While demolition is the main focus because the priority is to remove the structure, the work doesn’t end when the building comes down. What happens next will determine whether you are ready to start building or if there are potential issues that could interfere with your future plans for the property.
Post-demolition site preparation is critical. If this stage is rushed or skipped, then it often results in project delays, cost overruns, and failed inspections…pushing your construction back by months.
So, it’s critical that you have a detailed plan in place for the steps between the teardown and foundation pour. This stage ensures that everything you are building will be code-compliant and structurally sound in the coming months and years.
Step-By-Step: What Happens After Demolition
Instead of treating the demolition as the finish line, talk to our team about what happens after demolition. At Venditti, we offer full-service solutions to set you up for success by ensuring that your site is ready for the next stages of construction. Here’s what you can expect:
Step 1: Safety Inspection and Hazardous Material Assessment
After the teardown, our crew will look for any signs of soil instability. We’re also assessing for anything else that might need to be addressed, such as exposed utilities or hazardous materials that need proper disposal.
For example, when asbestos, lead paint, or contaminated soil are discovered, then these materials require certified remediation before you can move forward with additional work. If these materials are discovered after we begin grading, then it will halt the project and become much more expensive to resolve, which is why we are proactive about identifying them in the initial evaluation.
Step 2: Debris Removal and Material Sorting
The first demolition cleanup steps focus on separating the recyclable materials (if recycling is part of your demo plan), then removing all of the debris from the property. Certain diversion requirements must be met, based on Austin’s construction and demolition recycling ordinances.
Not only does material sorting help with environmental compliance, but it can also decrease your haul-off and landfill disposal costs.
Step 3: Site Grading and Soil Compaction
Now it’s time to grade the soil to match the elevation and slope profile requirements for the new structure. Drainage planning should always happen at the grading stage to ensure water is redirected away from the foundation.
Since clay soil is so common here in Austin, certain methods need to be used to avoid soil shifting due to moisture changes. We also use proper compaction testing before the foundation work begins.
Step 4: Soil Testing
Even when soil testing isn’t required, we recommend it on most sites that were previously used for industrial purposes. If there is a known contamination history or unusual soil behavior, then it’s essential to take care of these issues as soon as possible.
We can use soil testing to check for bearing capacity, contamination, and moisture content. Then, this information is used to ensure that the foundation design aligns with the site conditions.
Step 5: Utility Verification and Rough-In Planning
The Texas 811 law requires that underground utilities be marked before any re-excavation happens. If an unmarked utility line is hit in the middle of the project, then it not only results in safety risks, but you might also be dealing with project delays and legal liabilities.
Our team always makes sure that the disconnections are complete before demolition site clearing. This proactive approach also addresses the new utility service connections, which can reduce unnecessary rework in the future.
Step 6: Permit Closeout and Documentation
Once post-demolition site preparation is complete, an inspection is required before you can get the new build permit. Don’t skip this step, because it will delay your construction timeline. We’ll provide all of the documentation that is needed during this post-demo phase, including soil testing results, grading reports, and utility verifications. Our goal is to ensure a successful outcome and protect the property owner at the same time.
Mistakes to Avoid: How to Prepare a Site for Construction After Demolition
There are several common mistakes that need to be avoided during post-demolition site preparation. For example, never skip the soil compaction testing because it can lead to the most expensive complications later on.
Also, make sure that the demolition permit is closed before moving forward to pull the build permit. This might seem like a small procedural error, but it can stop your project from moving forward when you are ready to start construction.
The simplest solution to ensure that nothing is overlooked is to hire one contractor for both the demolition and site preparation. Working with multiple contractors can often lead to complications because of scheduling gaps and miscommunication issues that could delay your project.
FAQs
Can construction start right after demolition is complete?
No, there are additional steps that need to be addressed after demolition and before construction, such as debris removal, site grading, and soil compaction.
Who is responsible for removing demolition debris?
Site cleanup after demolition depends on the scope of work in your contract. If you have a full-service agreement, then the demolition contractor usually takes care of debris removal. This must be clarified before the project begins, otherwise you could have unexpected costs for hauling away the demolition debris.
Do I need a separate contractor for grading after demolition?
It’s often possible to use the same contractor for the actual demolition as well as post-demolition site preparation. Hiring one contractor helps to reduce handoff delays and streamline the overall schedule so that you are ready for construction as soon as possible.
How long does post-demolition cleanup take in Austin?
Most of the time, residential demolition cleanup can usually be done in one to two weeks. Larger commercial sites require more time: four to six weeks, depending on the volume of debris and the soil conditions.
Call Venditti for Customized Demolition Services
Our team at Venditti is here to help with your upcoming demolition project. Not only can we assist with the actual demolition, but we also bring the experience that you need for excavation and site cleanup after demolition. Contact us to discuss your needs and learn more about the ways that we can help with your project.
