Considerations When Demolishing Your Home
Posted on: 14 October 2022
Home demolition is necessary when conducting extensive home extension works or when you plan to build a new home where the current one stands. Below is a piece with some home demolition tips. Ideally, it should help you plan and execute demolition works.
Assess Building And Demolition Regulations
You risk breaking different laws if you demolish the structure without comprehending the applicable regulations. For instance, if you own a building with significant historical significance, the local council could compel you to consider manual demolition to preserve building materials such as the brickwork, trusses and roof. Ideally, you are required to reuse these materials to preserve the building's historical appeal. On the other hand, if your home is located in an urban centre, you must pull all stops to control noise and air pollution. After all, the demolition works should not be a nuisance to your neighbours. The demolition laws also determine the method of demolition. For instance, you could be restricted from using implosions or certain earthmovers when pulling down the structure.
Hire A Demolition Contractor
Below are reasons to hire a demolitions contractor:
- The contractor invests in equipment and technical expertise required to demolish all kinds of structures. It helps prevent accidents as you pull down the structure.
- The demolition contractor takes liability to compensate people who suffer accidental injuries or property damages during demolitions.
- The contractor has the licences and accreditations required to secure demolition permits from the local council and other government agencies.
- The demolition contractor has the equipment to clear demolition debris from the site.
Observe Safety
The demolition contractor is the safety manager at your demolition site. After hiring the professional, they draw a demolition plan that explains how they will pull down the various structural elements. Ideally, they start with elements bearing the lowest structural loads to prevent the building from caving in. Before demolishing the structure, the contractor must conduct preliminary surveys to determine the various site risks. For instance, clay soils could compel the contractor to use tracked earthmovers.
On the other hand, if the foundation is too close to a neighbouring building, the contractor could recommend underpinning the neighbouring foundation since vibrations and excavations on your property could cause severe damage. The contractor also develops mechanisms to deal with low-lying electrical cables, underground amenities and dangerous substances on the property. For instance, they could recommend asbestos removal before demolishing the structure.
When conducting demolition works, assess demolition regulations, hire a contractor and observe safety.
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