A Guide On Residential Demolition

There are several reasons why people demolish their buildings. They might want to renovate part of the structure or put up an entirely new building. In other cases, the building could be too weak or infested with pests. House demolition can be a complicated task. As such, homeowners are advised to hire a qualified and licensed demolition contractor to pull down the structure. Read this article to get a better understanding of the demolitions process. 

The demolition process starts with an examination of local laws. Typically, you are not allowed to demolish property in areas designated as heritage sites. Some local councils may prohibit some demolition methods such as implosion. Others will restrict demolition at night. You are also required to secure a permit before commencing demolition works. 

Once you are sure that the demolition is legal, the demolition contractor will inspect the property to determine the scope of the works. He or she will look for the following:

How close are nearby buildings? It will help determine a suitable method of demolition.

Does the demolition site have adequate access roads? Remember the contractor may need to use trucks and earthmoving equipment.

The contractor will look out for hazards such as electrical cables, gas lines and dangerous materials such as asbestos or lead.

Does the property require decluttering? Furniture, electronics and metal fittings should be salvaged to be sold, recycled or donated. 

After inspection, the contractor prepares a demolition plan. It is a document explaining how the contractor will conduct the demolition. For example, what safety measures will the contractor take at the site? He or she should remove dangerous materials before commencing demolition works. The area should be barricaded to prevent unauthorised personnel from accessing the site. Besides, all workers should have PPEs. The plan also describes how the professional will pull down the building. For instance, he or she may need workers to weaken strategic structural features and walls bringing down the building. The document also explains the equipment that will be used to demolish the structure and how the professional will handle demolition waste.

When executing the demolition, the contractor will conduct routine checks to ensure everything is going as planned. For example, heavy winds may significantly affect the demolitions. As such, the contractor will use a water curtain to control dust at the site. Rainy conditions will make the ground slippery. As such, the contractor may be forced to halt the demolitions. Once the demolitions are complete, the contractor will clear the site.

You now know how to conduct residential demolitions. Remember to read the terms and conditions of the contractor's agreement. It helps prevent conflict during demolitions.


Share