By Kathy Woodard
It is not uncommon to find a perfect piece of property for your dream home -- with the exception of the ugly eyesore left by the previous owners.
What to do?
Demolish it!
Hiring a demolition team will assure you can remove the old structure safely, and move forward in your building project. Here are some easy guidelines for finding just the right contractors for the job.
Do You Need a Demolition Team?
Demolition teams are needed anytime you are tearing down an entire house. When the project is smaller, usually your general contractor can take care of the situation. Before you even hire a demolition team, you need to decide with your contractor if there are any salvageable materials in the home to be demolished. There may be items you can use in the new construction, or donate to Habitat for Humanity or other similar organizations.
The best way to find a demolition team for your project is to get several recommendations from your general contractor. The demolition market is small, and if you don't live in a large city, your selection of teams may be limited.
So trust your contractor, but also perform an in depth interview. In larger areas, there are organizations you can contact for recommendations. JD Elder of Elder Demolition of Portland suggests, "Calling the local Contractor Plan Center will get you a list of respectable companies."
Be complete in your interview process.
- How long have they been in business?
- Are they licensed and bonded?
- Can you see a copy of their insurance?
- Will they provide references?
- Does their written contract meet your approval?
The demolition teams' responsibility for every project is varied. They include:
- Obtaining the permit for demolition
- Getting an asbestos check
- Contacting utility companies
- Arranging for cleanup and removal of materials
- Completing the demolition on time and budget
Keep in mind there are special precautions that must be taken regarding potentially hazardous materials. "Urban areas require a Hazardous Materials Survey that defines materials such as asbestos and leads that are regulated under OSHA," says Elder, "the removal of these materials requires a licensed abatement contractor." Your demolition contractor is responsible for taking care of these issues.
What to Expect During a Demolition:
- Most home demolitions will require the use of cranes, tractors, excavators and even explosives. Wrecking balls are not generally used on homes.
- The demolition can take up to week, depending on the size of the home.
- Dust can be problem; use water to keep it down to prevent fines.
- Expect to notify neighbors of the demolition ahead of time. Being aware that the noise and dust will be temporary can go a long way toward good neighbor relations.
Kathy Woodard is a home and garden writer, author and consultant and is the home decorating expert for LifetimeTV.com. Visit her for more home and garden ideas at http://www.TheBudgetDecorator.com and http://www.TheGardenGlove.com.