{"id":1130,"date":"2021-11-30T12:55:00","date_gmt":"2021-11-30T12:55:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/yardlink.com\/blog\/building-demolition-everything-you-need-to-know"},"modified":"2024-07-29T08:42:33","modified_gmt":"2024-07-29T08:42:33","slug":"building-demolition-everything-you-need-to-know","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/yardlink.com\/blog\/building-demolition-everything-you-need-to-know","title":{"rendered":"Building Demolition: Everything You Need to Know"},"content":{"rendered":"\t
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Building demolition takes place for a variety of reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

An architect will often design a building with an intended lifespan of between 80 and 100 years referred to as its \u2018design life\u2019. After this time, the building might become inhabitable or dangerous to the surrounding buildings as the structure has become unstable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Therefore, demolition is the best and safest course of action as you can break down and rebuild the structure to make it fit for purpose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, it\u2019s not just a case of turning up on site with an excavator and demolishing the building. Before you can do this, you must follow a demolition process which is essential for health and safety, as well as efficiency on site.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Furthermore there are a selection of demolition methods to choose from depending on the nature and size of the job. This can be overwhelming as project managers are unsure which is most suitable. In this post we will provide you with a full guide on building demolition so that you have all of the information you need before engaging in this type of project.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Is Demolition Important?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Building demolition is important as once a building has reached the end of it\u2019s \u2018design life\u2019, it is no longer structurally safe. As a result, the building will need to be demolished and reconstructed to make it structurally sound again. This involves pulling down the old building to make space for a new one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The decision to demolish a building should not be taken lightly as it can be a time consuming and resource intensive process. However, in many scenarios it is the right thing to do as it makes space for a better, more economically aware structure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is particularly important for older buildings as construction methods are constantly evolving. For instance, green construction techniques<\/a> are a growing trend and involve methods which are environmentally friendly. Therefore, by reconstructing a building, an architect could incorporate these eco-friendly processes into the design of the new structure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Digger<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

What Are the Main Reasons for Building Demolition?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Building demolition is carried out for a variety of reasons. From maintaining health and safety standards to increasing the property’s value, let\u2019s explore these in more detail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Foundation is Faulty<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The foundations of a building are what keep it viable. Therefore, once these become weak it can lead to several issues. As the building matures, the foundations can become brittle, the floor can become uneven, and moisture might build up in certain areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you spot these issues then demolition might be a better option than renovation. Often the problems are too far gone and cannot be rectified without deconstructing large amounts of the existing structure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Building is Too Old<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Over time, the materials used in an old structure will slowly deteriorate. As a result, this weakens the structure and makes the building unstable. Therefore, it will no longer meet industry standards as it will compromise the health and safety of any occupants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Regardless of how a building looks from an exterior point of view, this does not reflect the quality of the interior. Some issues are not obvious but can have serious consequences if left untouched. Poor ventilation and plumbing is often unsolvable and can actually cost more money to fix than it\u2019s worth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Increase the Value of the Property<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you have a substantial plot of land in a good location, then demolishing your old building could be the best idea. If your building is in poor condition then this will affect how much money you can sell the land for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Of course it is best to look at your different options, but a well maintained plot of land will be much more attractive to potential buyers than a decrepit building sitting on it. Alternatively you could pull down the existing structure and make space for new offices or apartments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Building is Infested With Dangerous Pests or Materials<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If chemicals such as lead, mercury, or asbestos are found in a building, then a partial demolition may be necessary. Furthermore, a team of experts would need to be called in to correctly dispose of the hazardous substances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Old and abandoned buildings are more prone to infestations such as rats and termites. This would require an exterminator which could be very costly. However in many cases the toxic chemicals and infestations have built up to a stage that they are past the point of repair. In this case, a building demolition is the best course of action.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Builder<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

How Long Does a Building Demolition Take?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The time it takes to demolish a building depends on the size and scale of the project. In addition, if professionals are needed to carry out any work such as the removal of asbestos, this will lengthen and complicate the process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are 4 main stages to building demolition which are outlined below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Surveying the Building<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Surveying involves studying the different features of the building, its structure, and the surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are two different types of surveyors – building survey and structural survey. We have outlined these both in more detail including what\u2019s involved in each process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Building survey<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

This process covers:<\/p>\n\n\n\n