House demolition is relatively a simple and straightforward process, but when you do it for the first time, it can seem intimidating. However, there’s really no reason to run away from tearing down your house. With this comprehensive guide, your home demolition project will be easy.
Decide on the demolition method
There are many ways you can tear down a house so your first task is to determine which one best works for you. Mechanical demolition is probably the most common, cheapest and fastest method where the house is torn down with hydraulic excavators and the debris is afterwards carried away in Commercial Roll Off Containers or roll off dumpsters.
Deconstruction or demolition by hand is manual stripping of the house, piece by piece where a lot of the material such as beams, lumber, windows and doors is salvaged instead of dumped at a landfill. Also, interior demolition workers take down fixtures, pipes, sinks, tubs and many other things that will also be repurposed. This process lasts much longer and costs more but it’s highly environmentally friendly.
Finally, the most recommended method is the combination of demolition and deconstruction which includes first the deconstruction process when all the reusable material is salvaged and then the demolition process of the remaining structure and the removal of debris.
Find the right demolition contractor
One of the crucial steps in the demolition process is finding the right demolition contractor. You need someone who is licenced and insured to do the job well. You need them at the site to go over potential solutions and options. Also, get estimates in writing and make sure they state whose responsibility it is to get and pay for all the permits necessary for the work.
For instance, these Sydney demolition experts’ services cover all the required legal standards and besides the demolition itself, they also offer the services of removing hazardous materials such as asbestos. You can also rely on them to maintain the local environment.
Arrange for a professional inspection
It’s also necessary for you to find out what the inspection requirements are in your area as most states demand especially older homes to be inspected before they are torn down. This is done to determine if there are any hazardous materials present, such as asbestos, mould, rotted wood or lead paint. In that case, there are proper procedures that need to be followed.
Get the necessary permits
Getting the necessary permits is something you need to do before you start with the demolition. The exact permit depends on the local state regulations and laws and all the information you need is usually available at your city hall and your city’s government website.
You’ll also be able to find information about the rules regarding demolition notifications, hours of demolition, noise and debris disposal. The demolition contractor you choose should be well informed about all of this and take care of all the permits for you.
Disconnect your existing services
Prior to the demolition process, there’s also a number of services and utilities that need to be disconnected, such as water, sewage, gas and electricity. The latter two pose a big health risk if still active when the demo starts. If any of these services are still in function, there can be huge damages and even the neighbouring homes may be at risk.
Demolish the house
The actual home demolition may take between one and several days and it generally involves the use or heavy machinery to tear the house down and remove the debris afterwards. However, if you opt for deconstruction, the whole process will last much longer.
It’s essential you take care of the debris removal and leave the site clear especially if you’re rebuilding on the same spot. Often, your demolition contractor can use the same machinery and equipment to prepare the ground for the building of the new home.
Follow this comprehensive guide and your home demolition process will be easy and smooth clearing the way to a house of your dreams!