Building Demolition Tips: What Property Owners Should Expect
Posted on: 18 October 2019
Property owners can conduct building demolition for numerous reasons. The demolition may be partly done to remodel certain rooms or to build a new structure. Before you consider selective or full demolition, it is essential to understand some key demolition aspects. Here are key things you need to know before you demolish a building.
Get expert help
After checking out some demolition videos online, you might be tempted to DIY. This is a wrong move – you'll be opening yourself to a wide range of hazards. For instance, you do not know what to do when you come across dangerous materials like asbestos, lead or mould or know how to deal with water pipes and electric wiring. While DIYing will assist you in reducing your expenses, you will incur extra expenses when mistakes occur – and they will because you aren't an expert. Demolition work should be left to experts because they are trained and know how to avoid dangerous materials and situations. If you are excited to help, your contractor may recommend tasks you can handle on your own.
Understand the demolition process
Once you assign the task to a reputable building demolition contractor, they will start the job by acquiring the necessary permits from the local authorities. The next step is evaluating your building carefully to note any issues. If the contractor finds evidence of asbestos, lead-based paint or pest infestation, they will take the necessary measures to mitigate the dangers before demolition begins. This will ensure pests don't escape to your neighbour's house and that the air doesn't get contaminated with toxins like asbestos fibres.
Now the contractor can bring in the equipment they need for the demolition. Usually, the major components of the structure are removed before smaller debris are cleaned up. The old foundation is also removed if you intend to rebuild another structure. Finally, the contractor will ensure all the waste is disposed of properly.
Inform your neighbours
Demolition is messy, loud and disruptive to you and your neighbours. Since you will move your family to another location during the process, the least you can do for your neighbours is to inform them about your demolition plan as early as you can. The last thing you want is to have problems with your neighbours. Explain what will be happening and how long it will take so they can be prepared. Perhaps you can butter them up by providing gift cards to one of the theatres nearby so they can have fun and escape the dust and noise.
Share