Thanks to the invention of HGTV everyday folks are doing more DIY projects, taking on home renovations themselves, and thinking large construction projects can be easily done. Even on the commercial side, smaller businesses may think it’s easier to demo certain things themselves to save money on a bigger construction project. While DIY projects may save you money, there are a lot of things to consider with demolition. As a novice or first-timer, you can end up in some hot water if you don’t seek counsel from a professional first. You have to do your research. Know your plan and consider many things before you even lay a hand on a hammer or demolition tool of your choosing.
The most important piece of advice is to do research and use common sense, but outside of those two here are 6 preliminary things you need to address before you throw on those old jeans and start tearing walls down.
- Budget
There can be a lot of unanticipated costs if you don’t think it through. What type of budget are you working with? Do you have room for error? Consider the expense of demolishing a structure. Are there any special tools that are needed? Will you need powerful tools not commonly found in an everyday garage? Sometimes you must rent or purchase tools if you don’t have them. Will you need to pay people to do the work? All of the demolition debris must be disposed of and there are rules and regulations around it. Do you have a plan for debris removal? You may have to consider permit fees as well. These are just a few budget items you need to consider before you get started. The last thing you need is to run out of money and be stuck with a giant mess. - Permits
Will this project require you to have a permit? If you live within the city limits of a town or city it is very likely you need a permit to do the job. Commercial demolition in Texas must notify the state 10 days before getting started. It can be costly and time-consuming if you don’t check with property owners’ associations, city municipalities, or the state. This will be a theme in this list, but it can’t be stated enough, be sure, and do your research before getting started. If you contact a demolition company, make sure they can answer any questions you have about permits and notifications. If you are planning to hire a professional demolition services company they should be well versed in permit processes. If they are hesitant and seem unknowledgeable, run the other direction. - Is This a DIY Job
Are you doing the job yourself? Demolition can oftentimes be physically demanding. Consider your health. Usually, there will be dust from insulation, drywall, and masonry. Protective clothing and proper tools are a must. If you are doing this yourself, be sure you know for certain that the materials you are demoing and disposing of are not toxic. Talk with a professional about testing for things like asbestos.
- The Full Scope of the Project
If the project is a small building or single room it’s not unusual to do it yourself. If you have the right equipment and knowledge base you can save some money with your own demo. However, if it is a larger project, like an entire house or building, retail center, etc. we highly consider a professional demolition contractor. They have the tools, manpower, and experience to get the job done quickly and efficiently. In the big picture, this more times than not will save you money by keeping your project on time so any reconstruction can begin quickly. A professional can handle any unforeseen issues that may arise in a quicker fashion than doing it yourself.
- Time Frame
If you are a construction contractor your time is precious. Having a demolition crew ahead of the construction crew can save you time. Most construction crews would rather the site be ready for construction when they arrive. If they are not familiar with deconstruction they will most likely not be efficient at it. If you are to do it yourself, you may want a demolition crew to get things to a point where you can see the bones of the project. They can expose the structure so you can evaluate the area.
- Waste
What are you going to do with the waste from the demolition? Some items may be worth salvaging. Some items may be recycled. Local organizations, like the Boys and Girls Club of Hood County Texas, may take certain things to resale. Most of the debris will need to be hauled away and disposed of in a trailer or a dumpster.
If you’d like to talk to speak with a demolition professional, Wannco Services has been serving the Hood, Somervell, Erath, Palo Pinto, Parker, Johnson, Tarrant, and Dallas County, Texas region for over 23 years. We can advise you if your specific project requires a professional or if it is safe to proceed on your own. Contact us today.
