What You Need to Know About a Commercial Demolition Project
Commercial demolition is a bit different than residential demolition, in that commercial demolition contractors specialize in commercial, industrial, manufacturing, and other such facilities, versus demolishing residential homes. A commercial demolition is often a bigger and more complicated job than a residential demolition, which is why you need to understand what's involved and know what to discuss with a potential demolition contractor. Note a few questions to ask and factors to review with your contractor before any work begins.
Ask about environmental remediation
Environmental remediation refers to removing hazardous materials that may affect the environment, and then treating the environment as necessary to make it healthy and safe again. This may include removing items like oil, natural gasses stored in tanks, asbestos, and the like. Treating the environment may include remove layers of topsoil that may be polluted by these materials and then replacing that topsoil with healthy soil. Demolition can often cause these polluting agents to become airborne or otherwise affect the surrounding environment, so be sure you ask if they can manage this service for you during a commercial demolition.
Ask what they consider to be hazardous materials
There may be chemicals, fluids, and other such materials on your location that are not hazardous when inert, but which may become hazardous during the work of demolition. You need to ensure you know what these materials are and discuss their safe handling with your demolition contractor. Materials that you assume can be simply taken away with the demolition may need to be removed first, or other steps may need to be taken to contain those materials before demolition work begins. Be sure your contractor has a full list of all chemicals and other such substances on your worksite so he or she can note which might be considered hazardous once work begins.
Ask about deconstruction
Deconstruction refers to taking down a building or other equipment by hand, rather than demolishing it with cranes or explosives. This can be a more labor-intensive process but it can also mean preserving certain items for reuse or recycling. It may also be a more eco-friendly option, as there is less vibration with deconstruction that may upset nearby wildlife or wetlands, and less dust created that can also settle onto soil or in groundwater. Talk to your demolition contractor about a deconstruction for your commercial facility; they may be able to deconstruct parts of it to make the process more affordable while still saving cost and the environment, if you prefer.