What to expect during a house demolition project
Demolishing a house might sound straightforward (just knock it down!), but there’s much more to it than getting the heavy machinery out or swinging a sledgehammer. Whether you’re clearing a site for a brand-new home or dealing with a property that has become unsafe, demolition is a carefully managed process with important steps along the way. Here’s what you can expect.
Why demolish a house?
There are several reasons you might have decided to demolish a building on your property:
- Because you’re starting over with a new home. It’s not uncommon to buy property but it is outdated and make the decision to replace it with something modern, energy-efficient and better suited to today’s lifestyle.
- Safety and structural concerns. In some cases, the existing property may have serious issues such as subsidence or if a very old home has been so poorly maintained that it’s beyond repair.
- A fire or flood has made the structure uninhabitable, so it’s time to rebuild.
- You’re maximising land value. Redeveloping a large site with just one older dwelling and building five homes in its place site can make better use of the plot.
Whatever the reason, the decision to demolish a building or home is usually the first step in a bigger plan for the site. What’s more, there are steps that need to be taken before a demolition begins.
Preparing for demolition
Before any heavy machinery arrives on site, there are several essential checks and permissions that must be in place. We’ve rounded up the ones you need to consider here:
Surveys and asbestos checks
Every demolition project should begin with a survey of the site and the structures to identify building materials, services that may need to be disconnected and potential hazards.
If the property was built before 2000 then a pre-demolition asbestos survey is a legal requirement. If asbestos is found, it must be removed by licensed contractors before demolition work can begin.
Planning and permissions
A demolition notice needs to be served to your local authority under the Building Act 1984, giving at least six weeks’ notice that the work will take place. Additional planning consent may be needed if the property is listed or lies within a conservation area. Councils can also issue conditions on how work is carried out.
Services and neighbours
Gas, electricity, water and telecoms must be properly disconnected before demolition. You will need to let your neighbours know what’s going on too, especially if boundaries, shared walls or access routes may be affected by the work or the presence of heavy machinery.
The demolition process
Once all those permissions are in place and the surveys are complete, demolition can begin. And it might begin a little more gently than you imagine…!
Soft strip
The first stage usually involves removing internal fixtures, fittings and non-structural elements. This reduces hazards and allows materials such as timber or metal to be salvaged for recycling.
Structural demolition
Then it’s time for bigger, specialist machinery that takes down the structure itself. Hydraulic excavators fitted with crushers or shears are the most common method, though manual dismantling may be used where space is tight or if materials are being preserved. To keep things safe for workers and anyone else on site, most contractors will employ dust suppression and put exclusion zones in place.
Timescales
For a typical detached house, demolition may take a week or so once work is underway. Larger, more complex or restricted sites can take longer, particularly if asbestos removal is required. It’s worth checking in with your contractor to get an estimate on the time your demolition will take, though timings can shift due to machinery issues, weather or a structural issue that wasn’t picked up during the survey.
Waste removal and recycling
Clearing away debris is just as important as bringing the structure down. Concrete, brick and masonry can often be crushed and reused as hardcore, while steel, timber and stone and other materials are separated for recycling. Licensed facilities handle any hazardous waste, and good contractors will keep documentation that shows everything was disposed of legally and responsibly. They will also aim to recycle as much as possible, keeping both the costs and the environmental impact of the project down.
Other things to consider
Protected species: if bats or nesting birds are present, work may be delayed until surveys or mitigation are complete.
Access and logistics: narrow roads or limited space can affect the type of machinery used and lengthen the programme.
Noise and dust: these are managed on site but can still affect neighbours, so communication is key.
Insurance and safety: make sure your contractor has the right cover and follows the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015.
Why choose David Horton Contractors for a demolition project?
Demolishing a house is a complex project with lots of moving parts. From asbestos surveys and permissions through to machinery, waste management and final clearance, having the right contractor is vital. At David Horton Contractors, we specialise in safe, efficient house demolitions across the South West and beyond. Our experienced team handles every stage in the process, leaving you with a clean, ready-to-build plot. If you’re considering a demolition project, get in touch with us today to discuss your plans and arrange a site appraisal.