How Long Does A Demolition Project Take?

How Long Does A Demolition Project Take?

Demolition projects can be complex, requiring a significant amount of time and resources to complete correctly. With so many factors to consider, estimating the duration of a demolition project can vary wildly. How long a project will take depends on several factors, such as the size of the building, accessing necessary permits and services, demolition method, and the amount of debris that needs to be disposed of. In this article, we will explore how long it takes for a typical demolition project to occur and what could potentially cause delays.

How Long Does It Take To Prepare A Building For Controlled Demolition?

The length of time it takes to prepare a building for controlled demolition will depend on the structure's complexity. For a simple structure, such as a single-story residence or a small commercial building, the process of preparing a building for demolition can range from a few days to a few weeks.

During this stage, the team must assess the condition of the structure, plan the demolition procedure, inspect for asbestos, and acquire all the necessary permits and services. If the building in question is more complex, such as a large multi-story structure, the preparation phase can easily last several weeks to months.

Potential Asbestos Removal

Before beginning any demolition project, it is important to determine if the building contains any asbestos-containing materials. Removing asbestos before demolition is legally required in the UK and some other countries and failure to do so can result in heavy fines.

In addition to being a legal requirement, asbestos may also require additional steps to ensure safe removal, such as specialised tools and equipment to contain the hazardous material. This can add to the length of time it takes to complete the project, depending on the amount of asbestos present and how accessible it is.

Consider If You Need Planning Permission

In many cases, obtaining planning permission is also necessary for a demolition project. A planning application must be submitted to obtain approval from your local council and can take up to 8 weeks to be processed.

The approval process may also involve a public hearing before council members, which can increase the time taken to secure permission for the project. Rejected applications will need to be amended and resubmitted, further increasing the overall duration of the project.

Delays Caused By Building Waste

Once the demolition is complete, disposing of the debris can be one of the most time-consuming parts of the project. Depending on the type of rubbish and the amount generated, it may need to be removed from the property as soon as possible, adding to the overall length of the project.

Removing rubble from a property can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days, and can be a costly process. To avoid delays, it is best to make sure that arrangements are made in advance in order to avoid unnecessary disruption.