Do you have an old garage on your property that you are ready to get out of the way? Demolishing a garage might seem like a good DIY project, but many potential issues can occur. So, calling a demolition contractor is a good idea to ensure a safe demolition.
Old garages can deteriorate over time. Not only are they unsightly on the property, but they can also cause a potential safety hazard. Here are a few things to consider if you need to hire a New Jersey demolition contractor for assistance.
Types of Demolition
The specific type of demolition service depends on the garage materials and placement of the structure. For example, extra care is needed for an attached garage vs. a detached garage. Careful practices are necessary during the demolition process to avoid damage to the home’s main structure.
Here are a few methods that can be used for garage demolition.
Mechanical Demolition
Special tools and equipment are sometimes necessary, such as hydraulic excavators with specialized attachments for steel and concrete removal. This heavy-duty equipment can increase the overall demolition cost, but it’s a faster and often necessary method for taking down large buildings.
Demolition By Hand
The next option is to take the garage apart by hand. Even though it’s time-consuming, sometimes hand demolition is necessary for a selective demolition project or when careful dismantling is needed. You’ll need to take safety precautions while also having a strategy for preserving specific components for recycling, reuse, or refurbishment.
Permits and Planning
Regardless of whether you are hiring a demolition contractor or attempting a DIY project before you start, make sure to have your permits in hand. Head over to the local offices to talk to a zoning office and discuss your plans.
It’s common to need a permit for a large demolition project. Additionally, share with your local legislature if you are planning to build a garage replacement. The permit process helps to ensure that everything is completed in a responsible and safe manner. If you hire demolition contractors, they will usually take care of the permit process on your behalf. But always ask before the project commences to ensure that your NJ demolition contractor didn’t skip this step.
Demolition Costs
How much should you expect to pay for a demolition project? Many factors can affect the overall costs of the demolition of a garage. Here are a few cost considerations:
- Renting a Dumpster: You need a place to discard the demolished materials. Renting a dumpster is one option, but make sure you have a large enough dumpster to handle the job. Consider the square foot calculation of the garage, and remember that the dumpsters tend to fill up fast with bulky materials. If you don’t have a dumpster, then you’ll need to budget for another form of disposal.
- Heavy Equipment: The cost of heavy equipment can get expensive. But it’s worth the investment because these machines speed up the demolition. Prices vary depending on the size and type of equipment that is needed.
- Labor Costs: If you are hiring a demolition contractor in NJ, ask how they calculate the labor expenses. For example, they might have an hourly rate and bill based on the time the crew spends on the job site.
- Size and Materials: The size of the garage and the type of materials will also influence the cost of demolition. The larger the garage, the more expensive it will be to knock it down. In addition to the extra work required for demolition, there are also higher costs for disposing of all of the waste materials.
Add up the costs of equipment rental, dumpster rental, and more, and you’ll find that a DIY demolition isn’t cheap. Instead of attempting it on your own, paying a little more is worth the price so you can bring in an expert demolition contractor in NJ.
Safety Precautions
Don’t overlook the potential issues that will occur due to safety concerns on a DIY project. Improper demolition can result in serious injury or even death if something goes wrong. Protect yourself and your family by hiring a professional demolition contractor for assistance.
The safety factors alone are enough of a reason to hire an experienced team. Too often, DIY projects go wrong between the heavy materials and the unfamiliar equipment, resulting in serious injury, expensive medical bills, and lost wages.
When talking to different demolition providers, ask questions about their training and safety practices. Also, make sure that the demolition contractor has current liability insurance coverage.
The Complexity of the Demolition Process
Keep in mind that garage demolition can be pretty complicated. In the beginning, removing the garage door, windows, and other removable items is necessary. Then, when you start the demolition, many different building materials are removed: electrical wiring, lighting, garage door opener, sheetrock, framing, roofing, insulation, concrete, and more.
A professional demolition contractor in New Jersey, such as Mikula Contracting, can handle projects both large and small. Regardless of the complexity, we have the proper equipment and training to take down the garage safely and effectively.
Concrete Removal and Material Disposal
Tearing down the garage is just one part of the project. It also takes a lot of work to haul away all of the materials and waste. Concrete is heavy and bulky, and certain materials require specialized disposal. Your NJ demolition contractor can offer recommendations for the best strategies to get rid of the waste. When the project is finished, you will have a clean space free of materials and leftovers.
Work with a Trusted New Jersey Demolition Contractor
When you need to hire a demolition contractor, NJ homeowners should reach out to us at Mikula Contracting. We offer full-service solutions to ensure the best results for your garage demolition and more. Our team has a solid reputation in the local industry and provides a range of services for both residential and commercial projects.
Call today to schedule a consultation and learn more about available services. We are always here to answer your questions and help with anything that you need.
