What they entail and why each is essential for success
Before any sort of construction project can take place, often a certain amount of deconstruction is necessary. In many cases, something old has to be removed to make way for something new. This could involve a building or parking lot, or perhaps an in-ground pool. And while the demolition process is pretty straightforward, it entails much more than just knocking something down or taking something out. In order for a project to be successful, there are certain steps that have to be followed.
Assessment
A demolition company has to create a customized plan for each project, which is why the first step has to be a thorough assessment. This needs to include a survey of the structure, as well as the surrounding area and anything that could be affected during demolition. Knowing what materials were used in the building of the structure and how it was built is important, as both will have an impact on the demolition strategy. It’s also crucial to learn about potential hazardous materials that could be onsite, including anything flammable or explosive.
Estimate
Once the scope of the work is identified, it’s time to discuss costs. A demo company should offer an estimate for the job, explaining how they arrived at their numbers. Of course, an estimate is just that, and different factors throughout the demo process could change things.
Planning
The next stage in the demolition process is the creation of a plan, and one of the most important parts involves obtaining all of the necessary permits. Both city ordinances and those pertaining to local areas have to be adhered to. When the job gets approval, the demo company will then devise a plan for the demolition procedure, which includes the methods that will be used. At that point, safety measures will be put in place, such as nets, screens, and covered walkways. A plan will also be put together for handling any debris that is left behind.
Preparation
When the plan is in place, it’s time to prepare the site. This starts by ensuring that the entire building is completely cleaned out. Water, gas, and electricity must also be addressed, if applicable.
Inventory
In order for a demo project to go off without a hitch, building owners have to do their part. This includes taking an inventory of everything left and then making the necessary arrangements for it. Anything in good shape – including desks, chairs, or other furniture – should be donated. Things like old cleaning supplies or paint can’t just be thrown out; they need to be picked up by hazardous waste collection.
Inspections
It is vital to conduct a thorough inspection to discover any of the hazardous materials mentioned earlier, along with things like lead paint or asbestos before demolition. Finding something potentially harmful while the work is going on will immediately grind things to a halt, resulting in wasted time and money.
Demolition
Okay, so now it’s finally time for the actual demolition. With a good plan and the right preparation, this should actually be the easy part. Of course, during the demo stage, safety is the number one priority. All workers should know exactly what to expect and the roles they will play. Fire-fighting materials should always be nearby, along with medical and first-aid facilities.
Cleanup
The last step in the demolition process is the cleanup. Even when a small building is torn down, it can create quite a big mess. This is why debris removal should be part of the initial plan. Once everything is hauled away, things like temporary fencing or signs also need to be removed.
At Mikula Contracting, we go to painstaking efforts to ensure that every demolition project we work on is successful. In order to get the best and safest outcome for everyone, we follow all of the steps outlined above and never take any shortcuts. To learn more about our demolition services for homes or commercial buildings, or to get a free quote on your project, contact us. Call us at 973-772-1684 or send an email to info@mikulainc.com.
