Complete or partial home demolition is arguably the fastest stage of a construction project. The former involves the destruction of an entire building and can take a day or two depending on the size of a house, the number of staff available, and the type of equipment used. On the other hand, partial demolition takes longer and is usually part of home remodelling. Although demolition activities appear messy, a lot of preparation goes into the entire process. This article highlights preparation tips for a demolition project.
Asbestos Testing
The most crucial step of demolition preparation is asbestos testing. According to contractors, asbestos can shut down a project fast, costing valuable time. In some cases, hefty fines are applied by local authorities due to non-compliance. Since asbestos is a dangerous material, it puts workers at risk if demolition work begins before testing. Therefore, contractors should hire an asbestos abatement company to test a building for asbestos content. Potential spots that could harbour asbestos include the ceiling, roof, walls, and cladding. Most importantly, demolition work can only begin once testing confirms building is asbestos-free.
Material Salvaging Plans
Recycling has become a popular subject in almost all industries, and the demolition sector has not been left behind. Today, homeowners prefer to salvage and reuse items when remodelling since it lowers the total costs. Therefore, confirm what you want to recycle in your home before demolition begins. Contractors advise homeowners to be sure about the materials to recover because there will be no time to make changes once demolition works start. For instance, if you are remodelling your bathroom and bedroom and wish to reuse the toilet bowl, bathtub, or faucets, plan with a demolition contractor. They will first remove the fixtures to avoid damage during demolitions. The earlier you salvage items before demolition begins, the lower the likelihood of reporting unwanted damage.
Living Arrangements from Home
Demolitions are dusty and messy, and the farther away you stay, the better. Unfortunately, most homeowners do not make living arrangements early and only realise the mistake when it is too late. The strategy puts you in a tight spot because it delays the commencement of demolition works. Moreover, your presence might force a contractor to slow down the demolition to minimise disturbance. However, this would be counterproductive for a demolition contractor. Therefore, making living arrangements away from home is integral to a smooth demolition process. You could live at a relative or friend's place or a hotel as long as it is away from a demolition site.
Reach out to a demolition contractor to learn more.