Demolition Process: A Brief Breakdown

Introduction

Understanding the key aspects of most demolition operations is going to be helpful for those who are looking for contractors. This will help you know which questions to ask before proceeding with a demolition contractor. As a result, you stand a better chance of having the demolition going smoothly without any unprecedented and unwanted mishaps. Don’t worry if it seems complicated because we’re here to help you understand the core ideas. Here is a brief breakdown of a typical demolition process.

Step 1: Conduct a Survey of the Building

A contractor will need to start by inspecting the building subjected to demolition before carrying out the work. This will provide the contractor with a full picture of the scope of work and the precautions that need to be taken care of. Generally, the contractor will need to know which types of materials were used during the building’s construction. In addition, they need to whether there are any safety hazard materials present in the building. The common being asbestos, chemicals and flammable materials. Furthermore, any pedestrian walkways or roadways in the vicinity of the building are also be taken into consideration. If the project takes place in a quiet neighbourhood, the contractor may need to obtain further permits regarding noise, dust and vibration disruptions before continuing. 

After the contractor has identified all of the problems that they may run into, they can work out a plan to best tackle these issues and proceed with the next step.

Step 2: Perform a Structural Survey

The contractor, after having completed the first step, shall conduct a structural survey of the building to determine the most appropriate demolition methods. In this step, they can gather the necessary information to know the condition of the building and its structural layout. Depending on the building configurations and sizes, they might choose to demolish it by using a wrecking ball, an excavator or by using small machines and equipment. As the saying goes “Choose the right tool for the right job”. Choosing the right method will have a significant effect on the project’s success in both the short and long term.

Step 3: Get Rid of Hazardous Materials

Hazardous materials, such as asbestos, are extremely dangerous, especially in a demolition operation. Therefore, the chosen contractor must perform a removal process of these materials. If there are any chemicals and flammable materials, the contract needs to completely dispose of them before proceeding any further. This process can add more time and money to the demolition process, so a competent demolition contractor would know how to keep the costs from going over the allocated budget by using carefully crafted disposal plans. Be sure to ask your contractor for a detailed removal plan.

Step 4: Plan the Demolition

Now that they’ve taken care of dangerous material, as well as obtained enough information, a contractor will craft a plan which specifies the demolition process. This plan contains the location of the building and all of the surrounding structures; its structural configurations; measured space around the building; safety plan; debris cleanup plan; and the estimated time of completion. The demolition is illustrated in a clear and concise way, so make sure to review it before hiring a contractor due to its importance. Also in this step, the contractor determines the most suitable demolition plan, be it a total dismantling or just partial deconstruction. You should ask for a presentation of the safety plan. Demolition operations are highly dangerous and must be conducted safely. If a contractor has no such plan or doesn’t have a clear strategy for carrying it out, it might be wise to not choose that contractor.

Step 5: Obtain the Required Permits

One of the factors which critically affects the completion of a demolition project is the permits. While it may be a common cause and an important one at that, some contractors may take it lightly or outright ignore it. Seasoned veterans in the industry would tell you otherwise. They can provide a much more accurate timeline of when the project can begin. Therefore, you can tell if a contractor is experienced in the ways they take care of the necessary papers to begin the job.

Step 6: Practice Safety Precautions

Safety is detrimental during a demolition process. A demolition project might be forced to come to a halt if there’s a safety-related issue. Therefore, to ensure the project is carried out smoothly, do not hesitate to ask about the contractor’s safety plan. They should provide you with extensive answers and demonstrate their experience by taking precautions.

Step 7: Perform Demolition

Now that the contractor has gone through all of the pre-planning steps, they’re clear to conduct the actual demolition. This step is probably the shortest one. If the contractor upholds safety practices and follows the detailed demolition plan correctly, the demolition process should go smoothly. With the right equipment and machinery in place, the contractor should be able to finish within the set timeframe.

Step 8: Clean the Debris

After they’re done with the demolition, it’s time for the contractor to clean up. Processing the rubble is a time-consuming task but a necessary one. Therefore, the contractor will need the necessary equipment and machinery to load up and transport debris. Construction materials such as concrete and timber are recycled for use in future projects, while the contractor transports the remaining materials to a disposal site.

In Need of a Demolition Contractor?

DEC is a professional network of sub-contractors which specializes in demolition projects. Our team will take care of the demolition as smoothly and swiftly as possible. Rest assured as we’ll always practice safety measures and provide our clients with detailed plans while keeping our costs low. In addition, we’re experts in the field of excavation, concrete services and rental equipment. Click here to contact us and we’ll provide you with the best services that we can offer.