As a property owner looking to rebuild, you want the lead time for demolition in Brisbane. Because the process is highly complex and can have a major impact on your project timelines, it’s important to plan it to avoid delays.
We’ll discuss some of the most typical lead times, factors that can affect timelines, and the importance of early demolition, according to experts.
Typical Timeframes For House Demolition in Brisbane
Quote
Getting a quote for house demolition can take from days to a few weeks. How soon you get a quote depends on how early you can call a licensed professional to inspect your property and provide an estimate. It’s recommended to schedule a consultation with experts like Next Gen Demolition as soon as you finalise plans for a rebuild.
Approvals
To demolish a house in Brisbane, you need to secure council approval, especially if it was built before 1946 or in heritage sites. This may include a building approval, as well as other approvals like planning, plumbing, and a footpath permit.
Site Access
A factor that’s commonly overlooked is site access. Demolition requires specialised equipment like excavators, cranes, and trucks of different sizes. If a property is difficult to reach or has limited space for the equipment to manoeuvre, it takes more time and resources to transport or do without the equipment. Similarly, removing debris from the site can become more complex and time-consuming, adding to the cost.
Asbestos Testing and Removal
Testing the structure for asbestos and removing it from the property is an essential step in demolition. Specialists will visit your site to test it for asbestos and if they find traces, they’ll begin removal. This can take as little as a day or even a week, depending on the size of the job.
Scheduling and Demolition
After making all the preparations, what’s left is scheduling the demolition to get the job done. It’s important to speak with your specialist demolition team to schedule a date in advance. This ensures that you don’t waste any time before the rebuild.
Debris Removal and Disposal
This is the final stage of the process that involves hauling debris from the site and disposal in a regulated area. Depending on the scale of demolition and size of your property, debris removal and disposal can take from one to three days. For instance, small properties or partial demolition takes less time than a complete demolition or a project involving a bigger property.
Factors That Affect Lead Time
Council Approvals
Getting demolition permits from the local council can take days to weeks, depending on the complexity of the application and any heritage overlays or zoning restrictions.
Asbestos Inspections
Properties built before 1990 often require asbestos checks. If experts find asbestos in your property, you’ll need to schedule safe removal, which can add significant time to the process.
Contractor Availability
High demand for demolition services or peak construction seasons may mean that you have to wait weeks for a contractor to start work.
Weather
Harsh weather conditions like heavy rain or storms can delay demolition, especially if machinery access becomes unsafe or soil conditions worsen.
Site Access
Properties with narrow driveways or are surrounded by buildings limit access for equipment. These may require specialised equipment or permits, extending preparation time.
Planning Ahead with Your Builder
If you’re planning a rebuild, early demolition can speed up your schedule by clearing the site beforehand. This gives you a clean slate, while pointing out possible issues with the site. Early demolition prevents delays later during the construction process and helps ensure that your new building meets current safety and building codes.
Tips to Minimise Delays
1
Pre-Booking
One of the first things you can do for an efficient house demolition in Brisbane is to pre-book services. You can pre-book services by professional demolition experts, like Next Gen Demolition, to avoid having to wait or settling for further off available dates.
2
Preparing Approvals
Since you can’t start demolition without an approval, not having council approval can delay the process. One way to avoid delays is to work with a specialist to secure approvals early on.
3
Disconnect Utilities Early
Disconnecting utilities like plumbing and electrical wiring is a crucial part of the demolition process. Not doing so could mean facing a snag in the process, so it’s best to get it done before demolition can begin.
Work With a Professional Team For House Demolition in Brisbane
While lead times vary, most house demolitions in Brisbane require several weeks of preparation before any machinery or equipment can arrive on site. To make sure your demolition project is completed without delays, it’s important to work with a professional team that’s prepared to deal with sudden challenges. For example, unexpected weather changes can affect the demolition process.
Experts like Next Gen Demolition recommend contacting them early on to secure a preferred start date and ensure your rebuild gets off to a good start.