The Homeowner’s Guide to Demolishing a House

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The Homeowner’s Guide to Demolishing a House

Demolishing a house and building a new place is oftentimes a superior option to just buying a new place. First of all, you don’t have to change the location. Second, you can erect a more energy-friendly place which will save you money in the long run, as well as make you into an eco-friendly household. Third, you get to make the place to your own liking and ensure that it fits your lifestyle. At the end of the day, when you underline it all it might even be a cheaper alternative. Overall, here’s what you need to do when you decide to pursue this idea. The homeowner’s guide to demolishing a house.

1. Inspect the place for hazardous material

The first thing you need to take into consideration is safety. Sure, demolishing the building is already a potentially dangerous process, however, it’s relatively easy to stay clear of all the equipment. On the other hand, if your home contains hazardous materials (especially if it’s an older home), you’re in a bit of a problem. Particles of these materials will spread unless you’re extra careful and the way you depose them is just as important.

The most common such materials are lead, asbestos, and mercury. Other than this, freon, corrosive chemicals, and even some components of your storage can be problematic. You cannot forget that you have a container of pesticides left in the place. The same goes for ammunition (if a member of the household is a hunter).

The best way to deal with this is to start by checking the place by yourself and then hiring a professional inspector. It doesn’t hurt to have the demolition crew take a look at the place, as well.

2. Get a permit

Just because you own the place, this doesn’t mean that you can just start tearing the place down. at the very least, you need a demolition permit. How do you get one? Your first step would be to review your city’s permit requirements, prepare all the required information, and give yourself time to apply.

Keep in mind that you will likely have an inspector visiting you. Based on their report, you will get a permit to demolish the place. Now, keep in mind that unless it’s a historically significant building that we’re talking about, there shouldn’t be a problem with getting the permit. It is a process that you cannot skip, nonetheless, and the permit might cost you a bit.

3. Find the right contractor

Demolishing a building is not a simple matter. What you need is someone with experience in providing demolition services. First, you do your research on the local companies. This is a task that requires a lot of heavy equipment, which consumes a lot of fuel. Hiring contractors from far away is both impractical and expensive.

Other than this, you need to know that the team that you’re working with is the right one for you. Ask for a quote and show them the location. You can send photos but it’s far more efficient to have someone over to check out the site.

4. Rubble removal

Now, chances are that the contractor that you’re working with might also remove all the rubble, however, if not, you might have to hire a skip bin or two. You will have to consider organizing the transportation and deposal of some of these elements. Keep in mind that this needs to be done in agreement with regional environmental laws. All in all, it’s better to let this be handled by a third party.

5. Temporary residence

If this is your home, it is important that you come up with a temporary residence. You don’t want to overstay your welcome with friends and relatives, so finding a temporary rental place might be the right idea for you. Remember that this also needs to be budgeted in order to buy you enough time for the completion of the project.

6. Notify everyone

Before the demolishing process starts, you need to notify everyone involved. First, you need to notify the authorities (something we’ve already discussed). Second, you need to let your neighbours know that the process will take place. This is for their own protection and disturbance. Finally, you need to let your utility company know. Chances are that the part of the equipment that you need to remove; is in their own possession. This means that you need both their approval and their assistance.

In conclusion

At the end of the day, demolishing a house only seems like a simple task. In reality, there’s quite a bit of paperwork and a procedure you need to follow. You also need to understand that this is delicate work and that you need help from professionals. You need someone to inspect the place and someone to conduct the process of house demolishing. These agencies need to be chosen wisely.

MaggieHolmes

Maggie Holmes is a passionate blogger who writes on renovations, fashion, technology, and business. Her hobby is to surf the net to find amazing articles that can inspire her with some fresh ideas for article writing. She loathes being a common person who wastes her time.

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