Tips and Guidelines of Home Demolition

Permit

• Many communities require a permit for demolition. In the permitting process, the local building inspector will determine the best method of demolition and offer advic e on the best methods to use. Some of these may include blasting, bulldozing or a wrecking ball. Check with your local building or safety department first, to find out what permits are needed.

Hazardous Materials

• Many older homes have asbestos insulation and lead based paint. Both are known health hazards and should be taken into account. The Environmental Protection Agency, or EPA, has strict mandates on how to deal with these, stating that all asbestos must be removed prior to demolition. As part of the permitting process, the building department may run an analysis to determine if a hazmat team must be called to remove asbestos and lead.

Plan of Action

• If no hazardous materials have been found, develop a plan of action. Usually, houses are demolished from the top down. This involves tearing off the shingles first and moving on to the roof sheathing. After that, remove the rafters and start on the walls. Demolishing a house is in the reverse order it was built. You must have large dumpsters available, since a lot of debris will be generated.

Recycling

• Much of the lumber used in the construction can be recycled. Rather than just burning it or throwing away, consider recycling to build another house, selling it or donating it to charities. Also, the copper wiring and plumbing in the house can be recycled, along with any antique trim work or bricks.

Fire Training

• Some fire departments like to live-train rookies on old houses they intentionally set fire to. Talk with your local fire department before demolishing, to see if they would like the house to train on. After the house is burnt down, they usually take care of the debris clean up. This is a great community service project, live training is as real as it gets. Furthermore, tax benefits may be acquired as well.