Archive before the first cut.

Make the record

Survey the work boundary, photograph rooms and record an item’s location before moving it. A label that says “old equipment” is insufficient: retain a readable marking, condition and proposed custody route. Unresolved ownership becomes a hold, not an excuse to skip the item.

Selected old objects may be offered to VGRelic’s archaeological team under item-level handoff records. An offer or receipt for one item does not demonstrate preservation of every object in a building.

Dismantle in a controlled order

Isolate services, confirm the structure and remove reusable components before bulk demolition. Unexpected movement, an unrecorded live service or a mismatched hazardous-material record stops that work face. A new sequence needs a new sign-off.

Recover by destination

Keep reusable sections separate from recyclable material and disposal streams. Record receiving location and acceptance, not only the weight leaving a site. A sorted pile is an intermediate state, not a completed recovery claim.

Rewild with maintenance in view

Retain drainage relationships and access needed to inspect remaining structures. Choose a ground treatment matched to water and soil conditions. Vegetation establishment has its own observation plan; demolition completion is not ecological certification.