Why You Need A Pre-Demolition Inspection

House inspection is a vital component of the demolition process. Professional demolition contractors will insist on an inspection regardless of how quickly the client would want the property demolished. The excerpt below discusses the benefits of a pre-demolition inspection. 

Determine Required Preparations

Below are a few ways to prepare for the demolitions:

  • If your neighbours live close by, it would be courteous to inform them of ongoing demolitions.
  • Decluttering the house b removing any furniture, electronics and interior fittings.
  • Disconnecting water, gas, and electricity.
  • Planning how bulldozers and excavators will access the site and where the contractor will pile the waste before disposal.

Dangerous Materials

The contractor will inspect the site for hazardous materials such as asbestos, lead-based paint and chemicals, such as pesticides and oils. More often than not, the contractor will need to conduct an asbestos test to determine if the house contains non-friable asbestos. Ask an asbestos abatement company to remove the material before demolitions commence. Lead-based paints can be removed using paint removers and electric sanders.

On-Site Risks

On-site risks include low-hanging electrical wires and branches that may hinder heavy construction equipment from working. The demolition services contractor will also check the location of underground utilities such as water and gas pipes. In some cases, you may need to relocate these lines before demolition works commence. If the building is located in a busy area, the contractor will decide how to barricade the site. Further, he or she will determine a reliable method of controlling demolition dust. 

Method of Demolition

The site inspection will also help the contractor determine a suitable means of demolition. For instance, if the building is located in a rural area, he or she may decide to implode the building. It is a quick method of demolition where explosives are strategically placed inside the building. The building will collapse once the explosives go off. 

Deconstruction is a suitable method of demolishing buildings located in busy residential areas. The technique will minimise the amount of noise and prevent demolition debris from spilling to neighbouring properties or busy roads. The contractor will also decide the equipment he or she will have on-site. For example, high reach arms and wrecking balls are a suitable option if the building is a few storeys high.

The inspection will help the contractor prepare a demolition plan detailing the sequence of pulling down structural members, how long the demolitions will take and how much you will pay.

Pre-demolition inspections help demolition contractors prepare the house for demolition, examine the presence of dangerous materials, evaluate on-site risks and determine a suitable method of demolition. 


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