If you're thinking of demolishing your old home to make way for a brand new one, you need to consider several factors –– from choosing the right contractor to planning your timelines smartly. Most importantly, you need to ensure that you're not breaking any local council laws in Australia. This guide aims to help you stay on the lawful track when demolishing your old home.
Make Sure You Find Out What Permits You Need From Your Local Council
If you're demolishing your home, you will likely need an approval permit from your local council, which you can acquire on your own or through your demolition contractor. In most instances, you will need both a building and demolition permit before undertaking any project. The rules may vary between councils, so make sure you contact yours before any project. If you're looking to apply for a demolition permit, you will generally need to provide three copies of your site plans, demolition work details, land title certificate, liability insurance, adjoining property protection plan and much more. A good idea is to talk to your local council to make sure you have all the documents ready.
Make Sure Your Demolition Contractor Is Licenced By The State
Your demolition contractor will need to be licenced to undertake the project in your home, failing which you may be liable for expensive fines. Every state has their own requirements when it comes to demolition licences. For instance, in NSW, a demolition licence is necessary for any work above 15 metres in height, involves explosives and requires a mobile crane. Alternatively, a restricted demolition licence is necessary for structures between 4 and 15 metres in height. A Queensland demolition licence is necessary to carry out any type of work for domestic houses, a built structure and an ancillary structure to a domestic house.
Make Sure You (Or Your Contractors) Have Liability Insurance
Demolition work can often come with its own set of risks, so you (or your demolition contractors) must have sufficient liability insurance to protect your property, the public and the workers. Public liability insurance is important to ensure that you're protected in the unlikely event that someone is injured around your home. Public liability insurance often covers factors like machinery, tools, theft, interruptions and much more, so make sure you have suitable insurance for your demolition needs.
Demolishing a home to make way for a new one is a great idea for many people looking to make big changes to their lifestyles. Make sure you stay on the lawful track with these smart attentions.
