What to Know Before Demolishing a Building in Southwest Washington
Sometimes the first step in developing a property is removing what is already there.
Old houses, commercial buildings, concrete structures, pavement, sheds, and other improvements may need to be demolished before a new project can begin.
Demolition is more than tearing down a structure. Proper planning helps make sure the site is safely cleared and ready for the next phase of construction.
When Is Demolition Necessary?
Demolition may be appropriate when:
A building is no longer usable
A property is being redeveloped
An existing structure conflicts with new plans
An old building needs to be removed
Pavement needs to be removed
Existing infrastructure needs to be replaced
Start With the Plans
Before demolition begins, determine exactly what needs to be removed.
The demolition limits should be coordinated with the proposed site plan.
This can help prevent accidentally removing infrastructure or improvements that are intended to remain.
Utilities
Existing utilities need to be identified and appropriately addressed before demolition.
Depending on the project, this can include:
Electrical
Water
Sewer
Gas
Communications
Septic
Other underground utilities
Utility coordination is an important part of demolition planning.
What Happens to Demolition Debris?
Demolition can generate:
Concrete
Asphalt
Wood
Metal
Roofing
Soil
Mixed construction debris
Materials may need to be separated, recycled, processed, or disposed of according to applicable requirements.
Concrete and Asphalt Removal
Many redevelopment projects require removal of existing:
Foundations
Slabs
Sidewalks
Driveways
Parking lots
Pavement
Once removed, the area can be prepared for new construction.
Site Preparation After Demolition
Demolition isn't finished when the building is gone.
The site may still need:
Excavation
Debris removal
Grading
Backfill
Compaction
Drainage
Utility work
The ultimate goal is a clean, stable site ready for the next phase of construction.
Commercial Demolition
Commercial demolition often requires coordination with:
Property owners
General contractors
Engineers
Utility providers
Environmental professionals
Local jurisdictions
The demolition contractor needs to understand the larger redevelopment schedule.
Rockridge Demolition Services
Rockridge General Engineering & Excavation provides controlled demolition and site preparation for commercial and residential projects.
Our services can include structure removal, concrete and pavement removal, debris management, excavation, grading, and preparation for new construction.
Replacing an old structure or redeveloping a property? Contact Rockridge to discuss demolition and site preparation.
