Thinking of demolishing your structure? Here are 7 things you need to do before starting a demolition.
A demolition project is a huge undertaking. Before you start bringing out the sledgehammers, you’ll need some major planning to make your project run as safely and smoothly as possible. Here are seven things you need to do before starting a demolition.
#1 – Hiring a Contractor
In most cases, it’s best to leave a demolition project to professionals. There are many risks involved in doing a demolition yourself. Only attempt a DIY demolition for small projects when you’re sure you won’t cause damage to utilities and the overall stability of your structure. Otherwise, hire a contractor. Not only will it be quicker and stress-free for you, but you can be at ease that you can avoid safety hazards during the demolition.
We at Kwikcut can ensure a safe, smooth, and efficient process for all your demolition projects within Perth. As a trusted demolition expert, we work with a team of fully-certified, trained, and insured individuals that can complete your demolition using the industry’s best techniques and to the highest safety standards. Call us at (08) 9408 6096 or get a fast free quote through our website.
#2 – Approve your Demolition Plan
After surveying your structure, we’ll devise a demolition plan to outline the works to be undertaken. This plan would include which part of the structure is exactly to be removed, our proposed demolition methodology, site organisation plan, recycling plan, as well as our safety and environmental risk controls. You must read this contract carefully and approve this plan before the commencement of works.
#3 – Get the legal permits
With a plan in place, you still can’t start the demolition just yet. In Perth, a license is required for certain demolition projects. The Building Act of 2011 outlines the standards for demolition works in Western Australia. To obtain a demolition permit (BA5), you must submit a demolition plan and go through the City of Perth’s building approval process.
#4 – Warn the Neighbours
Once you get the green light from the authorities, it’s time to warn the neighbours. Although we’ll try our best to control noise and vibrations, no demolition plan is ever really disturbance-free.
It’s best to give your neighbours a heads-up at least a week before the demolition. Let them know the estimated timeline for the demolition, as well as the projected timing of work in terms of days and work hours. Keeping your neighbours fully informed will ensure you avoid noise complaints down the line.
#5 – Checking for Asbestos
One reason why you need to hire professionals for a large demolition project is that your property might be harbouring dangerous substances like asbestos. Unfortunately, asbestos was widely used in home construction prior to the 90’s so most old houses will contain asbestos.
While asbestos that is in good condition isn’t dangerous, disturbing asbestos can trigger the release of asbestos fibres which then poses a health hazard. Inhaling asbestos fibres is highly dangerous and can lead to a lung disease that can ultimately progress to cancer. A thorough asbestos inspection needs to be carried out prior to the start of demolition. Laboratory testing should also be conducted to confirm the presence of asbestos.
#6 – Disconnect Utilities
Before we start with the demolition, all utilities must be disconnected. This includes gas, electricity, water supply, and drainage. Cutting through live utilities not only poses a safety risk to our workers but can even damage the supply to neighbouring homes which is a huge and expensive headache. File a written request to your service provider before the demolition to terminate these services.
#7 – Have a Recycling Plan in Place
Throwing away concrete isn’t as simple as hauling it in the trash unless you want a large fine. Concrete and other construction materials need to be disposed of in a licensed recycling facility. Another option is to check with your council if they accept donations of demolished concrete for recycling. If you hire us, we can arrange to do the recycling for you.
Hire Kwikcut for your next demolition project. Call us at (08) 9408 6096 or get a fast free quote through our website.