If you have an old building on your property, is it possible to invest in renovations, or should you call a demolition contractor instead? Each situation is unique, which is why there isn’t one specific answer for every job. The best solution is to reach out to an experienced contractor who can inspect the building and offer personalized recommendations.
There are various factors we can look at to determine if the building is worth renovating or if you will be better off demolishing the building and starting with new construction. It’s essential to look at factors such as safety, structural issues, and the financial costs of both decisions.
Here are a few things to keep in mind as you are considering the future use of the property, as well as the time investment and cost considerations going forward.
Demolition Vs. Renovation
There are many benefits of preserving an older building, and you can’t put a price tag on some of these benefits. For example, preserving the historical or sentimental value of the building might make it worth the investment to undertake a big renovation.
But there are times when the building isn’t salvageable, or it will be too costly to renovate. In these situations, it makes more sense to call a demolition contractor so you can clear the area for a complete rebuild.
As you are evaluating both of these options, look at the differences in the scope of work that will be necessary. Also, consider the cost and time requirements, necessary permits, and building code requirements for demolition vs. renovation.
When Would a Renovation Be More Beneficial Than Demolition?
Here are a few points that can influence your decision to choose either renovation or demolition: Structural Integrity: Does the existing structure have “strong bones?” If the foundation and walls are holding up well, then renovation might make sense because the work is a bit more surface-level.
- Historical Significance: Sometimes, there are legal protections in place that require historical buildings to be renovated. The goal is to preserve historical buildings and protect them from demolition.
- Costs: How much money would be spent on a renovation? What is the most cost-effective solution? Compare these costs to the amount you would spend on demolition and rebuilding. If you are in an area with strict building codes, then sometimes the costs of demolition outweigh the benefits.
- Cosmetic Upgrades: If your priority is to improve the cosmetic or aesthetic appearance of the building, then minor repairs and a renovation might be sufficient to bring the building up to the desired condition again.
- Modern Improvements: When your goal is to update features while preserving the character of the building, then renovation can be a great choice.
Signs Your Building Should Be Demolished
There are times when the best solution is to demolish and rebuild, but it really depends on the condition of your building and property. Here are a few signs that you might need to move forward with a demolition:
- Structural Issues: Inspect the building for serious problems such as foundational cracks, sagging roofs, and other major issues that will be very expensive to repair. Also, if there is a danger of collapsing, then demolition might be the best way to proceed.
- Water Damage: Extensive issues with mold, water or fire damage, and other environmental hazards could pose long-term risks to the building and the people inside.
- Outdated Systems: Eventually, major systems will need to be repaired such as the plumbing, electrical, or HVAC systems. But sometimes it’s too impractical or expensive to retrofit these things, which is where it might be best to demolish the building and construct something new.
- Safety Codes: All buildings must meet certain safety standards and local codes. If your building isn’t compliant, then it might need to come down.
- Land Value: When your old building is in an area where the property values are increasing, then it’s possible that the land might be more valuable than the actual building. Evaluate whether demolition is the best financial choice to ensure you get the top price for the sale of the property.
Work With a Demolition Contractor You Can Trust
If you decide that it’s necessary to move forward with demolition, then the first step is to hire a trusted demolition contractor in the area. Make sure to pick a team that is licensed and experienced to ensure that your demolition is safe and efficient. We can come to your property to complete an inspection and assessment to determine if demolition services are the right fit for your needs.
At Mikula, we are here to help with anything that you need. Not only does our team handle the actual demolition, but we can also assist with other necessary tasks such as obtaining permits, building material waste disposal, and environmental considerations. We have experience with demolition in residential properties and commercial buildings.
We offer full-service solutions for your upcoming demolition. For more information, contact our team at Mikula to schedule a consultation.
