From Vacant to Vandalised
For clients considering demolition projects, it's crucial to understand the importance of setting a start date as soon as possible when awarding quotes or tenders. Many clients seek bids, gather quotes, or even award demolition jobs without confirming a timeline. This lack of scheduling causes several significant issues that impact project efficiency, costs, and site security. Here, we examine the complications that arise from unscheduled demolition projects and provide tips on preventing problems associated with vacant sites.
Team Availability and Scheduling Conflicts
Without a confirmed start date, demolition contractors face difficulties in ensuring that the best teams are available for your project. Quality demolition relies on skilled professionals who are often in high demand.
Scheduling Impacts: Skilled demolition crews are typically booked weeks, if not months, in advance. A lack of a firm schedule can result in losing your preferred team to other projects, delaying your work or impacting the quality.
Lost Time Slots: Demolition contractors coordinate several projects simultaneously, making it essential to know when each job will start. If your project lacks a set date, another job can take your slot, leading to further delays.
Risks of an Unoccupied Site
Leaving a site vacant and unmonitored while waiting for demolition work can lead to security issues. Vacant properties attract theft, vandalism, squatting, and other unlawful activities, especially in areas where construction materials and equipment are in high demand.
Increased Theft and Vandalism: Unsecured sites can be prime targets for thieves seeking valuable materials or equipment. They may strip the property of anything useful, including copper piping, windows, doors, or fixtures.
Squatting and Trespassing: Vacant properties may attract squatters or trespassers, leading to a host of legal and logistical challenges.
Accelerated Deterioration: Unattended properties often suffer from structural damage and accelerated decay, as broken windows, leaks, or other issues remain unrepaired. This can increase eventual demolition or repair costs.
Risk of Arson: Unsecured sites increase the risk of intentional fires, which can cause significant damage, especially if hazardous materials like asbestos are present.
Structural Decay: Without regular inspections, leaks, cracked walls, or failing ceilings may go unnoticed, which can create safety hazards for demolition crews and increase costs.
Environmental Hazards: Issues like mould growth or pest infestations may arise in unmonitored properties, posing health risks and complicating the demolition process.
Practical Security Measures for Vacant Sites
CCTV and Surveillance: Setting up temporary CCTV towers or motion-sensor-activated cameras can serve as a deterrent for thieves and vandals. Consider installing systems with voice prompts to warn intruders they are being recorded.
Perimeter Security: Physical barriers such as concrete blocks or bollards can prevent vehicle access and reduce illegal dumping or break-ins.
Professional-Grade Doors and Windows: Use steel security screens and doors to secure windows and prevent forced entry while the property awaits demolition.
Lawn Maintenance: Regular mowing, trimming hedges, and clearing debris make a property look inhabited, which discourages trespassers.
Occupant-Like Presence: Having someone periodically visit the site shows activity and presence, which further reduces the likelihood of vandalism and theft.
Final Words
For demolition projects to proceed smoothly, setting a start date when awarding the job is essential. Scheduling helps ensure that skilled teams, resources, and appropriate security measures are in place, reducing delays and minimising unexpected costs.
Key steps to prevent issues related to unscheduled demolition include:
Confirming Project Start Dates: This secures the best team for your job and avoids unnecessary delays.
Implementing Security Measures: Install CCTV, steel security doors, and perimeter barriers to protect vacant sites.
Maintaining Site Appearance: Regular lawn care and occasional occupancy can make the property appear lived-in, deterring vandals and thieves.
Conducting Periodic Inspections: Regularly assess the property for security breaches, and structural and environmental issues, preventing surprises during the project.
By ensuring a structured timeline and proactive site management, clients can avoid many of the complications associated with unscheduled demolition, leading to more efficient, safe, and cost-effective projects.
