Planning a commercial building demolition is more complex than simply hiring a contractor to destroy the building. You'll need to ensure that the entire process is carried out safely and in accordance with local regulations, which could mean arranging for removal of dangerous materials like asbestos. 

You'll also want to consider the cost of the demolition and ensure you make the work as cost-effective as possible. Arranging a soft-strip of the building and choosing the right contractor will allow you recoup costs on any building materials that are able to be recycled. Read on for full details on how to complete your demolition project as safely and cheaply as possible.

Arrange a soft strip of the building

A soft strip is the process of removing everything possible from the interior of the building, prior to demolition. This will include furnishings, fittings, and any partition walls and ceilings. Once the soft strip is complete, the building will be an empty shell, ready to be demolished safely and effectively. Choosing a demolition contractor with a good recycling track record can reduce waste disposal costs, making the whole operation more affordable. If you're concerned about the environmental impact of the job, ensuring that as much of the building's interior as possible is recycled is a great choice that will help reduce your carbon footprint.

Organize asbestos removal

Many buildings constructed before 2000 use asbestos, a material which has been found to cause various types of serious lung disease. If the building you're looking to demolish contains asbestos, then it's absolutely essential that you hire a contractor who has experience dealing with the material. If you're unsure about the presence of asbestos in your building, arrange a survey. If the material is found within the fabric of the building or the ground below, it will need to be removed by experts before demolition proceeds. This ensures the safety of anyone close to the building.

Choose an experienced demolition contractor

Once your building has been stripped of any interior furnishings or blockages and all asbestos has been removed, you're ready to proceed with demolition. Choose a contractor who is experienced in dealing with buildings similar to yours to ensure that everything runs smoothly. You could ask to look at case studies or read references from previous clients. If you're looking to have a high-rise block demolished and a contractor only has experience with smaller buildings, they may not be the best fit for your project.

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