Residential demolition refers to the process of dismantling your residential structure after its serviceability period, through properly planned and organized methods and subsequent cleaning up of buildings, walls, outbuildings, and associated structures on your personal property.
When you are gearing up for a major residential renovation, the day of your residential demolition can be one of the most exciting phases of the construction activity. The process of demolition might sound quite simple, as you envision it to be a mere building collapse. You should be fully aware about the outcomes of a residential demolition process.
Methods of Demolition
There are broadly two types of demolition methods that include:
Non-Explosive Demolition
It involves the demolition of a structure without the use of explosives. Sledge hammer, excavators and bulldozers, wrecking balls and high reach excavators are some of the tools used for the demolition activity.
Explosive Demolition
It involves the implosion of a building through explosives. The structure collapses when the supports of the building are eliminated. There are two kinds of implosions based on the pattern of the falling structure
- Falling like a tree
- Falling into its own footprint
Steps for Residential Building Demolition
Here are a few important tips that will prevent stress during your residential building’s demolition and will also aid in executing a smooth demolition process.
Hiring a Professional Demolition Expert
By hiring a team of professional experts, you will be able to accomplish better planning and execution of your building’s demolition. An experienced professional team will ensure that every facet of your demolition activity is being undertaken safely and in compliance with local regulations.
Surveying of Demolition Site
Recognizing any potential risks through demolition site survey is a crucial step in designing a good demolition task, before starting your building’s demolition process. This helps to prevent any crisis situation. Building surveying and structural surveying are the two main types of surveying.
Acquiring Legal Permit
Residential demolition can only be executed in compliance with the local laws in your region. Depending on your location, you may first have to acquire the legal permit prevalent in your area.
Disposal of Unsafe Materials
Before the demolition of a residential structure, waste disposal experts are called to arrange for the removal of unsafe materials like asbestos minerals, petroleum contaminant and radioactive substances found during demolition-site investigation.
Formulation of Plan
An elaborate demolition plan is designed to include:
- Position of the building to be demolished
- Distance of demolition building from its adjacent structures
- Building’s overall structural support system
- Detail sequence and method for building demolition
- Precautionary measures for the protection of the public
- Technology for dealing with demolished building debris
- Overall duration of demolition process and so on
Precautionary Measures for Demolition
Each and every member included in the demolition process is briefed about the complete demolition process and all the associated potential risks. To overcome any emergency problem, appropriate steps are undertaken.
My dad plans to demolish the house in our backyard. My uncle suggested having contractors to do it and shared this article with him. He said my dad needs to acquire a legal permit for demolition.