DIY Smoke and Water Damage Repair: A Damage Mediation Blog

Do you need to pull down a residential or commercial building? House demolition works present various risks. In the extract below, you will learn how to plan, prepare and execute house demolitions. 

Planning Phase

It is probably the most tedious aspect of the demolition process. Your first task should be to find a demolitions contractor. The contractor should be reputable and licenced to practice in your state. Preferably, he or she should have demolished larger or similar structures in the past. The contractor should also be reasonably priced. 

Once you find a suitable contractor, you will prepare the demolitions plan. It is a document that describes how you will pull down the structure. The contractor will visit the site to inspect the building. He or she will require blueprints to get a better understanding of the various structural features. This information will help the contractor determine a suitable method of demolition and the equipment he or she will use to bring down the house. The plan should also address how the contractor will contain dust and noise at the site. 

You will require a permit from your local council to demolish commercial and residential buildings. The council will evaluate the demolitions plan to ensure that the activity does not pose a threat to existing ecosystems and neighbouring buildings. 

Preparation Phase

Below are a few demolition preparation tips; 

• Remove dangerous materials such as asbestos walls and roofs. If you don't, you will expose employees and neighbours to asbestos fibres during demolition.
• Remove window panes, doors, electronics, and furniture from the house. You could either donate or sell these items. 
• Disconnect water, electricity and gas lines inside the building.
• Inform neighbours of your intent to demolish the structure. It ensures they are prepared for noise pollution.  

Execution

Safety should be your utmost priority when demolishing the house. Below are some safety tips to observe;

• Use barricade tapes to restrict unauthorised personnel from accessing the demolition zone.
• Inspect the excavators, bulldozers, and any other machines to be used at the site; they should be in excellent mechanical condition.
• Workers and plant operators should have personal protective clothing to ensure their safety at the site.
• Conduct a final sweep to ensure no one is inside the premises once demolition works commence.
• Have a first aid kit and emergency contacts such as those to the police and ambulance services. 

Once the contractor is done, he or she should dispose of the demolition waste at an appropriate landfill or demolition recycling facility. 

Planning, preparing, and executing house demolition is now easy with the above tips. Always work with an experienced and reputable demolitions contractor. 

To learn more about residential demolition, contact a damage contractor in your area.