getting organized for a whole-house purge

3 Tips For Demolishing A House

Sometimes, it is just easier and more cost effective to demolish a home and start over than it is to renovate the house. When you find the perfect location, it doesn't mean the home is going to suit your needs. This is why demolishing a house may be a viable option for you if you have found the features you like of the property, but the house doesn't fit. Demolishing a home isn't for the faint of heart and you can't go about it by swinging a hammer. It does cost money and time to tear down a house. In order to understand just how much goes into demolishing a house, here are three tips to help you get started. 

Don't Be in a Hurry

When it comes to demolishing a house, you don't always get to decide how quickly it will be done. This is due to the fact that you have to apply for permits before you begin the demolition. There are several entities you are going to want to notify before you start tearing down the house. These can include the homeowner's association, the state, the municipality, and even the neighborhood planning board. Since each of these entities have their own rules, it can take hours to months to get the necessary permission in order to start the tear down process. This is a process that cannot be rushed so you want to make sure you apply for the necessary permits in advance. 

Make Sure It's Safe

Anytime you start breaking down an older home, you have to be careful that you aren't stirring up harmful components that could be luring around in the flooring, walls, and ceilings. Asbestos is very prominent in older homes as it was used for building projects. Unfortunately, it is known to have some harmful side effects. When you begin to stir it up by moving the materials, it can get distributed into the air and into your lungs causing it to irritate them. Asbestos is known for causing respiratory problems and other health issues. If the home was built before 1978, you also want to be careful about lead based paint. This too can cause health issues if it gets distributed into the air. A good demolition company will help ensure the home is safe by inspecting it for lead based paint and asbestos before they get to demolishing. 

Save the Good Stuff

When demolishing any type of building, you want to make sure you aren't getting rid of anything that can be recycled by a company like Alpart Scrap Iron & Metals Inc. There are many parts of a home that can be saved from the landfills and reused for your next project. You can also donate the reusable items to other contractors to help them save on building costs. Some items you want to look to conserve are copper tubing, aluminum siding, doors, and even concrete. Not only are you helping the environment, but it could help you save on costs of rebuilding the home. 


Share