Hello, my name is Isabel, and I bought a fixer-upper house a few years ago. Through the years of having multiple projects done to my home I have had a lot of contractors in and out of the house, and I have learned how to effectively hire them and successfully work with them. I have worked with general contractors as well as specialists for things like roofing. If you aren't sure when to choose a general contractor over a subcontractor, take a look at the tips in my blog. They will inform, guide and help you. I am glad you found my blog. Enjoy reading!
Choosing General Contractors versus Subcontractors
Daunted by the Thought of House Demolition? It May Be Easier Than You Think
Rosalyn Hunt
Building your own dream home may be something that you've been planning for some time. Vacant house blocks are a rare commodity in many towns and cities, so buying a block with an existing home on it and then demolishing the house may be just the solution. Some people are unsure about this idea because the thought of demolishing a house is very daunting. It's actually a relatively simple process if you follow the right steps.
Contact demolition companies for quotes
As is the case when employing any contractor, make sure you get several quotes before deciding on which company will complete your demolition. After visiting the site and discussing your needs, the contractors should provide a comprehensive quote for the services you require.
The quote should include the cost of demolition and also any extra services that you might need. Extra services can include asbestos removal, site clearing, and any earthworks required to create a level building block.
Apply for the appropriate permits
At the very least you'll require a demolition permit from your local council. Depending on the location of the block and its situation regarding neighbouring homes or public spaces, you may also need to establish a demolition boundary that encroaches on neighbours, footpaths, and roads. You will need to council permission to proceed without damaging neighbouring properties.
Before demolishing a house, you will need to check that your home isn't heritage listed or in a demolition-free area of the city. Also, check that any trees that will be removed during the demolition process are not under a protection order.
Disconnect all of the services
Before demolition, your electricity, plumbing, and gas supplies will need to be disconnected. You can contact your electricity provider directly to disconnect your power supply, but you will need to hire a professional plumber to disconnect your water supply, gas supply, and sewage outlet. These must be securely capped and certification of this will be required before any demolition work can begin.
If you have rain-water tanks or a septic sewage tank that you wish to keep, then your plumber can also prepare these for demolition. Rainwater tanks should be disconnected from the house's guttering, emptied, and preferably stored off site until after the demolition is complete. Simply have it disconnected from the house's plumbing pipes by your plumber and ensure that your demolition contractors are aware of its location so that they don't damage it during demolition.
If you're still feeling unsure about the demolition process, then contact a demolition contractor to discuss your concerns. They will be able to talk you through the process in more detail and guide you through the appropriate permits that you'll need to acquire.
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