Demolition disaster! You’re finally ready to demolish your house, but before you start swinging that wrecking ball like a maniac, there are some things you should consider. 

1. What are your plans for the land you’re demolishing?

Are you going to build a new house? Do you have plans for the lot already drawn up?

If the main reason for demolition is to make room for new construction, you’ll need to excavate the land. That’s not an easy task and should be discussed with your contractor first.

If demolition is only part of the plan, that means you’re going to build on top of what remains of this house – which could present some challenges depending on how it was built before.

Is your current plot in an area that has zoning restrictions or other legal requirements (e.g. if it is near wetlands)?

You may need to consider all these factors before you start the process so that your plan meets local requirements and doesn’t run into any other roadblocks along the way.

2. Is there home on the property that you can renovate instead of demolishing?

The demolition is a costly process. Renovating an old house can be just as expensive, and the decision to demolish has serious implications for your budget if you don’t take it into consideration before deciding on what direction to go in with renovations. 

A good rule of thumb is to set aside at least 20% of the total cost for demolition.

You can ask your contractor (home renovator) about what they charge per hour. The contractors usually charge hourly and not by the square foot, so you’ll have a better idea if it’s worth demolishing or not just by asking them how much the cost will be.

3. How much time and money are you willing to invest in demolition?

Consider the budget.

Are you all in with the demolition plans?  It’s unlikely that you’ll be able to recover any money from a demolition project.

So, how much time and money are you willing to invest in the demolition process? 

The amount of energy required for demolition could greatly affect your decision-making as well; it may not make sense economically or emotionally if all that hard work is going towards destruction. 

Do you have enough time and manpower? You might want to consider hiring a demolition company or an expert contractor who can do the job for you. 

Ask yourself these questions before starting: How much time am I willing to commit? Demolishing your property will require you to be on-site for a while. 

What materials do I need to demolish the house? Are there any hazardous or dangerous materials involved in demolition? The answer will vary depending on what type of property it is, but you can always ask your contractor and they’ll be able to give you advice. 

If demolition is what you really want, then it’s time to get your tools and demolition equipment ready and start tearing down that old house! 

4. Have you considered the environmental impact of demolition or renovation?

There are several things to consider when deciding whether or not demolition is right for your property. One consideration that many people don’t think of is the environmental impact, which can range from hazardous materials exposure to water quality concerns. 

One good way to tell if you have any dangerous substances on-site would be by checking with local authorities.

But, considering the environmental factors:

• Demolition can release harmful chemicals into the air
• The noise from demolition can be disruptive for people living nearby
• Construction and demolition waste is often disposed of in landfills, which releases methane gas 
• Demolition also has a significant impact on wildlife, including birds and small mammals that are killed by flying debris or crushed under heavy machinery 
• It’s important to remember that not all homes have salvageable materials – some older homes may contain asbestos insulation or lead paint, which requires special handling when removing them from the property

5. Are there any historical buildings on your property worth preserving before they’re demolished or renovated (e.g., an old farmhouse, barn)?

A demolition can be a really traumatic experience for anyone. But it’s made even more stressful when you find out that your home has historical value and there is no way to salvage the damage from the demolition without destroying its history. 

Before throwing all your cards in, think twice before you demolish the old family home.

6. Is this really what YOU want to do with your life right now?

Sometimes, life is giving us a rough time in making final decisions. This will reflect a part of our being somehow. And it’s easy to get caught up in the demolition process and make decisions that will affect your future before you’re ready for them.

It’s important when making a decision as big as demolishing or renovating, no matter how necessary it may seem, that you take time between each step of the process – like finding out what is really important to you and what the consequences of either choice will be.

Consider how this decision reflects your life right now. No matter which way it goes, take time to think things through before making a final decision on whether or not to demolish an old property.