Before you start building on a parcel of land, you may need to remove existing structures first. Tearing down a building is a dangerous and involved process, which is why you should leave the work to a licensed demolition expert. However, even though these specialists will handle the discarding of materials, you should still take the following measures to avoid project delays and ensure the site is safe before work begins.   

What You Should do Before Demolition

Track Down the Certificate of Title

To demolish a residential or commercial building, the project must be approved by the city, so start gathering the documents you’ll need to apply for a permit. You should be listed as the property owner on the Certificate of Title. If not, find the registered proprietor and have the deed transferred to your name. You might also need a certificate stating the building doesn’t have rodent infestations. This ensures pests won’t spread into the community after the structure is torn down. The department of health in your county can provide information on requirements.

Schedule Gas & Electricity Abolishment

Before demolition contractors begin work, the electrical system and natural gas lines must be disconnected, and all associated equipment must be permanently removed from the property. This is an essential step, and it can prevent gas explosions, electrical fires, and other safety hazards during and after the dismantling of the building. As you prepare for the demolition, the account holder(s) for gas and electricity services should contact the utility providers and request supply abolishments. Arrange for work as soon as possible, as it could take a few days — or longer — before technicians have time to remove the assets. 

Seal the Sewer Line

Demolition technicians will try to stay away from the sewer line while working, as hitting the pipes could cause sewage to seep into the ground. You might also want to keep the sewer line intact to service any buildings you construct on the land later. A licensed plumber will use state-of-the-art tools to locate where equipment is buried. They will then dig near the line and seal it to ensure nothing gets in or out while demolition is underway.

If you need land clearing for new construction, the staff at Amazon Construction in Pearl City, HI, is qualified and ready to assist you. Having served Oahu residents for over three decades, the licensed technicians are known throughout the island for adhering to local codes and procedures to safely and efficiently demolish residential and commercial structures. To discuss your demolition needs, call (808) 841-6595. Visit the crew online to learn more about their work in the community and follow them on Facebook for more useful information to prepare for your demolition appointment.