Top 10 tips for demolition
Demolition can be very overwhelming for many homeowners planning on a knock down rebuild project. We have summarised top ten tips to help you understand what’s involved and what you need to do to tackle a demolition.
Tip No.1 - Find out what services are connected to your site/house
Some services will be visible like overhead power lines, telecommunication cables, water meter and gas meter. Other underground infrastructures include stormwater pipes, sewer pipes connecting to sewer mains and gas pipes. A good place to get all this information is Dial Before You Dig (www.1100.com.au), and it’s FREE!
Tip No.2 - Hire a licensed plumber to locate and seal your sewer connection
Before demolition starts make sure you engage a licensed plumber to locate and cap the internal sewer pipe before the sewer main so no building waste goes into the sewer.
Tip No.3 - Start the abolishment process as soon as possible
Start the abolishment process as early as possible. The abolishment of services (gas, water, sewer, telcom, power) usually takes a while through various retailers/distributors/authorities, therefore start the process as soon as possible to avoid delay with demolition.
Tip No.4 - Remember to apply for asset protection permit from council
Apply for asset protection permit from the council and take as many photos as you can of the existing conditions of the footpath, including existing cracks and damages, the vehicle crossing, the road conditions in front of your property and the street tree conditions, etc.
Tip No.5 - Talk to your neighbours
Have the courtesy to speak to your neighbours. No doubt building a house in an established area will create some inconvenience for the neighbours, therefore you should do the right thing and have the conversation as early as possible to let them know what’s coming up. Most people understand and would appreciate your efforts to inform them about the project upfront.
Tip No.6 - Gather evidence to avoid future dispute
Take as many photos as possible of the existing condition of boundary fences, neighbouring walls on the boundaries, concrete driveway and retaining walls to avoid future dispute with neighbours.
Tip No.7 - Organise temporary fencing before demolition
Organise temporary fencing before demolition starts for public safety. Before a builder is appointed and takes control of the project, it's your responsibility to keep the site safe therefore make sure temporary fencing is properly installed.
Tip No.8 - Mark the trees to retain
Identify protected trees and clearly mark them for the demolition contractor. It's your responsibility to mark the protected trees for the demolition contractor so that they don't accidentally "remove" the trees to avoid heavy fines and significant delays.
Tip No.9 - Make sure asbestos is removed by professionals
Most demolition contractors will provide an option to remove asbestos materials from the house. Some builders require a clearance certificate therefore make sure to ask the question because there might be extra costs to provide the certificate.
Tip No.10 - Read the fine prints on the demolition quote
Do your research on the scope of works and exclusions from the demolition contractors. Do they take responsibility for damaged fences, footpaths, driveway, meters etc? How deep do they dig down to remove foundation/stumps? If brick fencing is involved, would they remove the strip footing as well? Would they remove any septic tank if found? These are the questions you need to ask them before signing the demolition contract.
I hope you find these tips helpful, if you ever need any help understanding the process and guidance on what to do, please don’t hesitate to contact us at Artizen Homes.
