Tearing down a building means that it needs to be brought down, which is a serious act. Entirely different circumstances can arise, requiring the demolition of the building and opening up opportunities for new buildings or reconstructed construction. In some cases, this may be because of structural problems of the building, if it has suffered severe damage, or perhaps the owner wants something new. It is crucial to know some facts about the building demolition to ensure that the process goes as planned.
Planning and Preparation
Perform an assessment one more time to check for substances such as asbestos or lead paint that require special programs for disposal. You can also go to the local government offices to find out more about which permits are needed for the demolition. Some of the permits that may be required include those for asbestos abatement, utility disconnection, debris disposal, and others.
Safety of the Property
The electrical wiring, gas, water, and sewer lines have to be properly shut off and capped by professional technicians. It is recommended also that you inform your mortgage company and the owner association about the demolition and get approvals before proceeding. Let your neighbors know in advance that there will be loud banging noises and dust during the process of demolition.
Contacting a Deconstruction Contractor
Though you can do some of the deconstruction on your agenda, there are other things you will require the service of a contractor. Numerous local and national organizations are available, and many of them hire deconstruction contractors. You can contact reliable construction and demolition services and ensure they will do it professionally. Certain phases involve the utilization of heavy equipment and prior knowledge of how to demolish a building. To strip down a building and sort out what can be used again, you will have to use a company that specializes in the deconstruction process.
Inspect for Hazardous Materials
In older buildings, it is often possible to find that some of the materials that were used in their construction are, in fact, toxic. These toxic materials, like asbestos, for instance, were incorporated into floors and ceilings, wrapped around heating and cooling systems, and incorporated into walls. To remove asbestos, an additional $20 to $65 per square foot could be incurred for the abatement process.
Determine Which Material May be Salvaged
The qualified appraisal you are to complete will include a list of building materials that could be salvaged. Inform your contractor what must be preserved together with the nonprofit volunteers in case you are involved in a charitable organization. It includes flooring, furniture, doors, windows, roofing materials, etc.
Check With the Fire Department and Utility Companies
You might not know that things such as gas, water, or electricity cannot just be switched off and disconnected. Mains service supplies must be disconnected, tied off, or terminated suitably. Your local fire department and utility companies may wish to inspect and stamp this work first before proceeding with the next move.
Demolition always means the end of an era but at the same time is the start of the most interesting phase. Whether demolishing new construction that was developed with specific concepts in mind, renovating a building for development, or creating a blank slate for the fulfillment of potential goals and objectives, an efficient demolition process opens up a whole realm of possibilities.