Taking a hammer to something seems like fun, all those popular home renovation shows always show the joy and excitement of the homeowner taking that important first swing. What they don’t show are the potential dangers and downfalls that a risk assessment of potential hazardous methods – like striking a water or electrical line, and realizing too late that it’s a supporting wall – messy and unnecessarily expensive.
H.L. Demolition & Waste Management Ltd provides demolition services in Victoria and the surrounding areas for projects ranging from small residential to large commercial and industrial projects. Through our years of professional efforts we’ve learned a few things - while demolition is typically fast and messy, it’s not mindless and uncomplicated – demolition requires a clear strategy to save significant time and financial repercussions later.
There’s actually quite a bit to know about demolition; here are a few basics:
Don’t try and do it yourself - An experienced crew knows what to keep and what to tear-out. There will be a bit of noise and some mess so make nice with your neighbours as you’ll need their understanding and patience. And finally, don’t live in your house during demo.
Get your permits - The neighbors will notice and the building inspector knows what it means when there’s a dumpster sitting in your driveway.
More demo - For most significant remodels we recommend taking the walls down to the studs, so it typically makes sense to remove more than originally planned. There is always ridiculous stuff hidden in the wall cavities, dubious electrical connections, and often there’s no insulation. Listen to the guy on site with experience who says “consider these things….”
Asbestos – is worth mentioning on its own, nothing will shut down a project quicker than an asbestos violation. There is a legal requirement to have an environmental risk assessment performed by a qualified consultant. At HL Demolition & Waste Management Ltd. we do not do environmental risk assessments as it would be a conflict of interest but we will point you in the right direction of several reputable Environmental Company’s.
Budget - typical projects have a 10 percent budget contingency, used for all the surprises that pop up during construction. Because there are so many unknowns and variables in the demolition phase, an unproportional amount of the contingency is inevitably consumed.
Recycle - items like appliances, windows and cabinets can be reused or recycled from the demolition of a home if they’re in decent shape.
At H.L. Demolition & Waste Management Ltd., we understand the permits, inspections, and knowledge required to handle all aspects of your demolition project. With our extensive range of equipment, expertise and experience, services include:
Analyze and safely prepare structures for demolition;
Full or partial demolition, selective interior demolition, and site remediation;
Asbestos abatement and removal;
Mechanical room and HVAC dismantling;
Excavation, site grading, and retaining wall services;
Trucking and bin services
Fuel oil pump outs (full or partial)
Removals – above and below ground tanks, boilers, and cooling towers;
Contaminated soil removal and back fill; and
Environmental assessment and reporting.
At H.L. Demolition & Waste Management Ltd, in providing demolition services throughout all of British Columbia and Western Canada, our approach to demolition projects keeps these principles in mind:
Analyze and safely prepare structures for demolition;
Give consideration to any adjacent structures or active projects;
Coordinate tasks and schedule with you, our clients; and
Approaching every project with the utmost concern for safety and environmental impact.
From heavy manufacturing jobsites to offices, at H.L. Demolition & Waste Management Ltd, we do demolition, hazardous waste removal, asbestos abatement, salvage, and much more. Contact H.L. Demolition & Waste Management Ltd. at 250-383-4444 today to discuss our range of services and to schedule a free consultation
Comments