ᐅ Demolition: Are there any considerations regarding new construction?

Created on: 20 Jan 2022 15:52
A
Araknis
Hello!

We currently have a small, fully basemented house from the 1960s standing on about 800 m² (8,600 sq ft) of land. We are in the process of clearing it out and have scheduled meetings with demolition contractors in the next few days to get an idea of what preparations are needed and an estimate of the costs. The house will be completely demolished, and a new build will follow.

We have not yet decided on a final architect, but we are considering going ahead with the demolition first and starting the planning of the new build afterwards.

Questions:
1) Is this approach sensible?
2) Is there anything related to the demolition that should be considered, which might be relevant for the new build or the architect?
3) Should I involve the architect already during the demolition phase?

Thank you.
M
motorradsilke
24 Jan 2022 16:08
Araknis schrieb:

Our architect said the same. That’s why the demolition contractor just removes the house and leaves a hole. They might even dig it a little deeper while the heavy machinery is there, if we decide to include a basement.

But you can’t leave the hole open for an extended period. The walls will collapse when it rains, and can you ensure that children won’t play inside? Also, it’s probably more cost-effective to bring in fill material right away together with debris removal. That’s how they did it for us.
rick201824 Jan 2022 16:12
That’s no problem. Cover the walls with foil and put up a construction fence (preferably screwed in) around it. Add a sign, and you’re done.
H
haydee
24 Jan 2022 16:19
This needs to be clarified on a case-by-case basis. Disposal and backfill materials arrived from opposite directions in our situation. Secure the excavation as @rick2018 described. This is quite common.
M
motorradsilke
25 Jan 2022 08:50
rick2018 schrieb:

This is not a problem. Hang plastic sheeting over the walls and put up a construction fence (preferably screwed in) around it. Add a sign and you're done.

Yes, preferably the well-known "Parents are responsible for their children" sign, which is legally quite ineffective.
Even if it is legally justifiable, can you accept it if children still get injured?
rick201825 Jan 2022 09:06
A screwed-in construction fence does not stop a playing child.
In the past, children played on construction sites, and not much happened.
How are children supposed to become independent if they cannot gain their own experiences and are always overly protected?
M
motorradsilke
25 Jan 2022 09:23
rick2018 schrieb:

A construction fence with screws won’t be opened by a playing child.
In the past, children played on construction sites and not much happened.
How are children supposed to become independent if they can’t gain their own experiences and are always wrapped in cotton wool?

No, they will just climb over it. I didn’t say kids should be wrapped in cotton wool. They need to gain their own experiences. I just wouldn’t want to be responsible if a child got buried under a collapsed excavation wall. Experiences from which the child can no longer learn are pretty bad.