There are quite a few steps to having a property demolished and cleared and most people have no idea what's involved or how long it might take. In fact, most of our clients are demolishing for the first time and are surprised at the detailed demolition process. So, we thought what better way to inform the masses than putting together a guide to keep you in the know! Plus, as an added benefit of being a special client of Melway Demolition, you'll be guided throughout the entire demolition by your very own demolition expert. How's that for service hey😉?
Obtaining the Demolition Permit (also referred to as a Building Permit):
We (together with our building surveyor) will arrange the demolition permit through your local council on receipt of all relevant documents from you. Once this application is submitted to council, it can take up to approx. 3 weeks to receive the demolition permit, pending no other information is required. Demolition works aren't able to begin until the demolition permit is received.
The following is a list of documents required by council to obtain a demolition permit:
- Copy of Title of property (no older than 3 months)
- Plan of Subdivision, also called a ’Title plan'
- Site/Feature plan showing existing buildings to be demolished
- Completed Consent Agreement or Contract (we will send this to you should you decide to go ahead with us)
- Completed Surveyor Appointment Letter (also sent along with the consent agreement)
*Additional documents may be requested by council/building surveyor as follows:
- Heritage overlay &/or Vegetation Protection
- Footpath occupancy &/or hoarding permits from council if demolition works are close to street
- Planning Permit
- Construction Management Plan (also know as a CMP)
- Protection Works Notices (these are basically documents needing to be served to neighbouring owners where adjoining buildings may be damaged due to demolition works. Not as complicated as it sounds and we can assist you with this)
- Other documents may be required by the surveyor & your local council and this will be advised once the application has been submitted
Abolishment of services to the property
Before any kind of demolition works can begin, the owner/builder of the property is required to arrange the abolishment of all services to the property. It is super important that the services are ‘abolished’ and not just disconnected. Abolishments involve the following:
- Gas Abolishment - You will need to request this through your gas provider which includes the removal of your gas meter and works to eliminate the flow of gas to the property. Please note that you will need to complete a form to abolish this service.
- Electricity Abolishment - You will need to request this through your electricity provider which includes removal of the meter and power line. Also requires you to complete a form for abolishment.
- Telecommunications (phone line, NBN, cable T.V., etc.,.) - You will also need to arrange the abolishment of all telecommunications on the property. This includes cutting of cables and moving them back to the power pole or pit (if services are located underground). Alternatively, feel free to contact us for the details of a licensed contractor who can arrange the abolishment of all your telecommunications for a small fee.
Please note that service abolishments can take up to 20 business days from the time of submitting your request as advised by the utility providers. All services must be abolished before we can begin demolition works.
Sewer & Storm water capping
This may be required by your builder prior to their commencement of works and if that's the case, you will need to arrange a licensed plumber to cap all services for you prior to demolition. We can also arrange this on your behalf so be sure to notify us prior so that we can include this service in your quote.
Asbestos & Hazardous materials removal
While every effort is made to inspect the area for Asbestos or Hazardous materials prior to demolition, sometimes they are discovered hidden behind walls & buried underground. If any hidden Asbestos or Hazardous material is found during demolition, we will notify you ASAP to discuss your options as additional charges may apply for professional removal.
When your property is vacant, you will need to leave a key on site so that we can arrange asbestos assessments for you. Once the assessments have been completed, we can book in removal with a licensed contractor. This process can take up to two weeks depending on availability.
Asset protection permit
Before any demolition works can begin, you will need to obtain an asset protection permit from your local council. This permit is to protect the council assets (footpath, kerb & channel, nature strip, roadway, etc.) from any damage that may be caused during demolition and acts as a sort of insurance for the council. You will then need to forward a copy of this permit to us.
Tree removal
Your property may be located in a vegetation protection overlay or contain a 'protected' tree or two. This means that you might need a permit to remove these trees. This you'll need to check with your local council in order to confirm which trees are protected and whether you need to keep and protect them or if you can apply for a tree removal permit. Please note that if you do opt for a tree removal permit, Council can take some time to grant them.
Temporary fencing
It is a Council requirement to have temporary/cyclone fencing erected before demolition can commence. This is to protect the public from entering the demolition site. It will need to remain until demolition works are completed . (Contact Melway for a contractor who can supply & erect for a small fee.)
Roof Tile removal
We are big on recycling here at Melway Bin Hire & Demolition & prefer to remove roof tiles prior to sending in the machine for demolition so that it can be sent to the quarries for re-use. This is one of the final steps prior to commencing demolition itself.
Dial Before You Dig
It will be your responsibility to provide any details of underground utility cabling, piping, etc., prior to the commencement of works on site. You can easily arrange this by calling Dial Before You Dig on 1100 or lodge a request at www.1100.com.au
Day of Demolition
YAY! You made it to Demolition Day and are ready to rock and 'roll' (pun intended😉). We prefer that you visit the site prior to any works commencing for any ‘last minute’ instructions. Once demolition begins, anyone other than Melway staff aren't permitted on site for safety purposes.
Demolition of an average property takes approx. 4 - 5 days to complete. On completion, you will be left with a clear block, ready to build and start afresh.
I know this demolition process may sound daunting but don't be deterred! Though it may seem like quite a bit of work, it's actually not that complicated and as mentioned earlier, we'll be with you every step of the way. If there's something else you'd like to know or if you have any questions, please feel free to call us on 03 9354 6996. Our aim is to ensure your peace of mind so speak with one of our demolition experts today!
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