When you’re planning a demolition and rebuild of your property, you want to be fully aware of how much you pay for the entire project. You’re bound to come across expenses you didn’t anticipate. While some of these expenses are unexpected, you can plan for the rest.
It’s important to factor in the hidden costs that can come up during house demolition in Brisbane. While there are several miscellaneous costs you might need to consider, here are the five biggest ones according to demolition experts.
1
Asbestos Removal
On the top of the list, the biggest hidden expense of house demolition in Brisbane is asbestos removal. The cost of asbestos removal in Brisbane and much of Queensland is about $25 to $160 per square metre.
The cost varies widely, depending on the type of asbestos (friable or non-friable) that needs removing and the amount of asbestos detected.
If professionals find large amounts of friable asbestos in your home, you can expect to pay more than what you’d pay to remove non-friable asbestos. That’s because friable asbestos is easy to crumble by hand pressure, making it more dangerous.
The higher risk contributes to a more complex removal process, which is why professionals need a specialised licence to remove it. Most importantly, you should only get it done by a licensed professional. This is a non-negotiable for compliant asbestos removal.
2
Tree and Vegetation Clearing
While planning a house demolition, it’s possible that clearing away vegetation and trees may not be part of the initial quote.
So, you might be surprised when demolition specialists tell you to have trees removed before they begin. And it’s not as simple as calling a tree lopper to chop down trees and clear away bushes: you need proper council approval before moving forward with land clearing.
The process of acquiring tree removal permits and council permissions for land clearing can add to the cost. You also need to hire a professional arborist to get the job done. The process isn’t something that takes a few hours either. Comprising tree, stump, and shrub removal, it can take a long time depending on the trees and vegetation and the size of your property.
Even if you didn’t intend to include the landscape in your home rebuild, removal may be necessary for other reasons. For example, making the site accessible for heavy equipment, which isn’t possible when the space is occupied by trees.
3
Utility Disconnections
Did you know that you have to disconnect utilities before proceeding with house demolition in Brisbane?
Utility disconnection is often overlooked during the house demolition process, but it’s still necessary. The process should be done by licensed contractors or representatives from the utility companies.
Arranging visits from licensed plumbers and electricians to disconnect existing utilities is an important step in the process. This can ensure worker safety and reduces the risk of hazards during demolition, such as gas leaks, electrical shocks, or water damage. Once they’re done, remember to verify the disconnection and fill out the paperwork.
4
Waste Disposal Fees
Any house demolition work in Brisbane is bound to produce large amounts of waste that need to be transported. Waste material that’s typically disposed of during a demolition includes asbestos and other debris from the landscape.
Your asbestos team might either include or have a separate fee for disposal. Consider that the fees for some types of disposal, especially hazardous materials, may not be part of the quotes.
The best way to get a complete estimate is to ask providers for the approximate cost of waste disposal. You may have to pay more than what you initially expected, making it another hidden cost you should prepare for.
5
Site Levelling and Final Clearance
Lastly, and separate from the usual debris disposal, you have the site levelling and final clearance after the demolition. You can expect to pay for jobs like slab removal, removing footings, and levelling the surface. This service might have its own quote.
Let Next Gen Demolition Handle Your House Demolition in Brisbane
To understand the true cost of demolition, you should look beyond the base quote. For a clear breakdown and expert advice, contact Next Gen Demolition, Brisbane’s trusted partner for honest quotes and full-service house demolition.