Need to hire a demolition contractor for your residential or commercial building? Knowing how the demolition process works can streamline the process.
Here’s a short guide explaining the steps of professional demolition:
Step 1: Initial Assessment
Demolishing a residential or commercial building is not as simple as hooking up a wrecking ball and going for the walls. The process begins with a thorough initial assessment, where contractors evaluate the structural integrity of a building. They also assess pedestrian walkways and pathways connected to the building.
The initial assessment helps set a timeline for demolition. For instance, a residential building can take a few days. Meanwhile, the demolition process for commercial buildings can range from a few weeks to several months.
Step 2: Removal of Hazardous Materials
During the structural survey of the building, demolition contractors remove any and all hazardous materials. This includes:
- Asbestos
- Lead-based paint
- Mercury
- Mold
- Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)
Removing hazardous material is critical for a safe and compliant demolition process.
Step 3: Safety Measures
Before the first wall comes down, demolition experts take robust security measures. This includes disconnecting all utilities, such as water, electricity, and gas. The site is also secured with barriers and fencing to prevent unauthorized access.
All workers are required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) and use fall protection tools (safety nets and guardrails) to prevent accidents.
Step 4: Creating a Demolition Plan
Once the initial assessment is complete and the site is secure, experts create a detailed demolition plan. The main components of a demolition plan include:
- Attaining necessary permits and approvals to ensure compliance.
- Adhering to local regulations.
- Choosing a demolition method. This includes excavation, demolition, wrecking balls, or a combination thereof. Experts evaluate the surface area and structural integrity of the building to determine the most suitable demolition method.
A professional demolition contractor makes sure all stakeholders and relevant parties are on the same page.
Step 5: Demolition Execution
Once the pre-demolition steps are laid out and all the permits are acquired, the demolition process begins. Surprisingly, the actual process of demolition can take a lot less time than expected. If you have the right permits, contractors can complete the process within the predetermined timeline.
Step 6: Monitoring and Documentation
The entire demolition process is thoroughly documented to avoid potential legal issues later on. Before the demolition process begins, experts obtain all documents for the removal of hazardous materials.
During demolition, workers and managers keep photographic evidence of each step. Experts also keep progress reports and communication logs to avoid any discrepancies.
Step 7: Post-Demolition Cleanup
Once the demolition process is complete, the site is thoroughly cleaned. All debris is removed and transported for either recycling or disposal.
Expert demolition contractors use the right equipment to remove heavy materials. They level the surface and leave the site in safe conditions. Lastly, a final inspection is scheduled to make sure all the work was completed according to the demolition plan and safety guidelines.
