House Demolition - Process Questions

[def90]

HI All - Just wondering has anyone been through this? We have a 3BR 2BR timber house down the coast and are looking to re-build.
The house is in good order and seems too good to destroy, especially after we spent the last 8 years getting it into a comfortable condition. But its still has the 'old style' everything, although slightly modernized...
Some things I will definitely remove (2AC, Coonara etc) but it has a new colorbond roof, merbau decks, decent windows etc

Can anyone give me some advice on:
- demolition process
- is the house worth anything to break up before demo
- anything to be wary of?

Thanks!!

[big guy]

Hi

I live in SA so our building rules may not apply but in general you will have to apply for approval for demo.
Than you go out to tender for a good price for demo, you want the site completely cleared, all foundations dug up. Down to say 6-800mm.
You want the site level and you need to make sure the power and gas have been removed before demo can start.
Leave water there as the demo guys usually need to water down the building to reduce dust.

On average, demo for a average house is around $10k.

They salvage very little these days as the labour cost is too great.
I suggest you ebay most and get them to remove and pay you that.
Say you get $500 for decking, $1000 for roof etc.
Timber doors and so on.
This may take a bit longer but you will be muchbetter of.
Make sure you tell the demo contractor that these items are going to be stripped beforehand.

After demo, you will probably need temporary fencing to stop people entering and hurting themselves on your site.

Good luck and let the fun begin.

[rockyroad]

Any house removal companys in the area? Many of them will take houses to do up and flog off.

Probly not what your wanting but you could always see if the firies are after some realistic training :eek:

[Bigbjorn]

In Qld. councils have "Demolition Control Precincts" where you can not demolish a particular house, style of house, or age of house. Make sure you have the necessary paper.

If permitted, you could advertise it as for sale for removal.

[def90]

Great feedback, thanks for the help.

Yes I am inclined to do a bit of ebay and donation etc for some of the good stuff.

Should be no issue on the type of house, as its not in a historical area etc but permit will be obtained before any actions.

I think we will wait even for building permit approval before demo just in case!

Any other ideas would help too.

[VladTepes]

or you could hold a big alcohol-supplied party and we'll tear the place apart around ourselves :D

[isuzurover]

Over here, the demolition places will salvage and sell anything they can - doors, windows, floorboards, etc, etc...

So you may have to pay more to demolish a house if the salvageable items have been removed.

As mentioned - in QLD, timber houses are often sold whole and transported away. Don't know if people do that in VIC?

[Lotz-A-Landies]

If the house is livable and structurally sound, why not talk to someone like House Moving Contractors- Homes and buildings relocated, elevated, bought and sold (http://www.housemovingcontractors.com.au/) they may even buy the house as is and remove it from your block.

Diana

[Blknight.aus]

If you're just up for modernising, rip out the internal cladding. pull out the electrics and the gas (have a sparky/plumber disable them from the main supply first) then remodel as needed.... ITs what we did to the place in ipswich, asbestoes out, floor polished, remodeled the walls, redid the kitchen and bathroom, wired it for networking and put electricry everywhere for sub $30K. and that was paying for most of the work to be done. (4 split system aircons as well)

I spoke with a sparky found out what I needed to run where purchesed the cable ran it all in place before the plasterers came and put up the walls then had the sparky come back to put the fittings onto the wiring.

[Vern]

Where on the peninsula are you (i'm a peninsula lad born and bred).You'll need an abolishment letter for the electricity (i'm a sparky too). Be careful before you bull doze it, check with all these new fire regulations as to what you can and can't do, you'll be suprised because of all the tea tree that it could be in a high fire risk area.

[Xul]

As mentioned - in QLD, timber houses are often sold whole and transported away. Don't know if people do that in VIC?

I don't think people would bother in VIC. If you have ever dealt with Vicroads you would understand why. A house I was helping to move had to have the eves removed as they were 15mm too wide....