What happens during demolition and site preparation?
“Demolition and Site Preparation” is an important stage in construction, and often the first real activity you see on your building site.
In this episode, we talk about the next stage of construction. This is the Demolition and Site Preparation stage. This is where you’ll be getting your site and home ready for the new construction to commence.
You may be building new or renovating, and so this stage can involve full or partial demolition. Duayne and I talk about the specific activities in this stage, and what to expect from your builder in their communication and planning.
Full demolition can be done very quickly in most cases, and will often be outsourced to a separate contractor by your builder.
Partial demolition can take longer and be far more labour-intensive (and higher in cost as a result). However, if your home needs to have selective areas demolished in order to retain specific parts of it, and ready it for the future construction work, then this can be careful, time-consuming work.
Site preparation can include earthworks and construction work to prepare your site and project for the next stage.
There’s a lot to consider at this point, so that your project is set up to run smoothly, and you deal with unsafe materials such as asbestos.
Listen to the episode now …
PODCAST PARTNER: QUOTESPEC
This season’s podcast partner is QuoteSpec. QuoteSpec is a cloud-based app that enables builders and tradespeople to create great-looking, professional, easy to read, and comprehensive quotes for reno and building projects, in a simple and super fast way.
Ask your builder or tradesperson “do you use QuoteSpec?” and if they don’t, send them here to find out more about it … www.quotespec.com.au/undercoverarchitect
HOME Method is my flagship online program that will give you key knowledge, tools, cheatsheets and industry insider checklists and tips, plus strategies to save your sanity and budget as well.
This online program can support you, help you avoid expensive mistakes and drama, and put you in the driver’s seat, feeling confident during the design and construction of your new home or renovation.
Head to HOME Method to see more about what’s inside the program, and how it can save you stress and money as you navigate the design construction of your reno or new home.
With over 30 years industry experience, Amelia Lee founded Undercover Architect in 2014 as an award-winning online resource to help and teach you how to get it right when designing, building or renovating your home. You are the key to unlocking what’s possible for your home. Undercover Architect is your secret ally
Hi. I really like the idea of engaging with a trusted builder during the design stage. Just wondering what sort of fee you’d suggest to make it worthwhile and value for money? Obviously it would be project specific.
Hi Michael,
Builders seem to be charging a range of prices for their quotes … from $300 – $3,000 is the range I’m seeing. I’d stipulate the type of help you are seeking, in terms of how detailed their quoting is, and how often they’ll collaborate with you in the design stage. The aim is to get them onboard as a collaborative team member, so regardless of what you’re paying them, you’re getting good quality input and the construction quote isn’t a surprise. Hope that helps.
– Amelia, UA
I’m learning so much from your podcasts. We’ve heard we need to water in our site after demolition, before the build can begin. I can’t find information on what this involves. Are you able to provide any guidance?
Hi Adriana,
I’m so glad the podcasts are helpful for you. Thank you for listening. If you haven’t left a review on iTunes or Houzz, I’d be so grateful if you could – it really does help.
In regards to watering your site after demolition, I would suspect that’s to do with dust control (as you’re responsible for preventing your site from polluting others with dust, waste, sediment run-off etc). If your builder is handling the demo as well as the build, I would expect that to be their responsibility (as its their site from the point of the contract being finalised). Requirements can vary with location and project type though, so check with your builder or your local authority / council if there’s anything else that needs to be considered, or that’s specific to your site.
– Amelia, UA