If you’re considering tearing a house demolition Brisbane and starting over, you’ve come to the right place for information. Here, you’ll find the necessary data to make a well-informed decision, whether you’re just beginning to explore the possibility of demolition or already have a specific building in mind.
In this article, we’ll discuss the situations in which it may be advisable to demolish a home and how to safely carry out the process.
The Right Time to Demolish a House
There are several situations in which it may be more beneficial to demolish a house rather than try to repair or renovate it. One potential reason is if the house has significant structural issues, such as foundation problems, fire or water damage, or infestations of pests or mould. These types of issues can be costly to fix and may make it more cost-effective to simply tear down the house and start over.
Another possibility is that the house has a lower value compared to other homes in the area due to intangible factors such as its size or age. In these cases, it may be more practical to demolish the house and build a new one that is more in line with current market demands.
Real estate investors may also consider demolition as a way to increase the value of a property by building a new house on the same lot. However, it’s important to carefully calculate the costs of demolition and compare them to the expected return on investment, or ARV, after the new house is built. This will help you determine whether house demolition Brisbane is a viable option for a particular property.
The Price of House Demolition Brisbane
The cost to demolish a house is often based on the square footage of the structure, but there are other factors that can affect the final price. Demolition prices can vary significantly, but it is generally considered to cost between $10,000 and $12,000 to demolish a 1,500 square foot home. Some demolition service providers charge by the square foot, but the cost may be higher if the house contains hazardous materials such as asbestos or mould.
If you are planning to remove a basement as part of the demolition process, this can also significantly increase the cost. In these cases, the cost of demolition may be between $18,000 and $20,000.
It’s important to keep in mind that the cost of demolition is just one aspect of the overall project. You will also need to budget for the cost of building a new house, which can be more expensive than renovating an existing structure. Additionally, it may be more challenging to sell vacant land compared to a new house, so you should consider this as you weigh the costs and benefits of demolition.
Hiring a Contractor to Demolish a House
Get in touch with your mortgage lender
It’s essential to communicate with your mortgage lender if you have a mortgage on the property you are considering demolishing. You should inform your lender of your plans and seek their approval before proceeding. Your lender may also be able to assist you in obtaining a construction loan for the rebuilding or renovation of the property. Note that we do not offer construction loans.
Choose a reliable contractor
Finding a reliable contractor is crucial for a successful house demolition Brisbane project. One of the best ways to start is by seeking recommendations from people you know and trust, such as family, friends, coworkers, and neighbours. They may be able to recommend a contractor they have had a good experience with, or warn you against hiring someone they have had a negative experience with.
If you don’t have any personal recommendations, you can also research contractors online by reading reviews on websites like Google or Yelp and checking their ratings on the Better Business Bureau’s website. You can also do a Google search for the name of the company along with terms like “complaint” or “rip-off” to see what other customers have to say about their experiences.
Once you have a few leads, it’s a good idea to gather written bids from the contractors you are considering. Compare the costs and options included in the bids, and don’t be afraid to ask for explanations if the bids vary significantly.
When considering contractors, it’s important to treat it like an interview process. Ask about their experience with similar projects and request professional references. If a contractor avoids answering your questions or providing references, this may be a red flag, and you should consider looking for another option.
Engage a home inspector
It’s a good idea to have a home inspector assess the property before house demolition Brisbane to identify any problems that need to be addressed before the demolition process begins. While a pre-demolition inspection may be similar to a standard home inspection, the focus is different.
For example, if the inspector discovers the presence of hazardous materials such as asbestos, mould, or lead pipes, you may want to seek bids from contractors who are experienced in dealing with these types of issues. It may be more cost-effective to hire separate contractors to handle these issues rather than paying the demolition crew to do so.
A qualified inspector will also be aware of any rules or restrictions related to the removal and disposal of hazardous materials such as asbestos tiles or vinyl siding. They can advise you on the necessary permits and the steps that need to be taken to ensure that the demolition process is carried out safely and legally.
You need a permit
In order to demolish a house, you will need to obtain a permit from the state where the property is located. If you hire a professional contractor, they should be able to handle the permit application process and submit the necessary paperwork on your behalf. It’s important to note that local regulations regarding demolition can vary, and the primary goal of these laws is to ensure the safety of the community and infrastructure. Failure to obtain the necessary permits and adhere to regulations could result in fines and the suspension of your contractor’s license.
Coordinate with your neighbours
It’s a good idea to inform your neighbours about the upcoming house demolition Brisbane in advance. This can help avoid misunderstandings or conflicts, and you can also emphasise the positive aspects of the project, such as the fact that you are building a new home that will improve the appearance of the neighbourhood and potentially increase property values.
To help mitigate any potential issues with noise and dust during the construction process, you can also let your neighbours know in advance and offer suggestions for how to minimise the impact. This can help maintain good relationships with your neighbours and ensure that the demolition and rebuilding process goes as smoothly as possible.
Disconnect the utility lines
Before you begin the demolition process, it’s important to make sure that all utilities are safely shut off and capped. You can do this by contacting your local gas, electrical, and water utilities and requesting that technicians be sent to the property to handle this.
It’s also a good idea to consult with your contractor to determine the safest time to turn off the power, as they may need it to power equipment used in the partial demolition of the home. This can help ensure that the demolition is carried out safely and efficiently.
Demolishing a House - The Cost-Effective Way
It’s important to consider the potential risks and dangers when budgeting for a house demolition Brisbane project. While it may be more cost-effective to handle the demolition yourself, you may not have the experience or resources to deal with any mistakes or accidents that may occur. Hiring a professional contractor can provide a higher level of expertise and a track record of successfully completing similar projects, which can reduce the risk of problems or errors.
If cost is a concern, you may also want to consider removing certain valuable components of the house before house demolition Brisbane. For example, hardwood floors and copper pipes can be removed and sold or scrapped for their value, and high-quality appliances and fixtures can also be sold even if they are in poor condition. This can help offset the cost of the demolition project.
Demolishing a House - The Do-It-Yourself Way
If you’re planning to handle the demolition of your house yourself, it’s important to follow all of the necessary procedures, including obtaining permits, shutting off utilities, and informing your neighbours. Keep in mind that demolition can be physically demanding work, especially if you need to operate large or heavy machinery.
If you’re confident in your ability to successfully complete the demolition process on your own, here are some tips for how to proceed:
Hire a trash dumpster
After the demolition process is complete, you will need to dispose of the debris and any remaining materials from the house. If you don’t have access to a dump truck, you will need to hire a junk removal service to handle this aspect of the project. The amount of debris and materials generated by the demolition will depend on the size of the house, but you can expect to need at least one 40-yard dumpster, and possibly more.
To determine the most cost-effective and efficient way to dispose of the debris, you should contact a few local dumpster rental companies and ask for estimates. This will help you determine which option is best suited for your project and how much it will cost.
Make sure to keep the key tools
If you are planning to disassemble the house by hand, whether completely or partially, you will need to have the right equipment on hand. Some of the tools and equipment you may need include:
- Basic hand tools such as pliers, screwdrivers, hammers, and utility knives
- Power tools like sledgehammers, claw hammers, crowbars, pry bars, nail pullers, chisels, power drills, hammer drills, shovels, reciprocating saws, and circular saws
You may also need a generator or batteries to power lights and equipment if you are working in a house without functioning electricity. This will ensure that you have the necessary power to complete the disassembly and repair work safely.
Make sure to keep the safety gear
The use of tools during the house demolition Brisbane process can create hazards from debris. To protect yourself, be sure to wear goggles, earplugs, gloves, a hard hat, a face mask, and work boots with a safety toe.
To begin the demolition process, start by removing the windows, doors, and their frames. Have a driver remove the doors from their hinges and transport them to the garbage can, and use a pry bar to remove the door casings. For windows, make notches with a utility knife along the inside edge of the window casing and pull it away from the wall with a hammer and chisel. To access the nails from the exterior, pry away the siding with a bar and carefully remove the nails and the window.
The method for removing flooring will depend on the material. Carpets and vinyl flooring can be easily sliced and yanked up, while hardwood and tile will require more effort. Be sure to research the most effective methods for removing your flooring, especially if you plan to keep any of the pieces.
Dismantle the sinks, tubs, toilets, and washing area
Before you begin removing appliances and fixtures, it’s important to turn off the power, gas, and water to the room or rooms in which you’ll be working. This will help prevent accidents and damage to the property.
Start by disconnecting all of the appliances in these rooms and carefully removing them. Some appliances, such as stoves, refrigerators, and washing machines, may be easier to remove than others, such as heaters, water heaters, and dishwashers.
Once you’ve finished removing the appliances, it’s time to start taking out the fixtures. This includes everything from bathroom fixtures (such as tubs, showers, lights, sinks, and cabinets) to other fixtures throughout the house. Be sure to dispose of or salvage these items as needed.
Start the major demolition work
Once you have removed all of the necessary parts of the house, you can begin the demolition process. This can be a lengthy and labour-intensive process that may require the use of heavy machinery and could take an entire day to complete. If you do not feel confident operating heavy machinery, especially in a larger home with multiple floors, you may want to consider hiring a professional.
Here are some basic steps to follow when doing the house demolition Brisbane work on your own:
- Use an excavator to dig a hole in the ceiling and then fill it in.
- Push all walls inward.
- Throw the debris into a dumpster.
- Dismantle the base and discard the pieces.
Keep in mind that this is just a general outline and the specific steps you need to take may vary depending on the size and layout of your home.
House Demolition Can Be Worthwhile If Done Right
Before deciding to demolish a home or building, it’s important to carefully weigh the potential costs and returns. Demolition is a time-consuming and potentially costly process, especially if you need to hire a professional. It’s also important to consider the risks involved, as demolition work can be physically demanding and may require specialised training and certification to operate certain types of equipment.
If you are considering financing options for a house demolition Brisbane project, we recommend speaking with a mortgage professional to discuss your needs. While we do not provide construction loans ourselves, we may be able to help you convert an existing construction loan into a mortgage.
