Things to Consider for a Real Estate Demolition

Making the decision to tear down real estate, such as a commercial building or home, can be a very complex process which may result in roadblocks if careful planning isn’t utilized. The real estate owner may face costly fines if they don’t abide by their local, state, and federal laws for the demolition. Hiring a reputable demolition company during this time can make all the difference in how smoothly the project goes. If you are a real estate owner debating whether to pursue a demolishment, consider the following before the first wall is taken down: 

Pre-Demolition Inspection 

Your city may require that you have a thorough inspection done beforehand with a certified contractor. The contractor performing the inspection will be identifying risks for hazardous material exposure including formaldehyde, lead, and asbestos. You may still be granted permission to demolish the real estate property if any contaminants are found. However, you will need to follow strict guidelines when getting rid of the materials. 

Abiding By Regulations 

Your local government agency or EPA could fine you if you do not follow regulations. You must adhere to both federal and state rules when completing a demolition project. It often takes weeks of planning in advance before a real estate demolition project can begin. The plan must entail details as to how you will dispose of the materials and debris that result from the project, along with who is to be liable if infractions occur. 

Keeping Costs Down

There are many tricks that you can utilize to keep the costs of the demolition down. If the real estate building you own is fairly new, then you may be able to locate a contractor or facilities who will pay you for the reusable material. For instance, your local recycling plan may have a program where they give you money for recyclable demolition debris. Or, your city fire department may pay owners to use the buildings as training for their recruits. If you are unable to find a place that will give you money for the materials, at least donate them to charity and use it as a tax write-off the following year. 

Handling Waste After a Project

One of the most cost-effective ways to get both toxic and non-toxic demolition material off your hands is by hiring a construction cleanup company. Some of the waste you accumulate may have to be transported to the dump, a special facility that handles hazardous chemicals, or a recycling plant. The construction cleanup company you hire may be familiar with what materials are reusable and which aren’t, in addition to helping you transport the debris to the appropriate location.

Environmentally Friendly Demolition

Performing demolition projects with environmental stewardship in mind has become increasingly popular in recent years. The state of our world has become a concern for many, so those who perform demolition projects usually prioritize recycling and reusing whenever possible. So it isn’t uncommon for construction cleanup companies to already have a list of material that could be recycled, such as: 

• Wood
• Concrete
• Asphalt Shingles
• Asphalt Pavement
• Cardboard
• Metal
• Drywall 

If you or someone you know has a demolition project, consult with a professional home demolition service, like a home demolition service in Los Angeles, CA.

Thanks to Nielsen Environmental for their insight into what needs to be considered for a real estate demolition.