Demolition jobs are always best done by an expert. Although you can certainly rely on a professional team to execute the job without any hassle, it’s still in your best interest to ensure that everything is taken care of and adequately done. If this is your first time going through a demolition, whether for a renovation project or a new home or building, you would have to take more than a few factors in mind. So are you planning a demolition? Here’s a list of essential tips for making it a success.
- Be mindful of the permits and paperwork
You will have to consider the permits needed for the project, and this can be done by you or your demolition contractor, depending on the inclusions of your agreement. But whether you or your contractor will be in charge of it, you should know that the city hall gives most permits in your local area. You can check your city’s website to see what it involves, but the special permits you require will also depend on your state and local laws. Your county or city may also lay down specific rules for demolition regarding notifications, the demolition hours, the noise, and debris disposal, among others. The good news is that if you work with a demolition expert, they will already have a good understanding of the regulations in your area and will most likely take care of the permits as well.
- Have it inspected
Your demolition contractor can also let you know if your building or house needs to go through an inspection, especially if it’s an older structure, as states usually require this for older buildings or homes before the demolition can take place. It will need to be inspected, for example, for asbestos or lead paint, as well as rotted wood, mold, and other materials that may be hazardous.
If your building or home contains lead paint or asbestos, it will have to be remediated, and your demolition contractor may provide this service themselves or have it sub-contracted.
- Ensure proper disconnection
Before the demolition happens, you need to have various services and utilities disconnected, including water, electricity, gas, and sewage. Bear this in mind: gas and electricity can pose a significant risk to everyone’s health if they aren’t turned off when your building undergoes demolition. It is also worth remembering that any utilities in the surrounding area or environment can also become damaged if your provider hasn’t terminated your utilities properly. For example, neighboring buildings and homes may lose their services, and local gas, electricity, drainage, or water infrastructure may also become affected. Here’s a tip: you can request a termination of service to your service provider at least two weeks before the scheduled demolition. With this, you can make sure that the provider has a longer timeframe to terminate their service.
- Establish the best safety protocols and measures
Of course, this is a job for your demolition contractor, but it wouldn’t hurt for you to be aware of what to do in terms of safety, either. Aside from making sure you terminate your utilities, you need to protect nearby or adjacent structures and walkways by setting up temporary fences that can contain the debris.
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