Demolition paves the way for new projects, repairs, and more. However, it’s not something that can be done on a whim or that can be rushed through. Demolition can be dangerous, so it is crucial to make sure it’s done correctly. Taking the time to plan and prepare can help prevent potential issues throughout the demolition and better prepare the area for something new.
Don’t Overlook Safety Protection
Safety should always be first. It’s crucial to make sure the area is safe for everyone who enters and to keep people out during the demolition if they are not helping with the project. Those who are working on it should wear proper protective equipment, be aware of their surroundings at all times, and be cautious in case there are any hazardous materials. It is important to make sure everyone stays safe throughout the project to prevent potentially serious injuries.
Do Obtain Permits Before Beginning
Many areas will require permits to be obtained before beginning any work, including demolitions. When this is required, there could be legal consequences if permits are not obtained or if work begins before getting the permit. Take the time to become familiar with local regulations to see if any permits are needed, what is required to get one, and how to get one before beginning the project.
Do Work With the Experts to Ensure Success
For most demolition projects, it’s a good idea to work with a demolition and excavation contractor, as they will know how to do the job quickly and safely. They have all of the equipment needed to get the job done, can follow proper safety protocols, and know how to handle the job if there are hazardous materials to worry about. Often, they can help save time and money on the project that can be used elsewhere for whatever is coming next.
Don’t Avoid the Site Analysis
A site analysis is a vital part of beginning a demolition project and should never be overlooked. It includes checking the area for potential hazards or hazardous materials. A thorough site analysis can help spot potential issues before the project begins, allowing for proper planning to ensure they are handled carefully so no one is injured and there is no damage to the surrounding area.
Do Make Sure the Surrounding Area is Protected
Precautions may be needed to ensure the surrounding area is protected. This can look different for every project. If an outdoor building like a shed needs to be removed, protection may include putting down something to avoid anything getting in the dirt around the shed or ensuring anything nearby that could be damaged is removed or covered up for the duration of the demolition. If an indoor area is being removed, it may mean putting down things to protect the floor, walls, and more around whatever will be demolished.
Don’t Rush Through the Project
It’s never a good idea to rush through a demolition project. While there may be excitement for what is coming next, rushing leads to mistakes that could cause damage or injuries. Always take the time to do the demolition step by step, ensuring the area is safe and ready for the next step before moving on. It is better to go slow and take a little longer than expected than to have to pause the project while someone recovers from a severe injury.
Do Plan for How to Remove Waste
Make a plan ahead of time for how to dispose of the waste from the demolition. Everything that’s necessary to remove must be handled appropriately. It’s likely going to be too much to put in the trash so, instead, consider renting a dumpster or hiring a company to remove everything. There may be some materials that shouldn’t be disposed of through regular methods, so extra care is needed to get rid of them properly and legally.
Don’t Forget Hazardous Materials Testing
Hazardous materials can be difficult to spot. In older buildings, tiles can be made from asbestos, which is an incredibly dangerous material that needs to be handled with care during removal. It is important to make sure testing is done to determine what materials are hazardous before the demolition begins. Proper testing allows for care to be taken to minimize risk during the demolition and can ensure everyone is safe throughout the project.
Do Reuse Materials Where Possible
It is a good idea to consider reusing materials when possible, as long as they aren’t hazardous. Kitchen cabinets that are removed but still in good shape, for instance, can be used to create a workspace in the garage. Consider everything that needs to be removed and see if it’s safe to reuse and, if so, how it can be reused within the home. If it’s not possible to reuse something but it is still in good shape, there may be ways to donate it locally so someone else can use it for their upcoming projects.
Don’t Work Without Dust Control
Dust control is a crucial aspect of most demolition projects. Dust may not seem like it’s too bad at the moment, but it can be a pain to make sure it’s all cleaned up after the project is done, especially if it ends up getting into the HVAC system. Also, the dust can be hazardous, so care should be taken to make sure it doesn’t get into the rest of the home and that anyone working on the demolition is properly protected from it.
Demolition projects are perfect for getting rid of things that aren’t needed to pave the way for something better, but they can be dangerous, messy, and hard to do. It’s important to be careful doing any demolition project, small or large, to help keep everyone safe and prevent damage to the property. Follow all of these do’s and don’ts during any demolition project and consider working with the professionals to make sure the job is done right.