Historic Buildings Demolition Process

When a building’s life span ends it can be deemed a safety hazard, so demolishing it can be a beneficial process. Before any work starts, the appointed demolition contractor must conduct a structural survey and acquire the relevant permissions from local authorities. This survey determines construction materials, as well as hazardous substances in the building, drainage conditions, and shared facilities.

Demolition companies must also assess the level of pollution that the work will cause. Neighbourhoods can be sensitive to dust, noise and vibration caused by the demolition process.

Structural surveys will reveal the methods of construction, structural systems like underground tanks or vaults, and the general condition of the building. If the historic building contains asbestos, petroleum contamination or radioactive substances, the contractor must remove them before any doing any demolition work.

A building survey before demolition also determines the distance of adjacent buildings and helps contractors create a sequence of dismantling. After the survey, the hazards specialists will remove the toxic substances, and the contractor can brief workers on potential hazards and safety measures. Regardless of whether the demolition company chooses to use explosive or non-explosive methods for residential demolition, they still need to control pollution levels.

Conclusion

Before finding a demolition contractor, you should check if the building has historical significance with the relevant historic preservation communities. Getting approval to demolish landmark buildings can be a drawn out process.

You may also need special planning permission and specific requirements to destroy a landmark building. The National Register of Historic Places can help you determine the historical value of an old building.