How YOU can get lumber for FREE - The Lumber Hack that Anyone Can Do!

[@aljanet1514]

I am not a builder, I just HATE waste. This is GREAT advice, just ask and NOT steal.

[@DIYwithDave]

Exactly!

[@skywise001]

Amusingly I can agree. I worked in security on a job site and we had the ok to ask to take stuff and the do not touch stuff. Basicly just ask kindly and you should get great results. I just kind of thought everyone knew this

[@GameHEADtime]

i paid 12k for my roof they just trash the material....

[@rebaschweitzer8847]

Even small scraps are useful. Years ago I needed a dog house. Not having a lot of money, I asked some workers who were building a house near where I lived if I could have some of their scraps. Long story short, I was able to build a nice dog house for my two puppies at very little cost to me and saved wood from going to the landfill. I used that dog house for as long as my dogs lived. I built it so it could be easily taken apart and I was able to move it to several homes. My dogs were two doxies so short pieces of wood for short dogs was just what I needed. As a woman, I was very proud of myself for being able to design a plan and build that dog house from scratch using scrap wood.

[@DIYwithDave]

That's great!

[@lindaevans3815]

I have made some solar panels frames, among a lot of things,from discarded lumber.

[@scottmichael3745]

That's awesome 😎!

[@Reziac]

I built a six-run kennel from the scrap lumber from a burned-out house I got permission to tear down. Also used to get scrap from the house trailer factory -- good hard fir, dogs wouldn't chew up the doghouse so much. Built a lot of stuff from scrap, and what wasn't fit to build with went into the woodstove.

[@robertorodriguez8021]

Those that said it was a bad idea don't know what they are talking about... I've built my entire work station out of material from waste piles at construction sites... This is real... All you have to do is ask and not steal... Table saw station free Miter saw station free Extension table for both saws free... All you have to do is ask... Totally legit... Keep up the good work bro....

[@Bluehealer100]

I agree those that said bad idea are pure morons, I have collected left over lumber for 40 years I have even been given some lumber because the builder didn't want to deal with moving it!!

[@danlayman2194]

I have been doing this for decades. The contractors are usually very happy to have someone to clean the job site.🤙

[@cavsomecadence6117]

Exactly

[@thatgirl6671]

Hey! I just wanna say thank you for sharing! I watched your other video, and was successful with getting free wood from a construction site!!!! I asked the head foreman (I think that’s what he is called), he was very nice and he told me thanks for asking. He told me the cut off time to get it, laughed and said his guys would probably thank me because they don’t have to put it in the dumpsters. He explained and pointed to what the “junk piles” look like. Make sure you wear protective shoes, those nails will be everywhere!

[@DIYwithDave]

I am so glad that it worked for you!!

[@jeffkowalski4936]

I’ve framed houses for decades and if someone asked from the street nicely we would always reserve a pile for them. The important part here is that no one was allowed past a certain point of the site. That would be theft. It’s saved us on dumpsters and also labor. I cut the rafters so I’d have a nice pile of Douglas fir for anyone to take.

[@DIYwithDave]

Thanks for sharing!

[@Reziac]

I've known sites to do this -- all the scrap would be piled so it was easy to get to and that made sure someone took it, saved them the dumpstering, and didn't get into the 'good' pile. Everybody wins.

[@LA70S]

I think it's great advice. Ask the workers and if they say ok, go for it.

[@DIYwithDave]

That's my position.

[@JeffWood-q3m]

I worked construction all my life (40 years) . Typically good scrap wood is kept separate from waste scrap wood . If someone comes along and asks us about waste scrap wood we will ALWAYS give them a thumbs up ! I'm

[@Moslef]

Dave is absolutely correct, I have done it. as Dave stated be polite, get consent, and don't abuse it. Most contractors will gladly allow you to remove scrap material, it saves them the added labor cost of hauling it off themselves. I am a retired construction manager and know what I'm talking about.

[@robbobtheplucker3082]

I always find honesty of any kind is the best. Ask our CREATOR!!!!!!

[@johnmoore3521]

Remember Ruth? It was law that the things of the field some was left behind for the poor. It's called gleaming.

[@jimwiskus8862]

Hi Dave, I really don’t know why anybody would’ve complained about the first video. You made it abundantly clear the do’s and don’ts. This was a great follow up though as it really drives home your specific points. So all in all, you nailed it the first time.

[@DIYwithDave]

Thanks!

[@jmackinjersey1]

As a builder/remodeler, I can 100% agree that if it is in my dumpster or in the scrap pile it is free game. Just don't make a mess or get injured. As far as the houses you showed in the video, those are nasty sites, and I actually fine the subs for leaving my sites looking like that. If there are a bunch of junk piles all over the property, it is not only unsightly, but also dangerous as well as take up too much room for other needed materials or access.

[@bencapobianco2045]

Love this idea and I have been doing it since I was a kid building tree forts carrying lumber on my bike one board at at. One good tip is to introduce yourself to whom you get permission from and remember their name! If someone asks it always helps clear things up if you have permission from a coworker/employee. And most importantly DONT STEAL NO ONE LIKES A THIEF!

[@Reziac]

When I used to collect construction scrap, I never saw as much waste as some you show, but there was always plenty for firewood, and they were happy that someone else was picking it up. I also once got permission to tear down an old house for the lumber.

[@mikeadams9909]

I'm a builder but when my daughter started school, me as a single dad I started going to sawmills getting scraps and before you know I I was pulling in $2,500 a week selling woodcrafts. Walnut rockers were a big seller and even the 1x1s I made log cabin birdhouses and got $25 each for them

[@GrandmaGingersFarm]

My DH used to do this all the time and he retrieved lumber in all shapes, sizes, and condition.

[@williamchurch614]

I used to work for a framer in Michigan back in the 70's. On one house that was supposed to have 2x4 walls, the yard delivered a pallet of 2x6's. We notified them, but they never came back to pick it up. So, on the last day of the job, my boss said, go ahead and take it. I was able to put a gable roof on a flat roof house and only bought the 2x12 ridge board and the nails and plywood.

[@nukestrom5719]

This is a great idea to save trees. Ask nicely and see the bulders are friendly.

[@FeedFastRTR]

This is awesome advice. My father-in-law does it all the time and since he is an older person the GC even had a helper take some of those scraps to my F-I-L (note: my F-I-L lives is a community where they are actively building). The viewers that are saying that it’s bad advice, they are probably doing the picking from scrap piles and don’t want the competition, or just upset they did not think of it themselves.

[@benoithudson7235]

In a small town where I lived I did this repeatedly. Builders were happy not to pay for scrap disposal. On site they kept their scraps and their supplies very tidy and away from bored teens with lighter fluid, because that was a big problem.

[@Kennethswoodcarvings]

The key note I took from this. "If a person does it correctly". Ask if there are any scraps we can take not just go and take it. The later I am sure will really piss off the contractor.

[@DIYwithDave]

Definitely

[@raymichael7078]

I started at 4 years old, and now 73 still getting things from construction sites. Over the years after developing a relationship with some places I got a lot more things than just lumber. At one place they didnt want me in areas picking up lumber so they asked me what I wanted, I gave them my order, and they saved it for me in my own pile! LOL

[@CredibleHulk10]

Paladin's comment is on point. Every word

[@BlackstarStudio787]

paladin's comment was right on the nose. it's honestly a great idea to do it

[@warpig372]

I absolutely agree with you 100%. I have been doing this for years and a great tip is once it hits the street or dumpster (On the street). It's also fair game. Private property is a must. Permission is also a must.

[@robertallen8542]

I’ve done this for years. It works great and I’ve had builders tell me it’s fine and it does save them money. Usually I have to pull it out of dumpsters

[@scrapple8741]

I typically go on the weekends and only go near the dumpsters. I take my cir saw and cut nails there or trim wood to fit into my truck. Anything thing that needs to get thrown away I throw back into the dumpster. I've made many workbench from the scrap wood including the OSB from the roofers that was left over. For me it fun. I find rebar in the dumpsters and have even used that in concrete pads around my house

[@bmacaz]

Really useful information! Also appreciate the follow-up vid addressing concerns/feedback left in the comments. I wish more people would do that

[@px4gaminghdr525]

I have been on both aspects of this scenario. I was a framer directly after high school and had people come up to me and ask if they could take some scraps. I would tell them to ask my boss if they could take some. On the other hand, I have also gone to job sites and loaded up on various scraps that I made many projects with. You are absolutely correct on all aspects of this topic.

[@trkeiser1]

This video is amazing! This is a great way to get some scrap for craft projects! I love this idea!

[@johnduffy6546]

It's a good idea to get written permission from the job site manager...It is INCREDIBLE how much reusable wood gets mindlessly wasted! I LOVE dumpster diving for lumber. Thanks for a great video!

[@earldean4858]

That advice does work!!! Than you! I got 124 eight foot 2x4's doing that and maybe 200 2x6's Thank you!! I just asked who the boss was and talked to them about cleaning up the old lumber. I evengot some with nails in them. But hey! Free lumber!!!

[@wakes_inc]

My brother works as a project manager for a construction company. Think apartment and condo buildings. The amount of waste is insane and he regularly brings home all kinds of things that are left overs but not scrap at all - think a partial bundle of 20 2x12s. They go through hundreds on a project, they are NOT going to take the 20 left overs to the next project because it makes ordering a pain. Lumber, trim, tile....it all gets trashed at the end if it's been broken open.

[@jeffshane344]

I bought and moved into one of the first homes of a new subdivision once. The builders had a few large dumpsters on site where all the scrap went and the builders didn't care what I took. I was able to finish out my garage (including full overhead shelving and workbenches), finish my fence (builders only did the back), and complete a few other projects. I even found a very large sink cutout and used it to make a board game. I did, however, have to pay for the convenience. Since it was such a new subdivision, I wound up with a couple of stray nails in my tires (from the road).

[@rupe53]

I have built several work benches from scrap 2x material. If you stand it on edge, then glue / screw everything with overlapping joints, you have something that will stand up to pounding with a hand-sledge when necessary. The last one I made had some 3/8" threaded rod in it to reinforce all the glued joints. (ends were countersunk) When I say "overlapping joints" I made a 6 ft bench with 2 ft and 4 ft boards, staggering the joints. Sand the top and add urethane... looks great. That one was made specifically to lay on top of an old teacher's desk, which makes a very sturdy base.

[@markseifried3959]

I agree with your advice. The builder doesn't have to pay someone to throw the wood into the large dumpster. It seems to me the number one priority is for speed. Ask and you shall receive. The worst thing the foreman can say is no.

[@gwc656g]

Hi Dave, first time viewer here, I can't believe people would crap on your idea. The key thing I heard was ask. As long as you ask someone if it is ok you are not going to get arrested and you are not stealing it. I would agree not such a good idea to go when no on is around unless previously approved.

[@redcorset]

Been doing that for years. I m 74. I always get an ok. Most workers and formans are glad to let you do cause they won't have to carry it to the dumpster. I saw a contractor dump three full pallets banded pallets of bricks in the dumpster because the vendor would not take ithem back. I still have a pile 3 ft high down at the barn. when someone says it is ok make sure you get their name. A lot of sites now have guards on nights and weekends.

[@giro994]

Nice video. I got wood, rocks, and dirt when the house down the street was being built. Most of the wood was better for firewood, but I was happy with that, maybe cutting a 2x6 a time or two, and having good wood to burn instead of it just going into the landfill. Plus some plywood scrap, up to about 5'x3'. And the boulders and dirt made for some nice raised flower beds.

[@buckeyebob55]

I use the scraps as starter for my fireplace and if it's a dumpster they don't care if you get it Dave I agree with you

[@ThePatrick42044]

Ive done this in my own town this past year. I got all kinds of free lumber. The guy was very happy to have me take off the lumber and OSB boards and etc. It saved him time and the expense for clean up. I sometimes get told no though also. Which is fine. I also get free HT pallets that i take apart and use for things. I sometimes get free sections of insulated doors that have been cut into sections and wall boards also where i get my pallets for free... i will always ask if i can have the scrap wood at building sites...

[@James-ns7kc]

As a former construction worker, you are so correct! There is a lot of waste on construction sites. The smaller ones like a house, is usually ok to pickup "scraps" out of the pile. But, Yes, I would ask first or it is stealing.

[@tjboylan20]

I can tell you from experience because I do material estimates for construction there is always scraps, and we always order 10-25% more of anything that is needed, especially lumber because of the warps and the knots, with permission from the builders you can take any scrap because it’s either thrown away or the employees take it home

[@DIYwithDave]

Great comment. Thanks for sharing your experience!

[@garypicard9939]

I agree, the builder that put my windows in, threw away enough of the lumber I paid for, in my dumpster, I had enough to build a nice kitchen island and a 12 foot work bench in my garage. Once again, the customer paid for it, he didn't have any space for it, I used it all.

[@dangre47]

I have been doing this for over 50 years and have never had a problem. Being a stevedore in my younger days I refer to scrap lumber as dunnage. I ALWAYS ask first, where is your dunnage pile and do you mind if take some of it. It surprised me how many people knew what dunnage was. I'm not only a wood worker, but also a wood turner. I learned to go to high end home builds for some of the upscale trim that is used, oak, walnut, teak, etc. I've turned some beautiful pens and such out of scrap.

[@josephconsuegra6420]

Good advice, but in South Florida houses are build with concrete blocks. The roof trellis are wood but very little useable wood leftover. Also if you go onto the building site you may be trespassed because you’re on private property.

[@jmackinjersey1]

Another tip, and I may have already stated this on another video of yours, is to go to the lumber yards and big box stores and ask for their culled lumber. At HD, it is called the purple wood because they spray it with purple paint. This is lumber that has defects or is otherwise not usable by a builder etc., but there is enough meat on there to cut off the splits or broken ends and still be usable . This is not free, but it is usually 70 to 90% off. If you know what you are looking at, you'll be able to make a great haul. If a 12 ft 2x is warped or twisted and you are going to be making a few shorter cuts anyway, this is a great option.

[@stephenvale2624]

I have asked and received permission to gather scraps from building sites several times. The trick is to only do it when the foreman is on site and gives you permission to sort thru the dump piles. It will usually require a good pressure washing and de-nailing (i own an air tool to remove nails). I call it lumber road kill.

[@DIYwithDave]

Lol... I like that.

[@Moses55845]

"BROTHER" most people can't understand the logic of what you are saying, I DO, because I stop by those sites every time I have a chance and do ask before I take anything. I was in Houston and driving along Kempwood road and suddenly I saw a cart on top of a huge dumpster and asked the person on site if I could take the cart( I needed the casters) , He was very abusive with his response and claimed that if it is trash so it is and it is still his property until the truck comes to pick it up. What amazed me was that this individual had a crucifix hanging around his neck, his tone of voice and attitude was like I was worse than evil. I am a very resilient and cool person. I simply walked away.

[@suzannehofer2541]

That would be great for some of the small projects I do like a chicken coop or shelves in the garage. When I was a kid I was like 1315 years old I used to ask at construction sites if I could take boards they had no problem with it!

[@Anthony_Williams1216]

Great video man!

[@liquidrockaquatics3900]

Nothing is “free”. It still costs time, effort, and it’s still a potential hassle with unknown rewards. That being said, it is definitely worth networking with a few contractors to see who is building and when they have scraps (or when they are going to burn/dispose of them)

[@angeloperezceo8101]

thank for your service

[@HMGOfficial-ih4tm]

I have worked for a concrete company for the past year and I can say this is true you can always get the wood as a part time woodworker I do this almost bi weekly it's probably easier for me cuz I already work there but just asking the framers usually works the site needs to be cleaned anyways and we do large housing tracks so there is always some good stuff left over just be polite and ask and don't take it all just take what you need.

[@kevinroberts9814]

I've done this before and it has worked, but I've only taken a few small boards or odd-shaped plywood scraps. These days, most homes built around my area are essentially "kits" that are pre-cut and assembled on site. The scraps would barely fill a 55-gallon drum.

[@DIYwithDave]

Interesting

[@diegor0001]

Thanks. I am 76 and on social security so cannot afford lumber. So I will see if I can find some building sites of single family homes and try this.

[@kenfrutiger2471]

That's the same with bricklayers, watch them sometime! If they need a half a brick they won't pick one up from the ground! They ALWAYS break another one!

[@alexanderneukam1065]

Well said - and good reaction to the comments :).

[@andrewchapman2024]

I've worked rural construction for around two years now and although we are pretty good at using most of our scrap lumber, there is still plenty to go around. it does depend on the construction site but there will almost always be leftovers. just be kind if asking and don't overstay you're welcome. other wise, the workers wont mind you snagging a few pieces here and there.

[@kennethmorgan7949]

I do this in Texas. The contractors don't care and will tell you to have at it. But yes some builders have large dumpsters on site and everything is put in them so the area looks good, but that is mostly in the higher cost areas.

[@benharman7486]

I'm an electrician so I'm on job sites everyday, and I'll tell you I've built out my entire garage with workbenches, shelves, and cabinets only really having to buy maybe $200 for full pieces. These guys love it when you take the stuff they're about to throw away and make something with it

[@Rustyrailhead]

Like you say, time is money and having to search a scrap pile for a piece of good wood vs the good lumber pile it cost time away from work at maybe $30 + an hour. We have roofers that will not save good roof tiles as a waste of time and labor and so toss all the 50 year tiles in the trash bin. Redo the tar paper and then have new tile loaded on the roof for tiling

[@BoxtoLife-Xl]

I think its just interesting, hundreds of people commenting all from the same planet. You'd think they were living a custom made experiences tailored specifically for them. This is what life is like, no one tastes the same flavor ice cream, even if they order the same kind.

[@JDub-kh7sz]

Thanks for updated info.

[@DIYwithDave]

You bet

[@whitesabre9974]

Thanks and good for you. I now know I can ask politely for scrap lumber.

[@brokeoshi]

I have been working on wood wall art for a couple years. Another option that I use is my local commercial lumber & millwork company. After they finish projects, they pile up scraps and burn them. After asking permission, I load up my truck with burn pile scraps. There is some pine but I mostly find poplar, mahogany, ash, maple, and sometimes walnut. I've been there enough that they tell me I don't need to ask permission anymore but I told them I'm not trying to randomly get shot one day! Ha.

[@JohnJones-oy3md]

I've also found free power tools just laying around at construction sites.

[@Forward-Observer]

😂

[@jeremymayfield8334]

Ask the workers, or Call the Real Estate Agent when the 1st build is finished. They always provide the supervisor or foreman’s info. Ask them for permission and tell them your vehicle and plate number. Easiest way to get a green light. Only pick from houses that are framed 100%. Done this with lots of builders and never had an issues. Sometimes a foreman shows up and gives away the remainder of un-used wood as well.

[@FoScoJo]

I showed this video to a friend who owns a construction company in Florida. He made these points. YMMV. 1. Most of the scraps are used for scaffolding. Usually there is nothing much of value left once it's cut up. 2. If there is any lumber leftover that is useable, it is returned for a refund for the homeowner who would frown on wood they paid for being given away for free. 3. No builder is going to allow you to walk onto their job site. If you get hurt in anyway it would open them up to a massive lawsuit.

[@johnnyg7347]

Yes ive done this as far back as 1996 - 2001 when i used to help a roofing contractor doing tar paper/felt dry ins. Id go around asking permission 1st if i could pull lumber from their scrap piles. Most of the times id get a yes ok no problem. Id never leave a mess when digging through their piles. Occassionally id even leave their pile neater than it 1st was 😮👍

[@GaryGains]

I have done this many times. I remodeled my basement for about 400.00 and that was for everything. I had gone into Home Depot and they had a full stack of drywall that had been hit with a HiLo. I was able to get the entire stack for 50.00 because it was worthless to them. I got twisted lumber from sights, cut in half and studded the basement with 2x2 and spaced them to fit the drywall after cutting off the crushed corners on the boards.

[@cubbyboy8]

If you live in a big city - look for companies that install furniture for corporations (cubicles). A lot of furniture like sofas, conference tables, glass, and stone are crated for shipment. The crates become waste after the furniture is installed. Also a lot of oversized/custom pallets. I have seen more than one shed built from the reclaimed wood.

[@anthonymitchell6703]

I do this all the time. I have even gotten 6 foot 2x12’s for raised garden beds.

[@maciejpiekarski9409]

Great advice!

[@daviddivoky6317]

I painted homes in the past. On new homes we painters would be one of the last trades on the job. I was appalled at how much lumber went in the dumpster. I brought home truck loads of lumber. 2*4,2*6,2*8 ect . 1/2 to full sheets of plywood,partial board you name it.

[@DIYwithDave]

It is appalling, isn't it. Glad you could save it from the dumpster.

[@annelarrybrunelle3570]

The nice man's key point must be made explicit: If you want someone to give you free stuff, you need to find the person with authority to give it to you. You also need a suitable vehicle to haul it, and maybe a cordless saw for the long pieces. Also, sometimes HD will heavily discount damaged items. If I need melamine board, I go there and look for panels with damaged edges and ask for a markdown, which is usually purple paint indicating 70% off. Since I rarely need the whole panel, it works out. Both they and Lowe's have discard bins similarly marked down, with highly variable contents.

[@vidili68]

Good information happy day be safe god bless

[@PO-vx2pq]

thanks a bunch ‼️‼️

[@GenXTexMom]

Workers had poured a concrete ditch near my house and a ton of wooden stakes were left for about a week. I asked when they came back if I could have them if they’re just going into the trash. I scored over 100 18” stakes. I’m making holiday decorations out them.

[@mjlh7079]

I've never had a builder say no to my raiding the scrap pile, mainly because, it does save them money. The size of boards I use are small anyway, so size doesn't matter

[@ThePrairieChronicles]

Greenhouses and garden centres may offer free wood pallets and wood scraps. Phone or drive there. If you don't see a clearly marked separate area with a "Free" sign, then ask staff. Mentioning this not to trigger a love vs hate thread on pallets, but because if I had somewhere to store wood, I'd be grabbing the piles of clearly labelled free wood outside green house centres near me. I'm between rentals atm, all my stuff including tools in storage, nowhere to store anything else. I wish I could be doing projects of any kind, especially with free materials.

[@ThePrairieChronicles]

Thanks for sharing this video, @DIYwithDave . I also really like the business card to give out offering to remove scrap lumber idea! 👍

[@DIYwithDave]

Glad you liked it!

[@radicalrick9587]

*These are great tips, but as you know, you can't fix stupid. There will always be those who just don't care about doing the right thing.*

[@l.rod2827]

I've picked scrap from job sites only after asking for permission. Of course, most of the time the scrap pile had very slim pickings, but every once and a while you can get some good pieces. This is doable, but if you're doing a particular project you will end up buying the necessary lumber required.

[@ericclairmont1824]

I totally agree and anybody with any common Sense knows how to do this correctly any other efforts are most likely just people trying to steal great video

[@thelegendricky]

Those 2 vertical orange bars behind you matched up almost perfectly with your blue hat in between them made me hear a deep voice in the back of my head that said "I, am Optimus Prime..... Autobots, ROLL OUT!!"

[@johnmonson-l4i]

Another good source is heating and air conditioning companies. Large units come on large pallets with large boards. The companies around Here pay to have it hauled to the dump. But when you take it they expect you to take the whole thing and separate what you want out later. But I've gotten a lot of good 2 and 4x4's that way.

[@arthurbilenker2622]

I saw some empty shopping carts from a defunct toy store behind a building. When I drove by one day,I saw a guy in the lot. I approached him and asked what was going to happen to the carts as I wanted to get one to move around supplies outside my house. He said you can have one because I asked him rather than stealing it as others had done. Turned out that he was the owner .

[@JuloMihal]

Be careful about leftover nails. Sometimes they are snapped, cut flush, or really small, and if the wood has dirt or paint on it, You can overlook them. I have once destroyed a set of knives for the planer on such a nail. Since then I always run a strong magnet over the board, before I put it through the planer to feel if there is no nail in it. (You can find a really strong magnet in an old rotary hard drive. )

[@reddblackjack]

It's actually a travesty that selling the scrap from a house build isn't a part of the industry. But you're absolutely right. 99 times out of 100, just asking for some is all you need to do. I made a few sets of large 2X4" dominoes with some scrap MDF scrapped at a house frame. I also have a couple tons of leftover siding and wood from getting my siding redone. Enough for a couple dozen doghouses. And since the siding itself is the dense cement stuff, they might be good for certain toy and game carpentry applications such as dominos or something like that.

[@DeborahHicks-c3d]

With permission you are usually good to go. Save a tree and use the scrap. I used to use the short pieces as firewood in a small stove, it's all useful.

[@suzannehofer2541]

That would be great for some of the small projects I do like a chicken coop or shelves in the garage. And you can still use this and fire pits to stay warm outside this isn’t treated lumber.

[@John-q3t]

If you are asking the boots on the ground what's scrap and if it's good to take they probably thank you. A little persuasion with doughnuts or something like that also goes a long way. Less stuff for them to pick and haul to the dumpster and a cheap truck box of lumber here and there is a win win.

[@connecticutaggie]

I feel a good guideline is to consider my two rules of fundraising: 1) People enjoy being generous - especially for a good cause. 2) No one likes being taking advantage of or being stolen from.

[@christopherwing6435]

I have done this several times I'm my last life. As long as you speak with the contractor and they are aware of your intent.

[@TheMindverse]

Great advice that can be applied to so many things in life: "You can do it, just don't be an idiot about it."

[@sherif8977]

This is true my friend and I go to sites and ask the supervisor. We built a roof and woodworking tables.

[@deerrudy]

Well I can tell you, my two cousins were arrested doing exactly this. We knew the building superintendent and we got permission. We'll the other superintendent over the weekend called the police and had them both arrested. He didn't know. So if you're going to do this, make sure the person giving permission is present

[@DIYwithDave]

Good advice

[@MildarValsik]

I have thought about all of this. My theory is this. Going to the higher up with a written document that you made to remove safety concerns with the project manager. It giving a number, address, and information for anything needed to contact you. After an agreement there is one more thing to make sure. Before you leave it's checked and cleared. If legally you gave then something that removes any liability from them they have no complaints really. As an artist there isn't anything I can't use. I imagine with enough wood glue and pieces you can basically glue up a new tree.

[@tobedetermined4180]

I been following your advice before you even posted your video about it, it works if you use common sense. It is hilarious to me when so called “creators “ have to respond to comments left by nobody’s, is their channel and they do with it what they please. In my channel I had comments disabled, why? Because what I say goes, whoever doesn’t like it could go and kick rocks. I have a spine.

[@georgetsokanis3542]

It's all going to the dump anyway. As long as it's not a liability issue they don't care,less work for them. I've pulled bricks out of demo sites,free of charge for garden walkways,same. Another place for free lumber is warehouses that receive crated deliveries like machine parts. High end machine parts are shipped in custom made wood crates,old school style, built to survive a plane crash. I've picked hard to find 12' plywood sheets.