If you’re about to venture into a demolition project, it’s likely that you have a few questions. Namely: What will the process be? How long will it take? What can you expect?
It’s important to note, however, that every demolition project is different. Here at Chain Demolition, we offer a range of demolition services that cover everything from residential demolition to industrial demolition – the process, timeframe, and details will all differ depending on the site itself, as well as its unique challenges.
With that being said, transparency is key in our approach. Over the years, we’ve prided ourselves on open communication about how demolition works, and keeping our clients informed through every step of the journey – and while no single demolition project is the same, there are identifiable traits that carry over into each of them. To help you get your head around what the next few weeks – or months – will look like, we’re going to walk you through these traits now, giving you a basic step-by-step guide to how demolition works.
Step One: Initial Consultation
One of the most critical steps that remains the same, no matter the scope of the project, is the initial consultation and assessment phase. Our team will start by discussing your specific goals and expectations for the demolition. Are you clearing space for a new construction? Do you need partial or full demolition? Are there any specific features or materials you’d like preserved? This conversation will help us to align our approach with your vision, while also giving us all the key details that will help us make the process as smooth, safe, and efficient as possible.
Step Two: Site Inspection
The next thing we’ll do is visit the site and evaluate the property in person. This is an important step in identifying the physical conditions and unique aspects of the structure and its surroundings. We’ll be assessing a number of aspects, including the size of the site, the materials used, the structural integrity, accessibility for our equipment and debris removal, safety hazards such as asbestos, as well as any nearby structures or utilities that could affect the demolition process. Looking specifically at the safety hazards, if the site contains any hazardous materials or environmental risks, we’ll note them all and conduct more detailed testing, ensuring the project remains safe and compliant throughout.
Step Three: Planning and Permits
Once we’ve gathered all the necessary information, we’ll develop a tailored demolition plan that suits you. As we mentioned before, this will be a totally unique plan, based around the specific features of the structure and your own requirements and goals. A tailored demolition plan like this will ensure that every detail is accounted for, providing a transparent roadmap that aligns with the unique aspects of the project and helps to give you a more definitive timeframe for the process. While this is being done, we’ll also work to secure the necessary permits, which are typically granted by the local council – in this case, one of the several authorities for Cheshire and Greater Manchester – once the appropriate documentation and plans are submitted.
Step Four: Soft-Strip Demolition
After authority has been granted and the plans are agreed upon, we’ll begin the demolition process. When it comes to the demolition process, it always starts with a ‘soft strip’ of the property. This is the process of carefully removing non-structural elements, such as furniture, fixings, fittings, and other materials that can be salvaged or disposed of. Essentially, we’ll focus on the internal and external components of the building that are not integral to its structural stability, ensuring that everything is disposed of efficiently and compliantly, whether that’s through recycling, reuse, or safe disposal.
Step Five: Demolition
Once the soft strip is complete, the full demolition can begin. This will generally differ depending on whether it’s a residential demolition, a commercial demolition, or an industrial demolition. Residential demolition, for instance, might be more straightforward due to the smaller scale and simpler structures, allowing for a more manual approach. In contrast, commercial and industrial demolitions often require more specialised techniques and equipment, such as hydraulic excavators, crushers, and explosives, with special care given to removing industrial components such as machinery, tanks, and pipes.
In any case, however, work will always be done to manage utilities – such as disconnecting water, electricity, and gas lines – sorting through debris, and ensuring safety is always a top priority. If it’s a residential demolition, for instance, a unique challenge can be the disruption caused to neighbouring homes and communities. For industrial demolition, another challenge might be the management of hazardous waste, as well as compliance with strict environmental regulations. We strive to meet these challenges and make sure the process remains sustainable, safe, and compliant.
Step Six: Site Cleanup
Our job isn’t just to demolish, it’s to ensure the entire process is completed to the highest standard, including a site cleanup once the demolition is done. Whether it’s debris removal, sorting, and recycling, soil and ground preparation, or utility reconnection, we make sure to get everything in order once the job is complete and conduct a thorough, final inspection to confirm it. During this inspection, we’ll walk with you through the site to confirm it’s ready for its next purpose, and if any additional steps are needed – such as the removal of metals, wood, or glass, or any leftover fixtures or components that were part of the structure – we’ll attend to them promptly to ensure the site meets all the safety, environmental, and regulatory standards.
Step Seven: Conclusion
After the demolition is finished and a final inspection has been made, you’ll receive a detailed report summarising the project, and we’ll be there to answer any questions or issues you may have. Akin to this, we’d love to hear your thoughts on the experience as a whole, and we encourage you to leave us a review and recommend us if you think we’ve delivered on our promise. Here at Chain Demolition, we have made safe and efficient demolition our mission, and client satisfaction is at the heart of everything we do. So, the more people are aware of just how safe and efficient demolition can be, the better!