However, the salvage companies do sell materials that may contain lead-based paint. It is necessary to understand how to deal with these materials, so that you do not harm yourself or your family. Information on dealing with lead-based paints is available in each of the stores, or online at: http://www.epa.gov/iaq/lead.html .