If you plan to hire a contractor for any demolition or remodeling project, begin shopping at least six months before your proposed start to the project. A contractor’s schedule may be booked months in advance, and this will also give him/her time to coordinate schedules with any necessary sub-contractors.
Permits and Approval — 2 to 3 months prior
- Contact local municipal agencies for permits and regulations (noise, hours of demolition, disposal)
- Verify boards that might be required to grant project approval (neighborhood, planning, historic, etc…)
- Bring: plans
- Visit homeowners’ or condominium association for approval, any municipal review boards. Know their schedule for presentation, review, approval
- Bring: plans, contractor, architect
Structural and Property Concerns — Prior to demolition
- Verify any load-bearing or structural members involved in demolition
- Protect glass from stress and impact-related damage
- Wiring concerns, gas and water shutoffs, underground utilities, etc…
- Hire specialty firm to identify any hazardous material (lead paint, asbestos) OR
- Take samples of suspected hazardous waste-containing materials to specialty lab for analysis.
Waste and Disposal — Prior to demolition
- Hire demolition contractor, if serving as your own general contractor
- Plan for removal of hazardous debris; hire specialty contractor if necessary
- Order dumpster and verify guidelines and removal dates
- Establish daily cleanup guidelines and final cleanup requirements in contract
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