3 Critical Pre-Demolition Inspection Surveys

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House demolitions often seem straightforward to property owners because the main demolition lasts only a couple of hours. However, nothing could be further from the truth because a lot of preparation is involved in the process. Pre-demolition inspection is a critical part of the preparation process, and it goes a long way in making the demolition both legal and safe. This article highlights vital surveys conducted during a pre-demolition inspection.

Asbestos Survey

Older residential homes are built from different materials -- including asbestos. The last thing demolition contractors want is to pull down a house and release all the asbestos from the roofing and the walls into the air. Therefore, an asbestos survey is the first pre-demolition inspection check that a demolition contractor conducts. It allows them to determine the amount and type of asbestos present in a building, and it makes it easy for an asbestos abatement company to remove the materials. After that, the demolition company can go ahead and pull down the house safely. It is important to remember that an asbestos survey for a demolition project must cover every inch of the house. The survey not only ensures safety to the demolition contractors but also residents in the neighbourhood. 

Site Condition Survey

Residential demolition contractors use different tools and equipment in their projects. Some of the gear is handheld tools, while other devices can weigh thousands of tons. Therefore, contractors must understand the condition of the site before deciding on the type of tools required. For example, an excavator that moves on tracks is the best equipment for demolition sites with soft, wet or muddy terrain. On the other hand, excavators on tires are perfect for demolition sites with stable ground. Overhead accessibility is also an essential part of a demolition site survey since it allows contractors to choose equipment that can get around overhead obstacles such as power lines and trees. 

Environmental Survey

Will the demolition project affect the surrounding environment? Are there water bodies or animal sanctuaries nearby that will be affected by the dust? These are critical questions that can only be answered with a pre-demolition environmental survey. Contractors must try to minimise any adverse effects of the demolition on the environment as much as possible. For instance, a contractor must spray water on the house if it is suspected that the demolition will create a lot of dust. This strategy will also help to prevent dust from settling in the water or finding its way into any animal shelters within the locality.


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