by Abbotts' Construction Services Inc. | Apr 13, 2022 | Blog
Many factors can influence a home demolition project. Some of these factors are within your control, while others aren’t.
This blog outlines four factors that can impact a home demolition project. After you read this piece, you’ll understand how each of these factors affects the project’s overall outcome.
1. The Size of the Home
The size of your home affects the demolition process in a few different ways. First, contractors will likely take longer to demolish the house if the home is larger. Larger homes have more square footage to cover and tear down.
In addition, larger homes typically have more complex structures, which can add to the demolition time. Such homes also require heavy-duty equipment, such as excavators and Bobcats, which can quickly add to the cost of the demolition project.
Finally, the size of a home directly affects the amount of generated debris. A smaller home will produce less waste than a larger one. However, less debris doesn’t necessarily mean that the demolition of a smaller home is simpler or less expensive.
In some cases, older homes can be more challenging to take down since they often have more structural support. For this reason, demolition experts have to take extra care to avoid damage to the surrounding properties.
2. Construction Materials
Although the type of construction materials might not be an obvious factor, they can still influence the demolition process. For example, homes with brick or stone structures may require a different approach than those made from wood frames. Brick and stone are more difficult to break down and remove. As a result, homes with these materials may take longer to demolish and cost more money.
In addition, the type of construction material can also affect the amount of debris a demolition project generates. For example, when contractors bring down a wood-based structure, the wood tends to splinter into small pieces.
As a result, more waste needs to be cleaned up after the project is complete. On the other hand, brick and stone tend to break into larger chunks, making the cleanup process a bit easier.
Another factor to consider is whether asbestos is present in the home. If so, contractors have to take special care during the demolition process to prevent the release of hazardous asbestos fibers into the air. These experts must remove and dispose of asbestos-containing materials properly, which ultimately adds to the cost and time of the project.
3. Location of the Home
The location of a home can significantly affect the demolition process. For example, suppose a home is right in the middle of a city with a high population density. In that case, a contractor will need to take extra precautions to avoid accidental damage to nearby properties. The experts may also need to obtain special permits before they begin the demolition process.
On the other hand, a home in a rural area will offer the contractor a lot more flexibility in how they demolish the property. Homes in such areas are typically further away from other structures, which translates to a lesser risk of collateral damage.
A demolition contractor must also consider whether the home sits on a slope. If so, the demolition process can be a lot more challenging and dangerous. Debris could slide down the slope and damage nearby homes or cars. As a result, contractors have to take extra care to ensure the safety of everyone involved.
Zoning restrictions can also play a role in the demolition process. For example, if a home’s location is in a historic district, restrictions may dictate how the demolition process should happen. In some cases, contractors may have to take down a home by hand without heavy machinery. Such restrictions can add to the time and cost of the project.
4. Extent of Demolition
The extent of demolition also influences the overall process. For example, a home that needs to be completely demolished will require a different approach than one that needs extensive renovations. In the case of complete demolition, a demolition contractor will need to take down all home structures, including the foundation, walls, ceilings, and roof.
But for a renovation project, the contractor will only need to tear down certain parts of a home. For example, for a gut remodel, the contractor may only need to remove the home’s interior walls. The exterior structures will remain intact. Here, the contractor has less freedom in terms of how they can demolish the home. They will need to take care to avoid damaging any of the home’s remaining structures.
You need to be aware of these factors before starting a home demolition project, as they can impact the project’s safety, cost, and timeline. This way, you’ll know what to expect so you can plan accordingly.
Do you have a home you want to demolish? Contact Abbotts’ Construction Services, Inc., today for a consultation. We’ll go over your specific situation and help you determine the best course of action.