Are you getting ready to demolish a structure on your property? Talk to a New Jersey demolition contractor, and you will find that there are a few preparatory steps that need to happen before the building can come down.
Here is a quick overview to help you get started in a way that ensures a successful demolition project – and avoids common issues that can occur. These pre-demolition steps are essential before the heavy machinery shows up on site.
Hire a Trusted Demolition Contractor
While there are many demolition contractors to choose from, it’s critical that you do your homework. Because of the potential hazards and risks of demolition, you need to be sure that your selected New Jersey demolition contractor is licensed and has experience with similar projects. Hiring a new contractor or someone without experience not only increases the likelihood of injury on the job, but there is also a higher chance of avoidable damage to nearby buildings or other areas of the property.
Look online to find information about the contractors you are considering. You can learn more about their experience and history. Also, find reviews and information from other people who have used these services.
Remember that the quality of the New Jersey demolition contractor you hire will have a direct impact on the outcome of your project. So, choosing an experienced and skilled contractor is the most important decision that you will make.
Understand the Rules of Your Municipality
Before starting the demolition process, you need to make sure that your demolition plan is in alignment with all the rules and regulations in the municipality. The requirements vary depending on the location and type of structure that you are demolishing. Most property owners don’t know about these municipality rules, which is why it can be helpful to consult with an experienced demolition contractor.
These rules are in place to protect against various safety hazards and possible injuries. Not only does following the rules improve safety on your work site, but you can also avoid expensive fines and penalties that can be incurred if you don’t follow the rules.
If there are special considerations in your demolition project, then you might need to take extra precautions. For example, certain demolition processes must be followed if you have hazardous materials, such as asbestos or lead paint.
Obtain the Necessary Permits
As part of the preparation, you will also need to make sure that you have the necessary demolition permits. Most of the time, your demolition contractor will take care of the permit process. However, you will need to provide property information and other details to obtain these permits.
The permitting authorities will need information about your demolition plan, including the demolition method that you are intending to use. Once you have all the necessary permits, it means that you have approval from the local municipalities to begin.
Disconnect Utilities
The utility lines that are connected to the building and running underground pose a serious hazard on a demolition site. Hitting a live electricity line is not only dangerous, but it can knock out power for everyone else in the area. Hitting live pipes can cause flooding issues and water damage.
So, disconnecting utilities is an essential step before you start the demolition. Potential hazards are much easier to avoid when the utilities are disconnected, and you have clear information about the placement of utility lines.
Your contractor will have a checklist of utilities that need to be disconnected, including gas, electricity, and water.
Rodent Baiting
Even if you don’t see rodents in the building, pests are often there, lurking out of sight. Rodent baiting is especially important when a building has been sitting vacant for a while before demolition. Demolition can bring out the rodents, causing them to run to the neighbors’ properties.
Not only does rodent baiting reduce the problems for your neighbors, but many city councils require this step before demolition. Even if there is no evidence of rodents, you must complete these extermination steps. Basic mouse traps aren’t sufficient. It’s necessary to bring in experienced exterminators to ensure there are no pests or rodents left on site when demolition begins.
Create a Clear Demolition Plan
Your New Jersey demolition contractor can help with all of the details for a successful demolition plan. They will create a scope of work for the project, including the type of heavy machinery and equipment that will be needed.
Other aspects of your personalized demolition plan include schedule adjustments to accommodate changing weather conditions, material reuse and recycling to avoid putting everything in the landfill, and special care if any hazardous materials are on site.
Lastly, it is important that your contractor helps with the inspection process and is involved in the planning process to prepare for whatever is next for the property whether you are building a new home, adding an addition, or doing something else.
If you need help with any type of demolition service, then Mikula is the team to call. We’ve been in this industry for many years and understand the best practices to ensure the success of your project. We offer both residential and commercial demolition services. Reach out at your convenience to learn more about how we can help.
