If you have a building or something else on your property that you need to get rid of, don’t even try attempting to do it yourself!  Not only is it dangerous but it could also end up far more costly in the long run.  For any residential demolition, the best idea is to hire a demolition contractor.  Here’s what you need to know.

What is Residential Demolition?

Residential demolition can be simply defined as the total or partial removal of a structure that is currently on a residential property.  This could be to remove old, decrepit dwellings or structures so that a new one can be built, or to remove a structure that is no longer needed in order to create more garden space.

Demolition doesn’t have to just be about totally demolishing structures however. It can also include the strip out of an interior room so that it is back to the bare bones. This is generally done during major renovations and an example of this would be removing all bathroom fixtures and fittings so that it is a bare shell.

Professionals can demolish and remove the following things amongst others:

• Sheds, garages, and carports
• Decks
• Home extensions
• Roofed structures such as gazebos and patios
• Pergolas
• Retaining walls
• Paths
• Pools and pool surrounds
• Verandas
• Steps
• The home itself

Who Does Residential Demolition?

If you have something that needs demolishing, you will need to call a professional demolition company as they are the experts and can do it quickly and safely, with minimal damage to the surrounds.  The professionals will demolish what you need either using hand techniques or by using machinery as appropriate.  They will then remove the demolition waste.  When removing the waste, look for a company that will salvage as much as possible – steel, bricks, timber and so on.  Not only is this environmentally responsible, it can reduce the costs of the demolition.  As well, professional demolition companies are often also trained and licensed in the removal of hazardous materials such as asbestos.

When choosing a residential demolition contractor, it is absolutely imperative that they are fully licensed and insured.  You should ask to see proof of such before even entertaining the idea of using them.  Ideally, the residential demolition company should also provide “Safe Work Method Statements”, which outline how they plan to control and eliminate any hazards that may arise as a result of the demolition work.  They should also create work plans that state how the demolition will be done. The quotes that they give should be detailed and include everything: the cost of the permits, the cost of equipment and labour; the cost of removing materials; estimated worth of salvageable items and so on.

Managing the Demolition

Your demolition company should be willing to deal with the council in order to get all the required demolition permits (you cannot simply start knocking things down, after all!).  As well, demolition can be a dusty, dirty process so they should have ways of managing the dust that is created so that your neighbours aren’t annoyed.  Of course, you should talk to the neighbours before demolition work is started so that they are aware of when it is occurring so that they can take steps to minimise mess in their home (closing the windows so dust doesn’t get in) and inconvenience to the inhabitants.