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It can seem like a waste to demolish what appears at first glance to be a perfectly good building. Even a building that looks a little rough can seem like an excellent candidate for a fixer-upper investment. But there are times when a building is too far gone to save, and the better course of action is to demolish and start new. But how do you know when to demolish a building? What are the signs that a building is too far gone? Join us as we explore these questions and more.

Gumdale Demolition are Queensland’s leading demolition contractor. With over 30 years of experience to our name, we have built a reputation for performing quality work and for completing even the most complex jobs on time and on budget. Contact us today to learn more by calling (07) 3809 4108, or get a free quote online.

When to Demolish a Building

Foundation Damage

A foundation can become damaged in several different ways – anything from extreme events like earthquakes or floods, to the slow but persistent forces from tree roots shifting the foundation. The damage can be exacerbated by poor soil conditions or sub-standard construction. No matter the cause, when a foundation is severely damaged, repairs will be a big undertaking and very expensive. The repairs will also take a lot of time. It is often cheaper and easier to demolish and rebuild.

Frame Damage

A building that has been compromised by frame damage is a risk to both occupants and to neighbouring structures. This raises many issues of liability, so immediate action must be taken – either fix the frame or remove the building. Much like a damaged foundation, frame damage is another situation where a fix is sometimes possible, but it is often more economical to demolish. Also, depending on the extent of frame damage, it could be impossible to repair the frame in a way that makes the building safe, which simplifies the choice of whether to repair or demolish.

Fire Damage

Even a relatively small fire can wreak havoc on the soundness of a building. The fire can weaken structural integrity and cause damage in unseen locations, such as to structural supports as flames travel inside walls. But there is also the damage from putting out the blaze. It is the policy of firefighters that it is always better to use too much water to extinguish a fire than too little and risk the fire reigniting later.

Water damage from firefighting can sometimes cause more damage than the fire itself. There is also the very hard to eliminate smell of wet, burned wood, or the smell from toxins that were released as chemicals and plastics burned. If your building has experienced a fire, demolishing the structure should be a serious consideration.

Outdated Construction

Building codes change, and what may have been considered a perfectly usable structure could now be deemed unsafe. In these situations, the building can be brought up to code, but in many cases that can be too costly. If you face the situation where your building has been found to not meet regulatory standards, a cost benefit analysis could help in making the decision of when to demolish a building or when to refit. If you do decide to demolish and rebuild, you will have a shiny new building, complete with all the modern conveniences.

Risk to Public Health

When buildings have been abandoned or left unused for long periods of time, they often become hosts or homes to unwanted guests. Pest infestations and dangerous mould growth are not uncommon in these kinds of buildings. It can be very difficult to eliminate the health risks from pests or mould without demolishing the building.

Homeless squatters can also take up residence in unused buildings. They often live in poor conditions that quickly deteriorate from unsanitary to completely hazardous. Demolishing a building can sometimes be the only course of action if health conditions are too far gone. This will also prevent future squatters from occupying the same space.

Gumdale Demolition is Here for You

You have questions and we have the answers. Gumdale Demolition are the experts in demolition, and we want to hear about your concerns or questions related to when to demolish a building, or about any of our other services. Our friendly and helpful staff can be reached on (07) 3809 4108, or you can request a free quote online.

You may not have noticed it before, but concrete is the most used material in the world. Look at your surroundings, and you are sure to spot countless structures and buildings that have been crafted using the durable and reliable material. Even the sidewalks we travel on have been paved with concrete, meaning concrete is not only used to build the homes we rest in, but also the paths we use to get there.

The history of concrete is fascinating, as it stretches back long into the annals of mankind. While the method and ingredients used to create concrete have changed, we still rely on the material for the same functions to support our infrastructure and lifestyle. To shine a light on this invaluable invention, we have created a list of fun facts about concrete to showcase its importance in our lives.

If you’re searching for a demolition business that specialises in concrete removal and recycling, look no further than Gumdale Demolition. Get a free quote online or give us a call on (07) 3809 4108 to chat to a member of our team.

5 Interesting Facts About Concrete

Ancient Romans Were the First to Use Concrete

While similar materials were found in the palaces and cities of Ancient Egyptians and Greeks, the Romans were the first to use a compound that resembles concrete as it is today. The Romans used it to craft roads and temples, including the Pantheon, which is the world’s biggest dome built using concrete. While the history of concrete begins with the Romans, many cultures and creators innovated on the concept in the following centuries.

Concrete is Resistant to Both Fire and Water

Concrete is used not only for its building capabilities, but also for its fire- and water-resistant qualities. Concrete does not burn and cannot be lit on fire, making it a solid barrier to protect the rest of the structure in the event of a fire. When crafted in a particular way, concrete can be made near watertight, making it a great choice for underground structures that are vulnerable to flooding, such as carparks and basements.

Concrete Was Used to Detect Enemy Aircraft During World War II

The history of concrete weaves its way into World War II, as it was used by the British Army to detect enemy aircraft. Due to concrete’s ability to pick up sound waves, the British used these massive concrete slabs as “listening ears” to keep track of oncoming aircraft. A network of these concrete sound reflectors was constructed along the coast of England during the war and are still standing today.

Concrete Gets Stronger Over Time

One of the most interesting facts about concrete is that it gets stronger the longer it is allowed to set. It reaches around 90% of its overall strength after around four weeks but continues to strengthen throughout the decades. This is due to its conversion of calcium hydroxide to calcium carbonite and its absorption of carbon dioxide over time. This also plays a part in concrete’s impressive compression strength, meaning a massive level of force is needed to shatter it.

Recycling Concrete is Good for the Environment and Your Wallet

While the history of concrete shows that structures built using the material can stand forever, sometimes these buildings need to be torn down. After demolition takes place, there is typically an excess of concrete left on the site. Employing the services of a professional concrete recycling service, such as the one here at Gumdale Demolition, allows one to reduce their impact on the environment while saving on landfill dumping fees.

Searching for an Environmentally Friendly Demolition Service?

At Gumdale Demolition, we are fully licensed and qualified to handle a range of demolition projects on commercial, residential, and industrial properties. These demolition projects typically result in a lot of excess building materials being on-site, which is why we also offer a concrete disposal service to take this waste off your hands.

We ensure this concrete is safely recycled to create a sustainable service while lessening the burden on your finances. If you’re ready to get started, or you wish to learn more about our services, give us a call on (07) 3809 4108 or get a free quote online.

When it comes to home demolition, it is important to follow proven practices to ensure that everything runs smoothly and safely. Demolition is a dangerous and complicated endeavour, but by following a step-by-step process, you ensure that everyone gets home safe without causing unnecessary damage to the property. This makes even the biggest jobs easy to handle, as the project is divided down into manageable stages until the entire demolition has concluded. Having a plan in place also avoids the risk of any nasty surprises interfering with the project, as everything has been thought out and planned for in advance.

If you are searching for the premier demolition business in Queensland, give Gumdale Demolition a call on (07) 3809 4108 or get a free quote online.

The House Demolition Process

There are a range of reasons for why you may wish to demolish your home, whether it is because you are looking to build something new or you are planning to sell the empty land. No matter the reason, having a home demolition plan in place helps the project proceed as efficiently as possible. A typical residential demolition process involves the following:

Initial Consultation

When you decide to hire a demolition company to demolish your house, your first meeting will be a consultation where you outline your goals and requirements for the project. From there, we inspect your home and provide a quote for the job based on the scale of the property and the work you are looking to have done. Once you have agreed to our terms, we set about securing the necessary permits, so the house demolition process proceeds with council approval.

Disconnect Utilities

Before any work takes place, it is vital that all utilities have been disconnected and removed from the premises. This includes gas, water, and electricity. This process is undertaken to ensure that no workers accidentally come into contact with any live wires or pipes, resulting in unnecessary damage or harm. Telephone and internet cables are also removed during this process, as we advise you to cancel your utilities with your provider before demolition begins.

Remove Asbestos & Recyclable Materials

We have all heard of the dangers of asbestos, with the material commonly used in house construction in the past. Before work begins, we inspect the site for any traces of the harmful material and safely remove it to avoid putting anyone at risk. We also survey the site for any reusable or recyclable materials, ensuring that nothing valuable is wasted as we salvage it for later use or dispose of it at the proper facility.

Construction Begins

Once everything has been properly organised and the site carefully prepared, the home demolition finally begins. The steps prior to this ensure demolition can take place safely and with minimal disruptions. The length of the demolition varies depending on the size of your property, as well as if you want a full demolition or only a partial demolition of the house. Heavy machinery will be used on the site, so we take care to properly cordon off the area to ensure no one is put in harm’s way.

Clean-Up

Once the house demolition process has been completed to your expectations, we clear the site and remove any rubbish or debris that has appeared as a result of the project. This is to ensure you are not left with a mess on your property as we responsibly dispose of the wastage to create an environmentally friendly workplace. If you would like to hold on to any of the leftover materials, this is something to communicate with your contractor at the beginning of the project.

Book Home Demolition Today!

As a leading supplier of house demolition services in Queensland, Gumdale Demolition is here to provide all your residential, commercial, and industrial demolition needs. With over 25 years of experience in the industry, we possess the necessary skills and expertise to provide our customers with exceptional results every time. Get a free quote online or give us a call on (07) 3809 4108 to book a consultation.

As one of the most common materials used in construction, concrete is all around us. Whether it is the roads we drive on or the buildings we visit, concrete paves the way for our daily lives. But when it’s time for new construction and upgrades to take place, and this concrete is removed, what happens to it? Can concrete be recycled, or is it simply thrown into the trash? Not only can concrete be recycled, but there are a variety of ways to ensure this reliable material lives on.

As a top Brisbane demolition contractor, we are here to service all your residential, commercial, and industrial demolition needs. Get a free quote online or give us a call on (07) 3809 4108 to get started.

How Can You Recycle Concrete?

Visit a Recycling Facility

The most common way for builders and DIYers to donate concrete is to visit a recycling facility, which happily takes the excess material off your hands. By donating concrete to a recycling facility, you help keep the material in use for as long as possible, which helps the economy by retaining resources. This excess concrete is typically used for recycled aggregates and road bases, so you will be supporting your local infrastructure. Recycling concrete also results in savings on the water and energy that would be used to make new concrete.

Donate to a Local Landscaper or Builder

Those who work in construction or landscaping are always using concrete, whether it is in the construction of structures or the paving of paths. Not only can you recycle concrete to one of these professionals, but they may even be grateful enough for your donation that they offer a discount on their services. Even if you do not receive a benefit from the transaction, it is always nice to help your fellow humans while being able to get the excess concrete off your hands.

Repurpose it Around Your Home

Are you a keen DIYer, or do you have a project around your home you have been putting off for months? If you have been sitting around wondering “can concrete be recycled”, instead consider how you can repurpose the concrete to upgrade your home and yard. Excess concrete is perfect for paving paths in your backyard, such as from your back door to your pool or shed. It is also great for creating flooring for your outdoor area, with patios and terraces working well with concrete flooring. If you are an avid gardener or are looking to create mulch areas in your backyard, recycled concrete aggregate is a great way to decorate and protect the space.

Create Proper Drainage

When rain falls, the excess water it leaves needs to go somewhere otherwise it risks causing harm to properties and their owners. With the power of landscaping, you can create trenches and drains that guide the rainwater away from your home and into designated areas. Open drains aren’t exactly safe, however, which is why those asking “can you recycle concrete” should be using leftover concrete aggregate to cover their drains. This blocks the exposed area while still allowing water to run through at a steady rate.

Trust the Experts Today!

At Gumdale Demolition, we offer a range of demolition services to suit all your needs. Once demolition has taken place, we handle the disposing of concrete slabs to remove the intrusive materials from your property. We do so in a safe and environmentally conscious manner, ensuring all concrete is properly recycled for maximum sustainability. Give us a call on (07) 3809 4108 or get a free quote online to discuss how we may assist you.

A demolition project brings plenty of risks, as a variety of dangerous equipment and machinery will be present on the worksite as well as materials collapsing at one point or another in a safe and contained way. This makes it imperative that strict procedures are put in place and precisely followed to ensure that everyone remains safe at all times. A well-planned and executed demolition process results in the work being conducted efficiently and effectively, helping to mitigate the risk of costly delays and dangerous accidents. No matter if it is for commercial, residential, or industrial purposes, understanding the key steps to follow is the best way to conduct a successful demolition project.

If you require the services of a demolition contractor with over 32 years’ experience in the industry, contact Gumdale Demolition today. Please give us a call on (07) 3809 4108 or get a free quote online.

The Key Steps of the Building Demolition Process

Initial Consultation

Any demolition project begins with the initial consultation, where the owner of the property in question meets with their chosen demolition contractor. It is at this meeting that the client communicates their requirements for the project, and the contractor sets out how they are going to achieve these goals. This consultation ensures that both the client and the contractor are on the same page as they proceed with the project.

Survey the Site

Before any work takes place, it is vital for the worksite to be properly surveyed, which includes both the building and the land it occupies. This is one of the most important parts of the demolition process as it is imperative for constructing an effective demolition plan. Surveying the site also allows contractors to make the site as safe as possible by identifying any hazards that may put the project or the workers at risk, whether that is asbestos or unstable construction.

Create a Demolition Plan

Once the site has been surveyed, the contractor possesses the necessary information to develop a building demolition process to achieve the project’s goals. As well as listing the procedures that will be used to demolish the building, the plan will also feature the necessary precautions to be taken to create a safe site for everyone involved. During the planning stages the contractors also apply for the required permits and approvals from the local council.

Disconnect Utilities

Before the demolition process gets fully underway, all utilities must be disconnected from the property. This includes gas, water, and electricity, along with any phone lines present on the site. Disconnecting these utilities reduces the risk of workers coming across live wires or burst pipes while operating equipment and prevents the neighbourhood from losing access to these utilities if an accident does occur. If any hazardous materials have been detected on the site, such as asbestos, they are also removed during this stage to create a safe working environment.

Conduct the Demolition

Once the right plans have been put in place and the utilities have been disconnected, work finally begins on the demolition itself. Everything in the building demolition process has led to this, ensuring the contractors can conduct the work with minimal disruptions. The planning stages will have determined which method of demolition is being used for the project, whether that is mechanical or explosive, and the work is conducted to the client’s satisfaction.

Clean-Up

Any demolition project is guaranteed to produce large quantities of debris, and the final stage of the demolition process is to ensure that all this debris is responsibly disposed of. Reusable materials such as concrete and timber is recycled to ensure that nothing is wasted, resulting in an environmentally responsible worksite. All signs and equipment are also removed from the property during this stage to ensure that nothing hazardous remains on the site once work has concluded.

Contact Gumdale Demolition Today!

At Gumdale Demolition, we pride ourselves on being a leading Brisbane demolition service that conducts our business professionally and with the utmost respect for the environment. Our services include commercial, residential, and industrial projects, and we cover everything from interior strip-outs to asbestos removal. Get a free quote online or give us a call on (07) 3809 4108 to discuss your project.

As we all seek to help create a more environmentally responsible future, it is important that we take the necessary steps to dispose of waste at the conclusion of our projects. Working in construction or demolition typically results in a lot of excess concrete, which threatens to become an issue if left on the site for a prolonged period. When searching for how to dispose of concrete, it is vital that all relevant safety procedures are followed to ensure everyone remains safe at all times.

As one of the leading demolition businesses in Queensland, the team here at Gumdale Demolition are here to service all your demolition and disposal needs. To get started, give us a call on (07) 3809 4108 or get a free quote online.

Top Tips for How to Dispose of Concrete

Rent a Skip

Before the process of disposing concrete begins, it is important to have a place for the waste to be safely and securely stored. Having concrete waste spread out across the worksite is a danger to anyone passing through, with a bin providing a way to make the area more easily accessible. This makes the eventual disposal of the concrete much easier as well, as the skip simply needs to be delivered to a disposal centre, rather than having to waste time collecting spread out waste at the jobsite.

Dispose of it at a Transfer Station or Landfill

There are certain areas designated for waste disposal, ensuring this waste is disposed of ethically and responsibly. When searching for how to dispose of concrete, research landfills nearby that are accepting concrete waste. An alternative to a landfill is a transfer station, which is a location designed for dropping off waste. Rather than showing up unannounced, call ahead with the amount of concrete you are looking to dispose of to make sure they will accept it. This saves you money on collection crews, though it does mean you are responsible for transporting the waste yourself.

Donate

People are always on the lookout for free things, and if you advertise that you are giving the excess concrete away for free, you are sure to find someone interested sooner rather than later. While you can place a sign out the front of your property as an advertisement, the rise of the internet has made it easier to reach as many people as possible. Whether it’s Facebook Marketplace or Gumtree, making a listing for the concrete is likely to draw more than a few people interested in taking the surplus material off your hands.

Recycle

This depends on how much excess concrete you have and the condition it is in, but you may be able to recycle the concrete and use it in personal projects around the house. Looking to create a path in your backyard? The concrete can be used to pave it, while it can also be used in other backyard applications, such as paving garden walls and being used as a foundation for terraces and patios. If you are still stuck trying to find ways on how to dispose of concrete, call local landscapers or building supplies stores who may be interested in reusing the concrete.

Contact the Professionals

If your project is set to produce a lot of concrete waste and you are unsure of how to dispose of it all, contact a professional demolition company to handle it for you. Handling concrete waste without the proper training and equipment brings many dangers, such as exposure to silica dust, which can lead to lung disease. By hiring professionals, you can take comfort knowing your waste will be disposed of properly without having to put yourself at unnecessary risk.

Hire Gumdale Demolition Today!

At Gumdale Demolition we specialise in concrete slab disposal and are here to take any excess waste of your hands, so you don’t have to. We provide a range of demolition services catered to commercial and residential properties and conduct all our operations in a safe and environmentally responsible manner. Get a free quote online or call us on (07) 3809 4108 to enquire about our services.

Demolition services are self-explanatory, as they are services designed to demolish buildings to allow new ones to take their place, or to sell the land without any attached. But what is a partial demolition, and how does it differ from a full demolition project? A partial project has its own unique benefits and is typically a cheaper and faster way to remove part of your property. Read on to learn more about this service and the unique benefits it provides.

To speak to the Brisbane demolition contractors who provide expert service and customer satisfaction, give Gumdale Demolition a call on (07) 3809 4108 or get a free quote online.

What is Partial Demolition?

As the name implies, partial house demolition only affects part of a structure and not the entire building. It may involve rooms or walls being removed, while even entire sections of a home can be demolished. A partial project can be undertaken for commercial, residential, and industrial properties, and allows the rest of the building to function like normal. Whether it is an unused bedroom or an old kitchen, partial removals allow you to better maximise space while replacing the demolished sections with modern construction and designs.

When is Partial Demolition Needed?

If you are unhappy with part of your home but wish to keep the rest of it intact, a partial house demolition is the perfect choice. Creating open plan living is as simple as removing walls and rooms from the property and is more cost-effective than a complete demolition. Removing rooms from the back of your property allows the opportunity to create an outdoor space for you and your family as well. A partial project can also be the demolishment of an old shed or garage, creating more space or the opportunity to build a new one to better match the style of your home.

Replace Defects

When a defect is detected, such as leaking pipes or damaged timber, a partial demolition is used to safely remove the defects from the property. Faulty materials can lead to massive damage to the property if left unchecked, with a partial job able to remove the offending materials while leaving the rest of the building untouched.

Enlarge a Space

Many people wish a certain room in their house was bigger, and by removing walls your bedrooms, living room, or kitchen can double in size by creating an open space design. Rather than picking up a sledgehammer and swinging away, it is important to hire professionals to conduct the work for you, as the load-bearing structure of the walls needs to be considered before work takes place.

Update Parts of Your Building

If you own a commercial or industrial property and part of your building has been found to not be up to code, a partial demolition allows you to update the offending space without damaging the rest of the property. By rebuilding these rooms from scratch, you can ensure they feature all the necessary safety features and utilities to meet modern standards.

Extend Your Property

Removing walls and unused spaces allows you to attach your home to any new rooms you wish to build. Want to add an extra bedroom to the back of your home? A partial house demolition ensures the new room perfectly connects to your current home by removing walls and aligning it for maximum convenience and aesthetics.

Trust the Professionals

When it comes to demolition, it is important to hire professional contractors to undertake the work for you, as a poorly planned demolition job puts yourself and the property at risk. At Gumdale Demolition, we have been providing Queensland with high-quality demolition services for over 25 years. When it comes to commercial projects, we offer the building demolition Brisbane business owners trust to deliver excellent results every time. We also offer industrial demolition and residential demo services to help you begin again or build something new.

Plan Your Partial Demolition with Gumdale Demolition Today

Don’t settle for property that doesn’t meet your high standards. Whether your home is bigger than it needs to be, or your industrial building needs to be partially rebuilt to meet code, contact the experts at Gumdale Demolition to provide all your demolition needs. Get a free quote online or give us a call on (07) 3809 4108 to talk about how we can help bring your project to life.

Most Australians have heard of asbestos, and how the bygone building material is harmful and should be removed (professionally and carefully) immediately if detected. But what are the true dangers of asbestos, and what should you do if you detect signs of asbestos in your property? This blog aims to inform of the harmful effects asbestos has on our health, while also exploring ways to have it swiftly removed from your home or place of business.

As one of the top Brisbane demolition companies, the team at Gumdale Demolition is fully qualified to remove asbestos from industrial sites. To enquire about our services, call us on (07) 3809 4108 or get a free quote online.

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring minerals that have a high resistance to high temperatures and fire. These properties made asbestos a popular choice for insulators, and they were used in a range of building products in Australia from the 1940s to the 1980s. Roofs, pipes, and tiles during this time typically featured asbestos. These products were phased out during the 1980s once the risks of asbestos exposure were revealed, with a full ban occurring in Australia in 2003. Buildings featuring asbestos are still being discovered today, requiring specialised service to remove the material before it causes harm.

What Are the Dangers of Asbestos?

Damage or general wear and tear to materials containing asbestos causes particles to be released into the air. This is when asbestos becomes dangerous, as asbestos particles have a harmful effect on your lungs once they have entered your air supply. The risks of asbestos exposure include developing cancer in the lungs, ovaries, and larynx, with these afflictions typically not becoming apparent until decades after exposure.

Mesothelioma, which is cancer of the lining of the lung, is a deadly disease commonly caused by asbestos exposure, and there is currently no cure. Asbestosis and pleural plaques, which both create scar tissue in the lungs, are other consequences of being exposed to asbestos. Records show that approximately 4000 people lose their lives in Australia each year because of the dangers of asbestos, which is more than double the amount of annual motor vehicle deaths.

What Should I Do if I Discover Asbestos?

If you believe you may have discovered materials containing asbestos, it is important to contact professionals to safely remove the suspected materials before they cause further harm. If you suspect your workplace contains traces of asbestos, you should speak to your employer about the issue immediately and notify them of the dangers of asbestos.

While asbestos is typically safe if the material it is contained within has not been damaged or moved, it is still vital to remove the materials as soon as possible. Rather than removing the materials on your own and potentially putting yourself and other residents at risk, hire the services of a qualified asbestos remover to ensure all traces of asbestos are removed from the building. With the risks of asbestos exposure being so grave, it is a problem that should be resolved immediately.

Contact Gumdale Demolition Today!

With asbestos being a major hazard that affects thousands of Australians each year, it is vital to be aware of the risks of asbestos exposure. At Gumdale Demolition we specialise in industrial asbestos removal services and should be your first point of contact should you detect signs of asbestos in your industrial property. To get started, reach out on (07) 3809 4108 or get a free quote online for your intended project.

With society growing bigger by the day, it is simply not feasible to keep building houses on new land, as eventually we will run out of space to house everyone. That’s where demolition comes in, as removing old houses to place new ones is how we move forward, while still providing people with modern homes. But how much does it cost to demolish a house? That depends on a variety of factors, from the size of the house to the location and the materials that were used in the building’s construction. This blog will discuss these factors to provide an accurate estimate of the cost to demolish a house.

If you are in need of Brisbane demolition services, give Gumdale Demolition a call on (07) 3809 4108, or visit our website to get a free quote online.

Factors That Decide the Cost to Demolish a House

Size

Perhaps the most important factor when deciding the cost of your demolition job is the size and scale of the operation. If you are seeking to have your whole house demolished, then the job will understandably be more expensive than if you only want a partial demolition. A partial demolition could include only one room being demolished, or an interior strip out so a home can be remodelled without knocking down the foundations. The size of the home will also factor into the price, with a large two-storey home costing more to work on than a small, one bedroom unit. Some companies will charge $40 for every square meter they work on, emphasising the point that larger houses will cost more.

Location

When asking yourself how much does it cost to demolish a house, it is important to consider where your home is located. If the house you want demolished resides not too far from the demolition company, or is in an easily accessible area, great. But if your property is located quite far from the demolishers and resides in an area that is tricky to access, such as in the bush, the price may increase due to the difficulty of reaching your residence. A demolition job requires heavy equipment, and if that equipment is harder to transport, you can expect higher fees.

Materials

The materials that were used in the home’s construction will factor into the price as some materials are harder to dispose of than others. Houses made from brick or concrete require special machinery to be destroyed and will incur a higher cost as a result. The price will traditionally be cheaper if it is made from timber, however, as it is easier to remove and can usually be recycled afterwards, saving you money on disposal costs. On the flipside, if your home was built using hazardous materials, such as asbestos, you can expect to pay much more as jobs that feature asbestos warrant extra safety procedures and precautions to remove the material.

So How Much Does It Cost to Demolish a House?

As mentioned above, there are many factors that go into deciding the cost of a house’s demolition, with each company also charging their own fees and rates. Most jobs will fall into the range of $12,000-$40,000, with smaller, one-bedroom homes being around $20,000. It is important to discuss the price of your job with your chosen demolition company before work commences so you can ensure the total cost of your job falls within your budget.

Choose Gumdale Demolition

At Gumdale Demolition we specialise in house demolition and have been proudly offering our services for over 25 years. We offer professional and affordable services to Queensland homeowners, working hard to ensure you are completely satisfied with the outcome. We are fully insured and licensed to take care of any additional tasks that may occur during the demolition, such as asbestos removal, and strive to be environmentally responsible by salvaging and recycling materials.

Ready to Get Started?

If you need quality residential demolition services, trust Gumdale Demolition to deliver exceptional results at an affordable price. We work closely with your chosen builder to ensure the job is done correctly and will communicate with you through every stage to make sure everything meets your expectations. You can get a free quote online or give us a call on (07) 3809 4108 so we can get started on bringing your project to life.

The most important part of demolition is to be safe. No job is work risking injury for, so taking the necessary precautions to make sure everyone goes home safe at night is paramount to conducting proper demolition. Demolition safety comes in many ways, from using the right equipment to inspecting a site before demolishing it, while demolition health and safety standards should also be met before operations begin. Always make sure you have been granted council approval before demolishing a property, as there may be unknown factors you may have overlooked, from hidden power cables to people occupying the property.

Demolition is an essential part of the construction process, as the removal of old and decaying properties will allow new and improved buildings to take their place. Proper demolition safety procedures must be followed, however, to ensure a safe working environment for all involved. This blog will discuss the best tips for ensuring your site follows the essential demolition health and safety standards while conducting demolition.

Gumdale Demolition takes pride in being one of the leading demolition businesses in Brisbane. Call us on (07) 3809 4108 today to start discussing your next demolition project, or get a free quote online.

Demolition Health and Safety Tips

Wear Protective Equipment at all Times

The most basic rule of demolition safety is also the most important. Ensure all workers on site are wearing the necessary Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to always stay safe. A hard hat, safety glasses and gloves, steel-capped boots, and a high-visibility vest are all standard and must be worn to protect you from any hazards on site.

Ensure all Staff Have the Appropriate Training & Qualifications

When conducting demolition or construction of any kind, it is important to make sure that everyone working on site has been properly trained for their role and the environment. It can be dangerous for untrained staff to be present on site, so make sure they are all trained before work begins.

Conduct an Asbestos Survey

Before demolition can begin, a survey must take place to determine if there is any asbestos on site. If any is found, it must be safely removed and disposed of by following proper procedures. Once the site has been declared asbestos free, demolition can move forward.

Disconnect All Utilities

Before beginning the demolition of a site, ensure all utilities have been disconnected to avoid any potential hazards, such as water leakage or electrocution. Gas, water, electricity and any other utilities must be noted and disconnected, while the providers of each service should be notified of their disconnection.

Establish Clear Traffic Movement Areas

A demolition site will see plenty of heavy machinery moving around the space, so it is vital to clearly delegate operating areas for these vehicles. When one is operating these machines, it is hard to see anyone who may be walking nearby, so be sure to clearly mark where machinery will be operating and create a safe footpath away from this area so pedestrian traffic will not be near the machinery.

Begin Work at the Top of the Structure

When conducting demolition, it is important to properly survey the structure to avoid any incidents involving falling debris. Thus, it is advised to begin your demolition at the top of the building, as this mitigates the risk of having the entire structure toppling over once work begins.

Monitor Your Levels

Demolition sites can be noisy places, but it is important to monitor your noise levels, so workers do not suffer permanent damage to their hearing. Proper safety equipment should be provided to protect worker’s ears, while regular checks and breaks should be conducted to reduce the risks. Constant loud noise also runs the risk of earning the wrath of the nearby public.

Vibration levels are another factor that must be considered as constant exposure to heavily vibrating tools and machinery can cause workers to suffer from hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) later in life. Exposure to vibration should be reduced as much as possible, while it must be monitored if necessary.

Always Keep a Clean Site

The best way to ensure a safe working environment is to keep it clean. All debris and other excess materials should be immediately removed to allow clean pathways and reduce the risk of tripping hazards. Drinking water, break areas, and shelter from the elements must be provided on site to ensure proper care is given to your workforce so everyone remains safe and healthy.

Book Gumdale Demolition Today

The best way to ensure proper demolition safety is maintained is to hire a professional, and at Gumdale Demolition, we are the demolition experts. Whether you are seeking residential demolition services or commercial demo, we are here to provide you with best quality demolition on the market. Along with full demolition, we offer partial demolition, strip outs, asbestos removal, and concrete disposal.

To get started on your demolition project or to seek expert advice, give Gumdale Demolition a call on (07) 3809 4108 and a member of our friendly staff will be happy to speak with you. If you already know what services you need, get a free quote online so you can get a head start on your project as we work together to plan the perfect plan moving forward.