House Demolition Checklist | Plan Your Project Right

House Demolition Checklist

It is well known that a house demolition calls for proper preparation and organization. Here is a comprehensive checklist that is useful for all homeowners or contractors to ensure nothing goes missing during the house demolition. Whether you are obtaining the permits needed or undertaking environmental resources permit surveys for engineering design, practical shut-offs of utilities or safety measures, the checklist covers all that is vital. Staying positive, one can work seamlessly through the problems of the demolition process and start a new process of construction and change. For those who need to demolish a building for a new design, or when trying to remove an outdated structure, creating a demolition checklist will save one a lot of time and stress.

House Demolition Checklist


How to Get the Permits



  • Explore your council websites to find out what permits you need for demolition.

  • Go to your local council and apply for a demolition permit.

  • Include specific plans explaining just how broad the demolition project will be.

  • Also, add any environmental conditions or inspections that may be required.

  • Submit the required small fee that comes with the permit application.

  • Wait for the permit of approval before planning the demolition.

  • Ensure that all the required permissions are made before beginning the projects.

  • Look for other permits if doing work close to the utility lines or roads.

  • It is important to retain all the permits issued at a given site throughout the demolition exercise.

  • Inform neighbours regarding the intended house demolition if the law requires so.



Steps For Pre-Demolition



  • Carry out a real estate inspection survey of the property to establish the structural condition.

  • Some of the things that should be done before the project starts include; principally alerting and evacuating the site of any valuables and personal property.

  • Sanitary issues should also be assessed and one may find such hazardous products as asbestos.

  • Turn off utilities as water, gas as well electricity in a safe way.

  • Inform the neighbours about the time when the demolition is to happen and the areas we expect to interrupt.

  • Ensure that you have all the permissions and approvals from the authorities before commencing the project.

  • Scientifically develop a safety procedure that may prevent harm to individuals during demolition activities.

  • Develop a strategy for the disposal of waste, solid or otherwise encompassing the debris as well as hazardous substances.

  • The first step of demolition is to cordon off the area to be demolished.

  • It is recommended to check with contractors or demolition crews that will be needed to finalize the organizational details with them.

  • It is imperative to set a program for the demolition plan to enhance the achievement of the time-based goals.

  • Consider the extent of changes in the environment and obey the laws and policies of the country.

  • Photograph the property before demolition as little details of the property can be recorded.

  • Notify the local authorities of the times at which the demolition will occur and possible alterations to traffic patterns.

  • Ensure that a plan for measures to inhibit dust and noise impacts on the neighbours has been put in place.

  • Avoid or move any landscaping or trees that should be affected.

  • Ensure appropriate personal protective gear for workers.

  • Have an emergency contact in place whether or not demolition safety is required.




Steps To Be Taken During Demolition



  • Make sure that all employees on the site are protected with protective clothing and equipment as required.

  • The hazards and compliance of the site should also be checked frequently.

  • Preventing dust and debris can be done by watering down the area with spray or using dust barrier sheets.

  • Be careful with heavy corporeal machinery and work with it in compliance with strict regulations.

  • Schedule meetings with the demolition crew to discuss several tasks.

  • It is ideal to maintain the site secure so that no third party can access it easily.

  • Throw away hazardous substances by the country’s law on hazardous materials.

  • Safety meetings should be conducted frequently and if there occurs an issue regarding safety, it should be discussed.

  • Record the development process through photographs and take some notes.

  • Ensure that access to forms of emergency services should remain unobstructed if the need arises.

  • It should be ascertained whether the utility suppliers provide services to the site before it undergoes major work.

  • This is informed by the need to have clear access lanes to support movement within the construction site.

  • Conduct periodic assessments of equipment to determine their safety and operational status.

  • Update the team on any changes that may exist regarding the demolition plan.




Steps For Post-House Demolition



  • A proper survey of the site must be made to determine the post-demolition condition of the building for the above reasons.

  • Make sure all rubbish is cleared and all that is recyclable is sorted and taken to the right company or disposal.

  • Get rid of hazardous items under the law and best practices in the area.

  • Some of the activities include cleaning the site to clear any debris, dust or any material that might have been left behind by earlier activities.

  • Get the ground surface back into shape to avoid erosion or the possibility of flooding.

  • Take pictures of the cleaning process so that there will be records of how the job was done.

  • Reuse where and when possible to avoid the dumping of materials into the landfills.

  • Anyone remaining temporary fencing or barriers they used during the demo should ideally be taken away.

  • Inform legal bodies of the community once the entire plot is liberated from construction.

  • The completion of a demolition project is a good time to review all the activities of the project to deduce some lessons that can be used in subsequent projects.




Download the ServiceTaskerTM App Now

For a seamless and user-friendly interface, you can download our official app available for both Android and iOS users. Get more features in the app.

Categories Get free quotes Login Register Business