Your Guide to a Complete Pre-Demolition Checklist

If you have decided to demolish your building, there is a certain checklist that needs to be marked green before you proceed.

There is a great amount of paperwork and preparation to be done before the demolition team arrives with their first equipment. This is usually called the pre-demolition phase of the project - which varies depending on the county, city, or town.

Pre-demolition is important for safety reasons - as it helps you find out hidden dangers and keep you and the contractors, in addition to the neighbors, safe.

These preparations are usually conducted by project owners, site managers, and health and safety officers. Once the pre-demolition phase is completed with precision - they give a “goof-to-go” sign to the demolition services.

If you are wondering how you can prepare for your demolition project - worry not. We have created a comprehensive guide for you to understand what you need to accomplish before your actual demolition process takes place.

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**Pre-Demolition Checklist You Need To Mark “*Done***”

Here is a detailed pre-demolition checklist you need to prepare -

1. Make A Demolition Plan

The first step in the process is obtaining site plans or demolition plans, which usually need to be approved and stamped by an engineer or architect before the project can proceed. The plans give a general idea of the demolition work that will be done.

However, the plan is not limited to only demolition. They may include specific erosion control measures and occasionally a tree plan to feature protection for the property's existing trees.

2. Get An Asbestos Survey Done

Samples of the components that might contain asbestos in the building must be taken by a state-certified asbestos inspector prior to the demolition of any structure. This ensures the asbestos compounds don’t release during the demolition process. Moreover, it helps remove lead paint and other chemical compounds.

Asbestos is more likely to be present in buildings developed before 1978 than in ones built more recently. The cost of this type of survey varies according to the building's location, age, and square footage. Also, all the legal requirements for a safe demolition process must be met.

3. Get Required Permits And Ensure Compliance

That’s one of the most important things to consider in your checklist before you go for a demolition. Get proper permits, such as - environmental clearance, demolition permits, and other specialized permits to handle hazardous materials.

Also, ensure you are following the local law to avoid fines and project delays. Moreover, understanding the zoning laws helps in planning, constructing and using the site in the future. Your demolition process should comply with the local law.

4. Call For Utility Disconnection

It is important to ensure that all the utilities, including - gas, water, and power, are disconnected before finalizing to move on to the next step. This prevents accidents such as - electrical fires, gas leaks, etc., during the demolition process. Also, inform your utility companies of your demolition plans.

All the demolition projects that involve the removal of any sub-surface items must have an 811 locate before the work begins. Your nearby demolition company in Vacaville usually helps coordinate and carry out the disconnections. Once disconnected, it requires verification to ensure there are no live wires, active water pipes, or gas lines that could cause accidents.

5. Add Sewer Plug

Municipalities want to make sure that when you remove the structure - no contaminants are released into the sewer line. This is because foreign material introduced to the sewer will only cause blockages and possible breakages in the line.

Also, sewer caps or plugs are required to ensure the underground pipes and other infrastructure are not damaged during the demolition process. A licensed plumber or utility professional is needed to cover the pipes before demolition takes place. The cost varies depending on several factors, but mostly, it depends on structure size.

6. Ensure The Property Is Rodent Free

Before you carry on demolition, another important checkmark on your list is - getting a rodent letter. A rodent letter is a document that guarantees the building is free from rodents. This is because if there are any rats or mice - they might flee to the neighbor's property when the demolition starts.

To ensure there are no rodents or pests in your building, you need to call a licensed pest control company to inspect the site. If there is no pest living in your building, they will give you a clearance letter. But, if pests are living in the building - they will perform extermination services and then provide you with the letter.

Note: Demolition cannot begin until your property is guaranteed pest and rodent-free.

7. Get Your Building Assessed

Building assessment tells you where the load-bearing walls are and how the building is supposed to collapse. This prevents premature collapse - which might endanger lives.

It is important to ensure the structure stays stable during demolition if there are any load-bearing walls. This is important - when only a portion of the structure is being demolished during a complex demolition.

8. Notify The State

You need to notify your state’s environmental protection agency 10 days before the demolition process. You must apply by mail or online.

Most demolition contractors do it on their own, mostly charging nothing for it. They include the cost in their proposal and will submit the application on your behalf. However, if there is an asbestos abatement notification to be sent - it might cost you some amount - which varies depending on the amount of remediated materials.

Note: Don’t assume there will be no cost for notification or application. Always talk to your demolition contractors beforehand and ask questions.

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Factors To Consider Before Undergoing Demolition Process

Here are three major factors to consider before the actual demolition process -

1. Safety Considerations

Put safety on the priority list. This is important not only for you but also for the workers. This plan should consist of risk assessment, safety protocols, and emergency procedures. Also, it is to be noted that all the workers should have appropriate PPE, which includes - helmets, gloves, and respirators. These might seem basic, but they are of huge importance in the field.

Note: Have an emergency exit plan - in case anything goes wrong. Moreover, emergency medical assistance should be planned.

2. Legal And Regulatory Compliance

While conducting demolition - ensure you are adhering to local, state, and federal laws and complying with them. Having a checklist of certain permits and licenses required can help you get rid of unnecessary regulatory issues related to the environment and zoning laws.

3. Environmental Impact

Demolition can have a negative impact on the environment. Considering the effect it has on the environment in the pre-demolition phase, you can minimize the negative effects on the surrounding areas. Not everything is destined for landfills. Some of them can be salvaged and recycled - which offers environmental and economic benefits.

Takeaway

If you are thinking of a pre-demolition checklist as a formality - well, it’s not. It is more than just checking the boxes. This ensures safety, efficacy, and compliance. In short, you must also keep the following in mind -

It is important to conduct an environmental inspection to identify and remove hazardous materials like asbestos or lead.
Make sure the site is cleared of valuable items, debris, or personal belongings to prevent damage.
Address potential soil contamination by getting it tested before and after demolition.
Inform your neighbors about the project timeline to minimize inconvenience.
Ensure you call experienced professionals who can guide you thoroughly.

Take time to prepare your checklist. If needed, talk to your demolition company in your area - they will help you prepare a list. This ensures that your demolition process goes off without a hitch. Remember - the more detailed your checklist is - the smoother the demolition process will be.

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Worried About What To Include In Your Pre-Demolition Checklist? Contact JM Environmental For Assistance!

If you’re unsure what to include in your pre-demolition checklist - the demolition process can be overwhelming. So, stop worrying - as JM Environmental is here to help. With years of experience, we simplify the process so you can proceed confidently.

We begin by obtaining all necessary permits and verifying zoning regulations. Then, we ensure all the utilities are disconnected, and the sewer is capped well - to avoid any unnecessary issues. We also notify the authorities and help you with hazardous substance abatement to ensure there is no contamination. Moreover, we take care of pests and rodents if they reside in your building.

Contact JM Environmental - the best Demolition Company In Vacaville today and ensure a smooth, stress-free demolition process!