What to Ask Your Demolition Company in the Okanagan. 

Do you Have a Business License and Insurance?

The first step in hiring any construction company is to ask if the company has a business license. Working with a company off the books can be risky and there are fewer options if things go sideways. In this same vein, you should check to see if your demo company carries insurance.

Who handles the permits?

Generally speaking, the person who owns the demolition site will be responsible for obtaining the proper permits. The office of your municipality is where you will apply for a permit. Although, if you are unsure about how to get a permit in your area, your demolition company should be able to provide some guidance. This is one of the most favourable parts of working with a demolition company. Permitting can be one of the trickier aspects of demolition, so having a team of experts to guide you through the process is ideal. Moreover, a demolition company will see that you have  all the necessary permits. This ensures that you can complete your project above board. 

How do you Sort the Materials?

After a structure has been demolished, there will be a large volume of debris that needs to be dealt with. Unfortunately, all of the debris cannot be grouped together and disposed of. This is because all construction materials need to be discarded differently. For example, asbestos-containing materials will be dealt with in a different way than drywall. It is so important that materials are properly sorted before they arrive at the local landfill. Sorting materials is an extensive process that is key to helping the environment and practicing safe work habits. If you are interested in learning more about how we sort our demolition materials, check out this article “Sorting Used Materials With a Demolition Contractor in Kelowna”.

More Questions!

What if there are Hazardous Materials Present?

If you are demolishing a building, your demo team should conduct an inspection to ensure that there are no hazardous materials prior to demolition. Asbestos-containing substances can be life-threatening and impose all sorts of health and safety violations. Any demolition team that you hire should be well-versed in dealing with asbestos and mould. This also means knowing how to sort hazardous materials from recyclable materials.

How much experience do you have?

The experience level of your contractor and demo team will make a big difference in your project. Experienced professionals are a safer option in any scenario. This is because they have the skills and know-how to get the job done right. If you aren’t sure if your demolition team is right for the job, ask to see their portfolio. Moreover, you could reach out to an old client and ask about their experience working with the demo team. Whatever you choose, it is critical that you do your due diligence prior to hiring a contractor. 

What will the project cost? And, How Long Will it Take?

If your contractor knows what they’re doing, they won’t give you a quote over the phone. At least not without seeing the demolition site in person. Instead, they might provide you with a rough estimate based on past projects until they can properly assess the job site and determine a more precise timeline and cost estimate. When your contractor provides you with the quote for your project, make sure you ask for more information about any areas that are unclear. This way, there is minimal confusion and conflict between you and your demolition contractor. 

Contact Your Demolition Company in the Okanagan Now!

Demolition is best done by a professional demolition company in the Okanagan. At SWIPE we have several years of experience dealing with demolition and asbestos/mould removal. For help with a demolition job, contact us today. We’d be happy to help you during the demolition process. Furthermore, if you have any questions regarding our demolition process, feel free to reach out. We look forward to working with you in the near future. 

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Start by Communicating.

Communication with your neighbours is key to a successful demo project. If you think you can get away with demolishing your home without speaking to your neighbours first, you are crudely mistaken. The first step in any demolition project is to notify your neighbours. And, give plenty of notice. Put yourself in the shoes of your neighbours and think about how you’d feel if you woke up to a wrecking ball outside your window without warning. Chances are you’d be upset. Preserving a cordial relationship with your neighbours is essential. Be sure to notify people in your neighbourhood well before construction commences. This will give them time to make necessary adjustments. Especially, if they have small children or pets. 

Also, it is important to tell your neighbours about the significant dates of your project. For instance, you’ll need to mention things like pest control. Or, asbestos removal and when the project intends to begin and end. 

If your neighbours bring up any concerns about your project, do not ignore them. It is best to address any concerns right away. Your next-door neighbours have a right to ask questions about your project. Especially, if it is close to their property line. It is important to note, that if you need to use their property for any reason during the project you get written consent. 

Demolition in the Okanagan Involves Cleaning up.

Oftentimes, being neighbourly during a demolition project can simply mean cleaning up. Waste should be collected on a regular basis in order to prevent hazards and angry residents. Piles of waste are not only an eyesore but can also cause serious safety concerns for those living in proximity to your property. Building materials and debris should be disposed of properly at the end of each day. If there is lots of mud or dirt, then this should also be cleaned off of the streets following the workday. As a homeowner, you should also be wary of nails and sharp objects that could be on the roads near your property. Loose nails can pop tires and be dangerous for people/animals walking in the area. Keeping your demolition in the Okanagan clean is a key part of staying neighbourly. 

Be Mindful of Noise.

Noise is arguably the biggest concern for neighbours during a demolition project. Most bylaws indicate that you can only use construction equipment from 7:00 am until 7:00 pm Monday to Friday, 9:00 am until 7:00 pm on Saturdays, and no construction noise on Sundays and statutory holidays. During the times when noise is permitted, it is important to keep the volume at a minimum to ensure the consideration of your neighbours. After all, nobody wants to hear the banging of a jackhammer for eight hours straight! However, if you know that you are going to be using loud equipment for long periods during one of the days, notify your neighbours ahead of time. This is crucial especially if they work from home or have young children. 

Safety is the #1 Priority With Demolition in the Okanagan

Lastly, make sure that the demolition project remains safe. As a homeowner, it is your duty to ensure that the contractor you hire follows safety protocols and is upholding a safe work environment. Failure to do so can result in fatal accidents, which is why safety is so important during a demo. However, safety is about more than protecting people and pets. During a demolition project, you’ll need to make sure that none of the neighbourhood services are broken (water, power), your neighbours’ properties stay safe and dangerous materials/machinery aren’t left unattended. All of these things contribute to having a safe work environment in a neighbourhood setting.  

Demolition in the Okanagan is best done by an experienced team and contractor. At SWIPE we have plenty of expertise dealing with demolition and asbestos/mould removal. For help with a demolition job, contact us today. We’d be happy to help you during the demolition process. If you have any questions regarding staying neighbourly during the demolition process, feel free to reach out. We look forward to working with you in the near future.

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1. Demolition in Kamloops is Unsafe.

The most commonly thought myth is that demolition in Kamloops is unsafe. However, this is not the case. Demolition jobs are planned very thoroughly and with great detail. Generally, a permit is required. And, there are lots of precautionary measures that take place before demolition can commence. Every job must be assessed for risk and approved by an engineer. This way, there aren’t any surprises. In addition to the extensive planning, demolition contractors and teams are trained to be in the demolition environment. This means that they have specific skills to guarantee no dangerous mistakes are made. Someone who works in demolition has the ability to do well in tight spaces, use specialized equipment, work at heights and with hazardous materials. 

2. You Don’t Need to be an Expert to Demolish a Building

So, you think you don’t need to be an expert to demo a building? Wrong. Demolition can become extremely dangerous when left to an amateur. There are lots of moving parts within the demolition and each crew member hired has a specific skill set to ensure the safety of the team. Oftentimes, demolition teams will have to deal with asbestos and mould. Or, perform controlled explosions. All of these tasks require training and expert knowledge. In order to follow city guidelines and safety regulations, you need to be an expert. Otherwise, demolition can pose severe health and injury risks, and even fatality. You wouldn’t perform surgery if you weren’t a surgeon, so don’t demo a building if you’re not a demo contractor. If you are in need of demolition services, it is best to reach out to an expert! 

3. Demolition Causes Harm to the Environment

Next, is the myth that demolition is harmful to the environment. If following proper protocols, demolition is actually beneficial for the environment. Demolition companies must adhere to proper disposal procedures for all materials. This means sorting everything out piece by piece to ensure each item goes where it belongs. All demolition contractors must follow city landfill guidelines for what can be thrown out, recycled, and resold. The way each material is dealt with differs from landfill to landfill. So, it is important that experts stay on top of waste management standards. For more information on how we sort materials for the landfill, check out the article “Sorting Used Materials With a Demolition Contractor in Kelowna”. 

4. Historic Buildings Suffer Because of Demolition in Kamloops 

Lastly, is the myth that demolition destroys historic buildings. There are many scenarios where demolition contractors are hired to work on historic sites to refurbish or preserve old buildings. Most cities have strict regulations on how much of a building can be demolished in order for it to still be considered historic. Furthermore, demolition teams have specific protocols to make sure that historic buildings do not get harmed during the demolition process. In most cases, demolition contractors are hired to make the building safer and up-to-date with current building codes. This way, there aren’t any dangerous accidents. 

Contact Us For More Info on Demolition in Kamloops

There are all sorts of myths surrounding demolition in Kamloops, however, it is important to note which ones are false. In the majority of cases, demolition is incredibly safe and well-thought-out when in the hands of an expert. Moreover, demolition has a positive impact on the environment because of how strict the rules are when it comes to sorting demolition materials. Finally, historic buildings are not harmed by demolition but instead preserved. 

Demolition is best done by an expert team and contractor. At SWIPE we have plenty of experience dealing with demolition and asbestos/mould removal. For help with a demolition job, contact us today. We’d be happy to help you during the demolition process. If you have any questions regarding the demolition process, feel free to reach out. We look forward to working with you in the near future. 

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