Preparing for Home Demolition in Perth : A Pre-Demolition Checklist

Starting a home demolition in Perth is a big step, whether you're knocking down an old house to build your dream home or just clearing space for something new. But before the excavators arrive, there are a few important tasks to tick off to make sure everything runs smoothly and safely.

To make the process easier, here's a simple checklist to guide you. This blog covers all the important stuff, like turning off utilities, organizing pest control, and clearing out the house —so you’ll be fully prepared when demolition day arrives.

1.    Get Permits and Insurance

Ensure you have all the required permits before starting your demolition project. You’ll need to check with your local council and apply for a demolition permit. A reliable demolition company can usually help with this.

·         Permit Application: Depending on your location and the size of the job, you’ll need a permit for the demolition of your house. It’s really important to have this sorted to avoid fines or delays.

·         Insurance: The demolition contractor that you hire should carry valid insurance. This protects both you and the crew in case something goes wrong during the demolition process.

2.    Disconnect Utilities

Before demolition begins, all your utilities need to be safely turned off. You’ll need to contact each service provider and get the following disconnected:

·         Electricity: Contact your electricity provider to arrange for the power to be safely disconnected.

·         Water: Ask your water provider to shut off the supply to your home. This helps prevent leaks or flooding.

·         Gas: If your home has gas, a licensed gasfitter must safely disconnect the supply.

·         Telecommunications: Don’t forget your phone, internet, and cable. These also need to be disconnected early.

When preparing for your home demolition in Perth, if you’re unsure about which services need to be disconnected, your demolition contractor can help you figure it out.

3.    Check for Asbestos

If your house was built before the 1980s, there’s a good chance it could have asbestos in places like the roof, flooring, or insulation. Before any demolition happens, you’ll need a professional to check for it.

·         Get an Asbestos Inspection: Book an inspection with a licensed asbestos expert. If any is found, it must be safely removed by a licensed contractor. It’s dangerous to remove asbestos yourself.

Asbestos is a serious issue, especially during residential demolition, so make sure it’s taken care of properly before the demolition work begins.

4.    Arrange Pest Control (Including Rat Baiting)

Before demolition starts, it’s a good idea to get pest control done, especially if your house is old or has been empty for a while. There could be rats, termites, or other pests hiding in the house.

·         Rat Baiting: If you’ve seen rats or mice before, it’s a good idea to place rat bait around the house. A pest control expert can do this safely and properly.

·         Other Pests: They might also suggest termite treatment or other pest control, depending on what they find. Doing this early avoids any surprises during demolition.

If you’re preparing for home demolition in Perth, pest control is a smart and often required step, especially in older homes.

5.    Empty the House

It might sound obvious, but many people don’t realise that everything needs to be taken out before demolition. The entire house must be completely emptied.

·         Remove All Furniture and Belongings: Take out everything — furniture, appliances, clothes, personal items. Once demolition starts, nothing can be saved.

·         Disposal of Hazardous Materials: Things like paint, chemicals, and cleaning supplies can’t be left behind. These need to be thrown out safely. Ask your demolition company if they can help with this.

·         Think About Reusable Items: If there are things you want to reuse, such as old timber, windows, or doors, make sure to have them removed before demolition. You could also donate or sell them if you don’t need them.

6.    Remove or Secure Valuables

If you’ve got any valuable items still in the house, like jewellery, cash, or artwork, make sure to remove them. Either take them with you or store them somewhere safe. Once the demolition starts, you won’t be able to get them back.

7.    Notify Your Neighbours

Demolition can be noisy and messy. It’s always a good idea to let your neighbours know what’s happening and when. If your house shares a wall or fence with them, talk about how it will be handled.

This is very important, especially if you’re doing home demolition in Perth in a residential street. Giving neighbours a heads-up helps avoid complaints and keeps things friendly.

8.    Secure the Site

Once your house is cleared and ready, the next step is making sure the site is safe and secure.

Put up safety fencing or temporary barriers around the property to stop people from walking through or getting hurt. This is often required by law and helps keep everyone safe during demolition.

9.    Consider the Environment

Many projects relating to home demolition in Perth now focus on being more environmentally friendly. Instead of sending everything to the landfill, see if your contractor can recycle things like bricks, metal, and wood.

Some demolition companies offer eco-friendly options where they carefully sort and recycle materials. It’s a great way to reduce waste and do something positive for the environment.

10. Review Your Contract with the Demolition Contractor

Before demolition day arrives, read through your contract carefully. Make sure you understand everything, including the cost, what work is included, and the timeline.

Check that your contractor is licensed, insured, and has good reviews. If you’re not sure, ask for references or look them up online to see what others have said.

Final Thoughts

Getting ready for a home demolition in Perth doesn’t have to be stressful, but it does take some planning. By following this checklist, you’ll make sure everything’s safe, legal, and on track.

From organising permits and turning off utilities to pest control and letting your neighbours know, these steps will help your demolition go smoothly. And if you're ever unsure, don’t be afraid to ask your demolition contractor for help.

Whether you’re building a dream home or just clearing space, being prepared means less stress and fewer surprises.

Happy demolishing!

If you’re ready to take the next step and make your demolition project in Perth hassle-free, TFS Demolition is here to help. With years of experience and a commitment to safety and quality, we’ll guide you through every stage of the process. Give us a call today at 0497 256 831 to talk about your needs, get expert advice, and receive a no-obligation quote. Let’s make your demolition smooth and stress-free!

FAQs

1. Do I always need a permit to demolish my house in Perth?
Yes, most demolition projects require a permit from your local council to ensure the work is legal and safe.

2. Who is responsible for disconnecting utilities before demolition?
Usually, the homeowner coordinates with utility providers, but your demolition contractor can help guide you through the process.

3. How do I know if my house has asbestos?
If your home was built before the 1980s, it’s best to get a licensed asbestos inspector to check before demolition.

4. Can I keep any materials from my house before demolition?
Yes! You can remove and reuse items like timber, windows, or doors if you do so before demolition begins.

5. How long does the demolition process usually take?
Demolition timelines vary depending on the size and complexity, but your contractor should provide an estimated schedule before work starts.