Blog

Doing a knockdown and rebuild? This is an exciting time – in a few months (hopefully) you will be unlocking the door of a brand-new home or commercial project which has been custom built to your exacting specifications! But before you even engage with an architect for your dream home or building, it’s important to consider a few key things about demolition. As Brisbane demolition experts, we know a great deal about demolition and wanted to share some of this wisdom with you.

So, read on to find out everything you wanted to know about demolition including asbestos removal and commercial demolition. Then, when you’re ready to get started, call us for professional and safe demolition in south east Queensland.

Call Daniel on 0401 314 356 today or reach out online and he will call you back as soon as he can. 

You may need to seek council approval for your demolition

The great thing about demolition is that it’s quick, and it happens with a bang. But before you get the people in with the bobcats and the bulldozers you need to go through a fair few hoops that are there to ensure that your demolition happens safely in the first place. The type of demolition we are talking about here is full building demolition by the way, not just the removal of an internal wall or a staircase. In some cases, you will have to seek planning approval from the council before undertaking a demolition. If your property isn’t Heritage Listed, isn’t a commercial character building or isn’t on a site where demolition needs to be assessed under a neighbourhood plan then you may not need to seek approval. As a general rule, you can demolish free-standing outbuildings which have been built after 1946 without planning approval.

You’ll need expert assistance with your demolition

Most people don’t have a bulldozer or a bobcat lying around in their backyard. While it can seem appealing to do at least some of the demolition yourself the fact is that it’s hot, dirty, dangerous work and it’s important to let the professionals take care of your demolition for you. At 3D Demolition, we not only adhere to the necessary safety standards, but we are insured and trained in safe and efficient demolitions.

It might be wise to give your neighbours a heads-up ahead of time

We don’t know your neighbours. They might have just had a new baby, are planning a renovation of their own, or are the most easy-going people in the world. But no matter who they are, it’s highly likely that they would appreciate a word in their ear about the upcoming demolition. You could even take them some home-baked goodies from your soon-to-be-gone kitchen as a way to show them you’re apologetic about the upcoming noise and dust (before they become apoplectic that you didn’t tell them)! Because once the demolition is over, you’re also going to be undertaking construction for a period of time.

Sort out your new accommodation

We hope you’ve already given this thought and found an Airbnb or rental home nearby – but just in case you were planning on camping in the backyard, we urge you to think about temporary accommodation for a few weeks. At least just while the knockdown demolition is taking place and a skeleton is erected where your new home is going to be.

Your home may contain asbestos

When knocking down a home that has been built anytime since 1946, there is a chance that it will contain asbestos in some way or another. It is absolutely vital that you deal with the asbestos before it becomes an issue and get professional asbestos removal done. At 3D Demolition, we have Asbestos Removal licencing in Brisbane and can safely and effectively dispose of your asbestos without any issues.

Salvaging items

Not everything in a demolition job needs to be destroyed. Fixtures and fittings that could be sold and used again can be salvaged, but this isn’t something you should do yourself. Most demolition services (including our own here at 3D Demolition) have a salvage service. That way we can salvage anything you want to keep, and we do it correctly and safely. We are experienced in assessing and removing salvageable materials and retaining these for you to use in a new build.

We can retrieve anything from doors and windows right through kitchen sinks and bathtubs. So, if you’re thinking of demolishing your home or building and are curious about how to salvage materials or what you can retain – speak to us about that as well.

Contact 3D Demolition Today!

We hope these are some interesting points for your upcoming demolition. If you are considering demolishing your home or building,  give us a call and speak to Daniel on 0401 314 356 today or reach out online and he will call you back as soon as he can.

Getting ready to demolish your home and building something new in its place? You’re going to be needing some tips on how to prepare for the demolition! At 3D Demolition we have been completing house demolition projects for many years and have picked up some of our most valuable tips to help you get ready for the big day. If you are considering a demolition, whether it’s a knock-down rebuild or if you are looking to demolish to sell your land as a vacant lot, we are here to help you.

We take care of every aspect of the demolition process and make things smooth and hassle free. Want a quote? Call Daniel today on 0401 314 356.

Put everything into storage

Ok, so you’re covered – now it’s time to begin the task of getting everything out of your property and get it into storage somewhere while you begin the task of demolishing and rebuilding. Pick a storage company where they offer an attractive longer-term rate, because it’s likely that you’re going to be keeping your goods tucked away for a few weeks to a couple of months at least while your new home is being built or you are moving to your new property.

Organise a place to stay

You’re going to be without a home for a short period of time, so make sure you have a place where you and your family can stay while your demolition takes place. Think about a long-term Airbnb, staying with friends or family, or even house sitting. There are plenty of affordable options which are available to you.

Sell anything unwanted

A demolition is the perfect opportunity to do a massive purge of the things that have been cluttering up your life! Think about anything in the garage or shed that you just cannot be bothered to put into storage and anything valuable that you could sell to make some extra cash. Whitegoods, fixtures and fittings that you don’t want to reuse; these can all be sold or donated.

Go through and work out what can be reused

You may want to reuse some of the existing materials in your home and put them in place in your new build, or even sell them. Pavers, skirting boards, doors, sinks and decorative works can all be put in place and made to look brand new again with a lick of paint. If you save a little here and a little there the savings can quickly add up. And when it comes to making improvements to your house a little can really go a long way.

Are you looking for a quote on demolition for your home in Brisbane? At 3D Demolition, we have worked with countless Brisbane homeowners and property developers to quickly and efficiently remove old structures through demolition.

We can quote for you today and get started as quickly as you need us to. Call Daniel today on 0401 314 356.

Renovate or demolish?

This is the biggest question that homeowners and property investors often face when upgrading an old property.

No matter which option you choose, one thing’s for sure: it’s going to be a big investment and a huge project.

So what’s right for you and your property?

Unfortunately, we can’t answer that question for you – only you can do that.

What we can do is help you make the right decision by providing the main points you need to consider and giving you an idea of what to expect.

But First: Can You Even Demolish?

Before deciding between the two, you first need to make sure that you have these two options in the first place.

While you can almost always renovate a property you own, demolishing it to do complete rebuild may not always be an option.

Some properties (especially older ones) can’t be demolished because of council regulations. Heritage-listed properties, for example, are typically protected from demolitions and removals. Some councils may also prohibit demolitions on properties in certain locations or boundaries.

So before you consider demolition seriously, save yourself the trouble by first making sure that it’s an option available to you. You can check with your local council and consult a builder to confirm your situation.

What You Need to Consider

Once you’ve determined that house demolition is an option, you can proceed deciding between the two. To do this, you’ll need to consider several factors:

1. There’s no doubt about it: renovations and demolitions cost money. And for many, this is the deciding factor in their choice. When comparing the total costs of each option, make sure to consider the total cost of the project, taking both immediate and long-term costs into consideration. Compare these costs and determine which choice fits better with your budget.

2. Amount of Work to Be Done. How much of your property needs to be updated? Are there parts that need a complete overhaul rather than a simple renovation? By knowing the amount of work you need (and want) to complete, you can better determine what the more practical option is.

3. Condition of Your Property. Assessing the condition of your property will help you determine its suitability for renovation or demolition. Keep in mind that structural damage can often be expensive to repair, so make sure you evaluate your property’s condition properly before proceeding with your decision.

4. How much time do you have allotted for this project? Can you afford to have the project going on for several months? Or do you need it to be completed as soon as possible so you can live there right away? Consider the time it takes to complete your project (both for renovations and demolitions) and determine what will work with your schedule.

5. Investment returns. Figure out how much value your upgrades will add to your property. Estimate the total returns you’ll get from upgrading your property, whether you renovate it or rebuild it completely. Don’t forget to compare its projected value with the median value of a similar property in your area. This will help you determine what’s the smarter and more practical decision from an investment standpoint.

Do Your Research

For a lucky few, the choice between renovating and demolishing their properties is clear-cut.

But for most other people, there’s a lot of research, consultation, and debating involved.

Our best tip is to always do your research and consult with experts for both choices. This includes discussing your ideas with architects, interior designers, builders, and demolition specialists. The more informed you are about what each choice requires, the easier your decision will be.

Need to Talk with Demolition Experts?

If you’re considering demolishing your property and rebuilding it, have a chat with our team to find out how we can help you complete your project. We’ll give you an accurate and realistic rundown of your project’s demolition requirements, so you can make a better decision for your property.

When undertaking a demolition, things get a lot more complicated when asbestos is involved. It’s the one thing you dread to come across in preparation for a demolition job, because of the extra cost and hassle.

These are the 3 major facts you need to know before you even begin to go near an asbestos removal job.

• There’s no minimum safe level of exposure
• Asbestos is found in a third of homes
• 4000 deaths each year are attributed to asbestos

So where do you go from here? Allow us to go through the key things to consider when removing asbestos for demolitions.

Get an Asbestos Inspection

Most people wouldn’t know where or how to look for asbestos in a property. So, if your property was built or renovated before 1990, there’s a chance asbestos may be present, and an asbestos inspection is recommended to help you identify it.

Here at 3D Demolition, we can make sure the premises is tented by an independent NATA-certified laboratory who can determined if asbestos is present before a demolition commences.

Removing Asbestos Before a Demolition

Once asbestos has been found, it needs to be removed before demolition takes place. This is specifically outlined in the WHS regulations. The only way asbestos can remain during a demolition is if an emergency occurs. An emergency can include the building itself being structurally unsound or if a collapse of the structure is imminent.

If the asbestos fails to be removed prior to demolition, evidence must be provided as to why the asbestos was not removed.

How to Prepare for Asbestos Removal

Before asbestos removal or the demolition begins, the following needs to occur:

Asbestos removal control plan – an asbestos removal control plan must be created by those who are licensed to remove the asbestos.

WHS – The asbestos removal and demolition job must be notified to Workplace Health and Safety Queensland before work commences.

Certified Professionals – Anyone undertaking the asbestos removal needs to be trained and certified.

Protect the Workers – Personal protective equipment should be provided to workers including safety boots, boot covers, respiratory protective equipment and disposable coveralls. A risk assessment will determine the exact protective equipment needed.

Secure the Site – The site must be secured with barricades and warning signs erected around the perimeter.  The asbestos removal area should also include decontamination facilities for workers to use when leaving the site.

The Asbestos Removal Process

Minimise asbestos fibres and dust in the air – This can be achieved with a wet spray where a thin layer of fine water is dispersed on the asbestos, leaving the surface area completely saturated. This suppresses asbestos fibres from being released. Wetting agents can also be added to the water to better suppress the particles. When using the wet spray method, water run-off must also be controlled.

Soil Scraping and Excavation – When an asbestos structure is being demolished, soil scraping, and excavation must take place. This task must be undertaken under the immediate area of the asbestos affected structure.

A surface soil depth of approximately 30-50 mm should be removed. Any soil containing asbestos should be wetted down and contained safely.

Contain the Contaminated Soil – The affected soil must be contained between two layers of 200-micrometre polythene and disposed of in an approved landfill. The contained asbestos must also be labelled before being removed from the area.

Monitoring the Air – During the removal of the asbestos and upon completion, it is mandatory to undertake air monitoring. An independent licensed asbestos assessor is required to undertake this task.

Safe Asbestos Removal and Demolition from 3D Demolition

As you can see, safely removing asbestos for demolition is no small feat. Lucky for you, we’re here to take care of it for you. Here at 3D Demolition, safety is our priority, and we know how to handle asbestos correctly. We’re certified experts in both asbestos removal and demolitions, so we can take care of both aspects for you.

What to find out more about or asbestos removal and demolition services? Give us a call on 0401 314 356.

Asbestos Removal Resources

For further information and guidelines for asbestos removal, please refer to the following resources:

• Queensland Workplace Health and Safety Asbestos and Demolition page.
• Australian Government’s Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency Website.
• Queensland Workplace Health and Safety Website.

How to Safely Remove Asbestos Code of Practice from Safe Work Australia.