House demolition can be a pretty straightforward task and doesn’t have to take a lot of time. However, the most important thing is to understand what you are doing and the magnitude of the project.
Methods
Gone are the day of crushing a house into a big pile and hauling it to the dump, and for good reason. It’s been estimated that over thirty percent of what goes into landfills is construction and demolition debris. In order to reduce this, the state of California along with other states have adopted laws that make it mandatory to recycle many materials that come from demolition. Things like Wood, Sheetrock, concrete, masonry and wiring are now being recycled instead of being dumped in landfills.
Steps to House Demolition
1. Get the right contractor
The first step in the house demolition process is to find a licensed and insured contractor to assist you with your project. Your potential candidates can also meet at the site to discuss possible solutions with you.
2. Inspection
In most states, older homes have to be inspected prior to demolition to determine if there are any signs of:
- Lead paint
- Asbestos
- Rotten wood
- Mold
- Other hazardous materials
3. Get the relevant permits
You will typically need a permit before you can demolish your house. In most cases, you can obtain the permit from your local authority offices or on their website if they provide for such measures. You may also have to adhere to rules related to notifications, noise, hours of demolition, or disposal of debris set by City Hall.
4. Disconnect any existing services
There are certain utilities and services that must be disconnected prior to demolition, some of which include sewerage, electricity, water, and gas.
5. Make the area safe for others
Other than shutting off the utilities, be sure to ensure that the adjacent walkways and buildings are protected. You can do this by putting up temporary fencing.
6. Make arrangements for salvage
In case you have salvageable materials in the home, you should work with your contractor to recover reusable or recyclable materials. Depending on the situation, you can sell or donate such items.
7. Tear down the home
This process can take several days depending on which deconstruction method you ultimately decide on. In most cases, it involves the use of a hydraulic excavator to tear down the house and to put away debris into a dumpster or truck.
8. Clear all the debris
Once the demolition is over, make sure you clear all the debris to leave the site clean.
Lassiter Excavating is a pool removal, excavation, and pier drilling company serving the residents of the Bay Area.
We offer expert services and advice when it comes to excavation and house demolitions.
Contact us at 925-449-3112 or use our online contact form.