Before You Consider A Demolition Project

Demolition isn’t as easy as you may think it is. You take a look at the garage, or on a larger scale, a building on a piece of property you are considering purchasing and think – that shouldn’t be too difficult. Before you consider a demolition project, there’s a few things we want you to think about.

The Planning Stage:
You know the building needs to come down. It may seem easy enough, but in truth, it isn’t. First, you must ensure that your demolition project has been approved. In Toledo, you can check with the city building department. If you live in one of the outlying areas, such as Holland, Maumee, etc., you need to check with them.

Here’s some things to consider:

• What is the impact on the environment or wetlands during the demolition, and then the new construction?
• Have you checked to make sure there’s no historical implications to the building or property?
• If/when it comes down, are what are the implications for the surrounding community?

The Preparation Stage:
Permitting is the first step, but planning the demo will keep things running on an even keel throughout the entire process.

Cost Control:
We suggest that you have someone be dedicated to the cash flow, budgeting, and unexpected expenses. When you work with us, we are well aware of where your project needs to fall within your budget, and keep an eye on the expenses, as well. If we encounter any unforeseen circumstances, we will inform you of those before moving forward.

Building Inspections:
Not much can stall a demolition project like finding hazardous building materials (HBM). Things like asbestos or lead paint can bring your project to a grinding halt. Regulated abatement is a must if HBM’s are discovered during the demolition. That is one place where your budget will take a hit. The best way to avoid those little surprises is with a complete building inspection beforehand.

Inventory:
Rarely is a building razed where there’s not been items left behind. What is your plan of disposal of items like desks, chairs, or other office furniture? Items that are reusable, we suggest you take to a local donation center such as Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity, or Goodwill.  Printers, computers, or other technology should be recycled.

Before you toss things in the trash, here’s a list of things that should not enter a dumpster:

• Ignitable (silicon-based caulking products, charcoal, automotive fluids, oxygen tanks)
• Corrosive (alkaline batteries, hydrogen peroxide)
• Reactive (chlorine bleach, ammonia)
• Toxic/Poison (fluorescent light bulbs, rat poison, fertilizer)

Check with the city to find out where you can take any hazardous materials for proper disposal. We suggest first you salvage, then recycle, with the last resort being the landfill.

The Demolition Stage:
You’ve made it through the paperwork, the budget is set, the building has been inspected, and inventory has been properly removed.  Now, it’s time for the building to come down.

Working with us guarantees that we have all the correct equipment. We have the right cranes, wrecking balls, sledge hammers, etc. to ensure the project is done professionally, cleanly, and within the proper timeline. We ensure the safety of our employees, as well as anyone else on the property at the time of take down. Safety is our #1 priority.

Before you consider your demolition project, give us a call, and one of our professionals will come out and go over your ideas, and give you an estimate before you tear into it yourself.