Expert Tips To Prevent Residential Demolition Sydney Delays
When you have an expert demolition crew removing your current home, you don’t want the stress of unexpected problems and delays, meaning your builder will be able to start construction of your new home as planned, pushing up your costs.
This article describes common delay issues and explains how you can avoid them to ensure a successful, efficient residential demolition is completed on schedule.
Understanding The Residential Demolition Sydney Timeline
A straightforward residential demolition in Sydney could be completed, from initial inquiry to handover of the completed, cleared site, in a matter of days or weeks. The actual timeline depends on the challenges that may be faced during the project.
Key stages in an expert demolition project
- Initial inquiry
- The initial call is a chance for the householder to ask questions and for a site inspection to be arranged. The site visit is essential for project planning, as it allows the demolition contractor to assess the building and the site. They will be looking for issues, such as hazardous material on site and potential site access problems.
- Quote, acceptance and contract signing
- Following the formal site inspection, the householder will receive a quote detailing all work to be carried out and the expected demolition cost. Upon acceptance of the quote, the homeowner and the demolition company sign a contract.
- Approvals and documentation
- Residential demolition Sydney normally needs approval. You will need a Complying Development Certificate (CDC) or a Development Application (DA). Work may not start until the permit is received. You should also advise SafeWork NSW of planned licenced demolition work at least 5 days before starting the job.
- Service disconnections
- Before the actual demolition process can begin, the site is made safe by disconnecting services, such as power, gas, water, and NBN. When the relevant utility provider confirms disconnection, you should also remove power and gas meters, as well as supply cables or pipes from the street to the house, to ensure there are no live services connected to a house about to be demolished.
- Asbestos checks
- Asbestos is often found in construction materials in older NSW homes. Due to the severe health risks it poses, asbestos removal and disposal should only be carried out by licenced professionals.
- Actual residential demolition Sydney
- Demolition work often involves using equipment such as excavators and trucks to remove debris and waste. On completion, the site is normally cleared and levelled, ready for your next project.
Where homeowners usually underestimate time
- Under‑estimating how long approvals and paperwork take
- Local Council approvals to begin work can take longer than you expect, especially if the office is understaffed during holiday periods, for example. If your home is classified as a heritage building or is in a conservation zone, you will need to apply for a Development Application, which takes longer to process than a standard Complying Development Certificate.
No demolition work can begin until you receive formal approval, and your demolition contractor may not even arrange for workers, machinery or trucks and equipment until he has approval to start work.
- Local Council approvals to begin work can take longer than you expect, especially if the office is understaffed during holiday periods, for example. If your home is classified as a heritage building or is in a conservation zone, you will need to apply for a Development Application, which takes longer to process than a standard Complying Development Certificate.
- Assuming service providers can disconnect power, gas and NBN immediately
- Before demolition can start, services must be disconnected. Utilities such as electricity, gas, and water must be “abolished,” with supply pipes or cables removed and the service “capped” at the street. This means relevant service providers or technicians must be available to attend your site.
- Not factoring in asbestos reports and removal time
- Many older homes in NSW had asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) used in construction. Even renovations done before the 1980s or 1990s may have used ACM. The presence of asbestos presents a serious risk to health for workers, you and your family and even your neighbours.
Demolition work will not take place, and your demolition crew will have the asbestos removed by a licenced, trained and protected worker before it is securely transported and disposed of at a registered disposal facility.
- Many older homes in NSW had asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) used in construction. Even renovations done before the 1980s or 1990s may have used ACM. The presence of asbestos presents a serious risk to health for workers, you and your family and even your neighbours.
- Expecting demolition to start straight after accepting a quote
- After reading the points above, you should now realise that accepting a quote and signing a contract for residential demolition Sydney does NOT mean work will start immediately. Ask your contractor for advice on approvals and permits, service disconnection, asbestos removal and a possible timeline for your home demolition.
Homeowner Planning Mistakes That Cause Demolition Delays
It’s not unusual for householders to inadvertently delay their own demolition, often due to a lack of experience with this type of work.
Underestimating the planning needed for residential demolition Sydney
- Treating demolition as a quick, early step before building
- Hopefully, you now understand some of the factors that can delay your house demolition and plan accordingly, with guidance from an expert experienced team of demolition specialists.
- Not allowing for neighbours’ questions or objections
- Your neighbours will be affected by your demolition project. They are at risk of noise, vibration, and dust, not to mention the heavy vehicles needed to remove debris and waste. A complaining neighbour can halt work, so make sure you and your demolition company communicate with the local community.
- Forgetting about trees, sheds, pools and other structures that also need removal
- During the initial site inspection, be sure to point out everything that is to be removed from your property. This will allow the demolition crew to plan properly, avoiding surprises and delays later on.
Working With A Trusted Expert Demolition Partner
A professional demolition crew will have experienced all the possible factors that can delay your house demolition.
At Rapid Demolition, we know how the approvals process works in NSW and how long it normally takes. We identify potential delaying risks, such as asbestos and utilities to be disconnected during our site visit and plan for them.
You will have a realistic project timescale, and we may be able to flag known bottlenecks common to your suburb or local council.
Your builder will be advised of our likely schedule, so they, too, understand when they may be able to begin work, and we ensure you know what stage we are at and what will happen next.
Contact us today to ensure you have a trusted expert demolition company with experience in completing projects on schedule.
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