- Blakemere Craft Centre, Northwich, Cheshire CW8 2EB
Here at Chain Demolition, our team doesn’t just specialise in demolition. We offer a range of services, including void and derelict property clearance – an essential process for preparing neglected spaces for redevelopment, resale, or safer usage.
In the context of housing, properties are often referred to as ‘void’ or ‘derelict’ when they become structurally unsound and present unique challenges that range from accumulated debris and waste to vandalism, pest infestations, and structural instability.
When it comes to void property clearance, our job is to clear out all waste and debris – including hazardous materials – salvage any reusable elements, and address any safety risks to prepare the property for reuse or redevelopment.
So how exactly do we do this? As with any demolition project, the first step is to conduct a thorough inspection of the property. This involves assessing the level of waste accumulation, identifying structural hazards, and checking for the presence of hazardous materials, including lead-based paint, asbestos, and mould.
As specialists, we’ll evaluate any risks of contamination or fire hazards, and from there, we’ll determine the appropriate safety measures and the tools required for clearance. Once a tailored plan has been created, we will need to obtain the necessary permits – depending on the property’s condition, local regulations may require specific permissions for waste removal and hazardous material handling – and then the real work can begin.
Before the derelict or void property clearance takes place, the property must be secured, with utilities disconnected and barriers erected to restrict access. If the property is infested with rodents or insects, extermination services are carried out, and our team will then safely remove any dangerous substances and begin categorising waste, ascertaining what is recyclable and what needs to be disposed of. Large items such as furniture and appliances will be removed using the appropriate equipment, with proper handling to avoid damage to surrounding structures or pathways.
After the larger items are cleared, smaller debris, including loose rubbish, will be collected and bagged, leaving the property free of clutter. Floors and surfaces will be swept, pressure-washed, and sanitised as necessary to ensure a clean finish, and if the property is deemed unsafe, temporary stabilisation measures – such as bracing walls or securing the roof – will be done to ensure the property is safe for inspection and redevelopment.
Speaking of inspection, this will be the next port of call. Once the property is effectively cleared and sorted, a final inspection will be carried out to ensure all hazards have been mitigated and the site meets local regulations. A detailed report is then handed to the client, including records of waste disposal, hazards addressed, and any recommendations for redevelopment, and the site will be handed over for its next intended purpose.
Void and derelict property clearance is one of the most important jobs we do. In order to maintain the safety, hygiene, and usability of a site, the clearance must be done with the utmost care, which is a service our team prides itself on. If you have a property that needs to be cleared, don’t hesitate to get in contact with us, and in the meantime, check out our most frequently asked questions to get a broader idea of the intricacies of the process.
To be more specific, a property is classified as ‘void’ when it is unoccupied, often temporarily, but still in a condition that can be reused or redeveloped. A ‘derelict’ property, on the other hand, is one that has been neglected or abandoned for an extended period, typically resulting in severe disrepair, structural damage, or environmental hazards.
If a property has a pest infestation, our team works closely with pest control specialists to assess and eliminate the problem. This may involve the extermination of rodents or insects, or the removal of nests or contaminated materials. In any case, our team ensures the property is treated properly before clearance begins, creating a safe environment for the next steps in the process.
Vandalised properties do present challenges. Whether it’s the removal of broken windows, graffiti, or damaged structures, they often require special assessment and, in some cases, specialised equipment for removal. Our team is well prepared for this, and will take extra precautions to ensure the site is safely cleared, no matter how vandalised it has become.
Of course! With the right attention and care, a derelict property can definitely be made safe for future use, despite the fact it will need more extensive work than a void one. As mentioned previously, our team conducts a thorough assessment before getting started, coming up with a tailored, effective plan to make an unusable space usable again.
The timeframe for void and derelict property clearance can vary. For void property clearance, it could take a few days to a week, especially if there are minimal hazards. For derelict properties, however, the process could take several weeks, or perhaps more. That’s why we tailor a specific timeline to meet the needs of the property, ensuring the job can be done thoroughly and safely, and the client has a definitive idea on how long it will take.
As mentioned before, our demolition contractors also specialise in a range of other services, including non-fibrous asbestos removal, void and derelict property clearance, land clearance, office clearance, and garden clearance. Each of these services is designed to meet the specific needs of our clients, whether they’re dealing with an abandoned property or simply clearing out excess clutter from their garden space.
We recognise that no two properties are the same, so we endeavour to give every project our full commitment, working closely with the client to customise our approach and make sure the plan is suited perfectly to the particular demands of the property.
If you’re looking for demolition and clearance services in Cheshire, make sure to get in touch. We’re always ready to jump on board!
We’re a small but mighty, family-owned team of demolition contractors and specialists committed to providing safe, sustainable, and efficient demolition and clearance services in Cheshire. With years of experience in the industry, we pride ourselves on delivering tailored services that suit each client’s unique needs.
