Considerations for Your Next Demolition Project

Are you about to get started on your next demolition project? Sure, taking a sledgehammer to the kitchen bench might seem like a fun idea, but there are a few important points worth knowing going into your demo. So, before you start tearing down walls, here are seven tips to make your next demolition as safe and efficient as possible. 

1. Know your budget

First things first, you’ll want to put together a realistic budget before starting demolition. If one thing’s for certain, demolition doesn’t come cheap. So with that in mind, it pays to spend a bit of time working out the finer details to avoid any nasty shocks down the track. 

Not sure where to start? Here are a few key items to include in your demo budget:

• Labour costs: This includes the cost of all the workers involved in the demolition project, including wages, insurance and benefits,
• Equipment rentals: Chances are you’re going to need to rent specialised equipment, like excavators, loaders and other gear, to help make your demo as safe and efficient as possible, 
• Waste removal and disposal: This includes the cost of hauling and disposing of all the debris generated during the demolition process. You might also be up for additional costs if your site contains hazardous materials,
• Permits and fees: More often than not there are numerous different permits and fees required to carry out a demolition project, like council permits, landfill fees and utility disconnection fees,
• Site preparation: Some demo sites need a little pre-demo prep before starting demolition. This usually involves removing trees, shrubs or other structures around the site before you begin, and 
• Contingency fund: It’s always a good idea to include a little extra cash in the way of a contingency fund in case any unexpected costs or delays crop up during the project.

Other factors that could impact your budget include the size of the property and building, ease of access, location and the demolition method.

2. Get the right gear

When you’re planning your next demolition project, getting the right machinery and equipment can make all the difference when it comes to a quick and efficient demo. Not to mention, the right equipment can also help to make your site safer for everyone involved.

With a number of different options to choose from, picking the right machinery and equipment for the job depends on what you need to do. Here’s a quick overview of the different types of gear that are commonly used for demo projects.

Excavators

Excavators are ideal for breaking down structures and removing debris. At Orange Hire, we have a range of high-quality excavators ranging from 0.8T – 35T. We also have a number of different excavator attachments available, so you can find the best gear for your job.

Loaders

If you’re looking for a machine to help clean up your site quickly, then you’ll want to hire a loader. We’ve got a huge selection of Skid Steer and Posi Track Loaders that are great for tight access sites. Or if you’re in need of something a little more substantial, our Wheel Loader is ideal for larger demolition sites.

Barriers

When you’re planning your next demolition project, safety should be a priority. Installing barriers around your site is great for keeping your workers safe and keeping neighbours or the public off your site. We have a huge range of barriers to suit all types of requirements. 

Not sure what equipment you’ll need for your next demolition project? Get in touch and one of our experienced team members will be able to help you track down the right gear for your job.

3. Organise your permits and approvals

As it turns out, you can’t just start tearing down buildings without getting the right permits and approvals first. So, before starting your demo, be sure to check in with your local council to give them a quick rundown of the job. They should be able to point you in the right direction of what permits you’ll need so you don’t run into any unexpected delays down the track.

Organising your permits doesn’t just happen overnight, so it’s well worth setting aside a few weeks in your demolition timeline to account for it. This step often involves submitting forms and paperwork, working with a private certifier or inspectors and paying fees, so be prepared.

And while we’re on the topic of chatting with your local council, don’t forget to notify the neighbours too so they know what’s going on. 

4. Check for hazardous materials

A good demo site is a safe demo site, which is why it’s essential to check for hazardous materials like asbestos, mould, lead and anything else that could potentially harm either your crew or the surrounding environment. 

If your demolition site does contain hazardous materials, you’ll need to engage specialists to safely remove and dispose of the materials. If you’re unsure, hire a professional to inspect the property before starting demolition. 

5. Consider environmental impacts

Is your demolition project located near wetlands, waterways or other important natural habitats? If so, you’ll need to follow regulations relating to preserving and protecting local habitats and wildlife during the demo. Once again, you might want to meet with an ecologist or biologist who’s familiar with local laws and can help to guide you in the right direction. 

6. Dispose of your debris

Demolishing your site is one thing, but removing the debris can often be just as big a job. From building materials and concrete slabs to fittings and furniture, there’ll be plenty of rubbish by the time you wrap up your demo, which is why it’s important to consider how you plan on removing and disposing of it all before starting your demolition. 

You might also be surprised to learn how many building materials and fixtures can be reused or recycled. Check to see if there are any local recycling facilities that accept certain building materials, like steel, bricks or timber. Otherwise, it could be worth doing a walk-through of the building before starting your demolition to see what items could be sold or donated.

7. Disconnect utilities and services

Last but not least, don’t forget to disconnect the utilities and services. You’ll need to cut off electricity, gas, water, sewerage and telephone lines before starting demolition. If there’s asbestos on site, you might still need water for the removal process, so check in with the specialist before getting it shut off. And if you plan on building straight after wrapping up the demo, your electricity supplier might temporarily relocate your service to a builder’s pole on site. 

Disconnecting utilities can take up to a month, so be sure to consider this during the demo planning process. 

At Orange Hire, we offer a large fleet of equipment to help with your next demolition project. Our experienced team is on hand to help you pick the right gear for the job, so drop us a line before starting demolition.