Frequently Asked Questions

Demolition is a complex set of tasks involving structural dismantlement, site clearance, environmental remediation, salvage, recycling, and industrial recovery.

Demolition is a highly sophisticated craft which involves the use of hydraulic equipment with specialized attachments, cranes, loaders, wrecking balls and in some cases explosives.

As most of the materials generated on a demolition project have a market value they are not considered waste. On most demolition projects 90% of this material is recycled, salvaged or reused. Typical commodities generated on a demolition project site include:

• Concrete and other aggregate materials including brick, porcelain, etc.
• Metals including iron, steel, copper, brass, bronze and other exotic metallic commodities
• Insulating material
• Ceiling tiles
• Flooring and carpets
• Wiring and conduit
• Plasterboard
• Wood
• Soils
• Roofing materials

Interior demolition is the non-structural demolishing of spaces within a structure usually in preparation for reuse and upgrading of the space. This work includes interior wall and ceiling removal, demolition of flooring and some utility services, salvage, and selective structural demolition.

Commercial demolition is the partial or complete dismantlement of commercial properties such as office buildings, shopping malls, hotels and the like.

Deconstruction is defined as the labor-intensive demolition of a structure in order to maximize the amount of potentially recyclable materials from the building. It often involved a considerable amount of hand demolition and sort separation in preparation for marketing the structure’s components.

As the recycling rates from both conventional demolition and what is called deconstruction are generally about the same, often close to 90% of the material on a project site, the major difference between the two processes tends to be that deconstruction is usually much more labor-intensive than conventional demolition where a considerable amount equipment and technology is used. Deconstruction involves the hand dismantlement of potential recyclables and therefore in addition to be more labor intensive can be more time consuming than convention structural demolition that utilizes heavy equipment, specialized attachments and recycling equipment. The goal of both demolition and deconstruction is the same, to maximize the amount of marketable recycled material generated on a project site.

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After services have been abolished and permits received, a typical house takes 3-5 days to demolish.

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A demolition permit is ALWAYS required to demolish a building. Sometimes tree removal, footpath/lane-way occupation permits are also required. On average a permit takes about 4 weeks to obtain, however planning permit issues and neighbors consent (where applicable) can delay things.

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Where possible Demolition and General Contractors  prefer to keep the water connected, however power and gas need to be abolished (meters removed and physical line disconnected) before we can start.

There is no safe level of exposure to asbestos. If asbestos is left undisturbed most of the time it isn’t a problem. We always get an independent professional to carry out an asbestos audit prior to commencing demolition. Removal and clearance of asbestos is always completed prior to starting demolition. If asbestos is dealt with correctly it doesn’t pose a problem. However, if it isn’t, asbestos can be a physical and economic nightmare for everyone involved.

Our staff have demolished high rise buildings in the city, farm houses in the country and small projects in family homes. We do it all. Our experience allows us to tackle from the most difficult demolition projects to the most simplest projects with reliability, professionalism and a safe approach, which is always greatly appreciated by our clients.

If it does, we are fully insured for public liability and damage to property.