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Once you’ve taken the decision to demolish an existing structure, there is a process that needs to be followed to ensure the correct permission is granted and all health and safety legislation has been followed. A demolition specialist can help advise on what is (and isn’t) required, as well as timelines, and permissions for what you intend to use the land for after. Once all the paperwork is taken care of, they’ll bring in a team of people to carry out the demolition safely.
Costs for demolition
Costs vary depending on a number of factors, with £60-80 per square metre as a starting point. Demolishing semi-detached or terraced houses will incur additional costs as the adjoining properties will need structural support work after demolition. Ease of access and the volume of waste / hazardous waste disposal required will also affect the costs.
Renovating vs. demolition: some considerations
Considerations for demolition
- Building a brand new home is subject to a zero percent VAT rate. That means demolishing a building and starting from scratch can often be cheaper than building on top of the existing shell of a property (which is subject to VAT). This will typically depend on the amount of work required on what’s left of the existing property.
- Building from the foundations up means you’re in full control. This gives you peace of mind that everything’s been built securely and you’re not relying on the integrity of old walls.
Considerations for renovation
- There may be parts of the existing building that have features you’d like to work into your newly designed home. It’s a popular technique on TV shows like Grand Designs, and can help give your new home real character, while preserving some of the heritage of the existing site.
- Depending on exactly how much of the property could be saved, and your plans for the future size of the property (of which there are likely to be restrictions), it may be more cost effective to work with existing walls and structures.<
- Making alterations to an existing building can be much easier to get planning permission for. While demolition itself doesn’t often need planning permission, the details may need to be agreed with the local council, and a prior approval application will be needed for the new home you plan to build.
Guidance on planning policies
Planning policies will vary depending on where you are in the UK, but generally speaking, planning permission will be granted if you intend to replace an existing structure. It’s important to get planning permission before the demolition of the existing structure – if you remove the existing building, technically there’s nothing to replace, and your case for planning permission becomes weaker.
Whichever option you pursue, and wherever your plot is situated, planning policy is likely to have some of the same considerations such as:
- whether the building of the new property is in keeping with the character of the immediate area
- the size of the new property and/or its location
- services and amenities to neighbouring properties not being adversely affected.
There are the usual caveats here about listed properties or homes in national parks or conservation areas. For further details, check out the Planning Portal website.
Questions to ask a demolition specialist
- What are the pros and cons of demolition specific to your property?
- What advice would they offer regarding planning permission and demolition consent, and to what extent will they help you through this process?
- How long do they expect demolition to take?
- Can they break down the costs between demolition and waste disposal?
- What complications do they foresee and are there any cost implications?
- Will you be able to reuse the existing amenities into the building for your new property?
My name is Lee, I have been in the building trade for over 15 years. Working with my family. Have many years of experience ranging from small and not so small private jobs to larger scales jobs (schools colleges etc) crb checked and insured. Can provide customer references if requested.
i originally got lee in to do some plastering on a renovation i was doing. he done a fantastic job. since then he has done a wet room and two bathrooms to a very high spec. i have also asked him to render the outside of the house which he is now in the process of doing. I am very sure i will use him again in the future. Top man and very approachable
We have over 20 years experience in full garden makeovers, landscaping, block paving, fencing, decking, patios, bricklaying, carpentry and astroturf. We also offer garden designs for FREE!
Billy made a great impression from the start, with a good understanding of the outcome I was looking for, timely communication and a readiness to adapt the work if and when necessary. His team did a great transformation and were careful to make sure that I was happy as he progressed. I’d definitely recommend BGO and will use them again without hesitation.
We are a family business built on reputation we are able to offer our topping pruning and felling skills on all kinds of trees also hedges topped and shaped all garden and ground maintenance all landscaping work carried out
I engaged Mr Evans to top and prune my weeping willow tree. The work was carried out to the highest standard and the site left Spick and span. I would recommend his company to anybody looking for a professional tree cutting service
I have worked as a handyman for 7 and a half years and I am also a carpenter by trade, also have a range of power tools in are inventory. Happy to get your job done no matter the size small or big we will have it done efficiently and promptly
We are dedicated to our customers, trying to be as helpful as possible. Making sure that every aspect and every detail is done to the highest standards. New Life Contractors ~ Bringing New Life to your Home.
Excellent job! Thanks.
Hi im a time served carpenter and joiner with 30 years of experience i am fully qualified carpenter and joiner experienced in first and second fix as well as shop fitting i am a specialist in kitchen fitting, bespoke staircases but do cover all carpentry and joinery services no job too big or small
Bary Briggs and team were amazing from start to finish of the requedted work. Knowledge was outstanding, work was outstanding. Time keeping amazing. Completed the work on time and within schedule as per tender for the work. I will definitley reccomend for future work at my property and to friends and family.
We are a family run Landacaping & Tree Maintenance company based in the North East of England. We undertake all aspecta of Landacaping & Tree Surgery for Commercial and Domestic customers.
excellent quick response an did really good job
A business owned and run by Scott Sterling. Main focus is Gardening with additional knowledge of many services for all around home improvement. Available for free quotes or information on anything.
Outstanding. Did a fabulous job! Reliable and cost effective too.
Very quick,efficient, if not a little bit steep financially.
we are a family run business with an experienced of over 30 years in the industry we specialise in all types of groundwork undertaken we have all our own equipment so you don't have to worry from grab lorry to Minnie digger the best about us is we take all the stress away so you don't have to worry
Very reliable tidy work done very happy
CGR Property services is a family run business with over 20 years of experience in the building industry. Specialising in fireplaces creation, chimney repairs and plastering for many years we have developed a diverse skill set in structural building work which uniquely qualifies us to carry out smaller building work inc , property repairs and small convertions like garages in office spaces or playrooms along with many other small projects Whether it's a minor repair or a full home renovation we can deliver professional skills at a fair price. It's our highest priority to get the job done right the first time on every assignment. We provide a full consultation to explain avaliable options so that you can choose the service that's right for your home. We strive to meet your projects needs and save you time and money!
Very good and quick. Phoned up at 10am and had someone out looking at the job less than 2.5 hours later. Chris was very helpful and happy to answer any questions.
Was outstanding. Price quality for extension and kitchen fit.
I have over 14 years of experience in the building trade(started young). I am able to do all aspects of building work except plumbing and electrics and take great joy in all i do. Being a builder I have realised their is always solutions to any problem.
Arrived on time and did what we wanted done (loft ladder). Was pleasant and polite observing current Covid rules. We have arranged for him to come back and do various other jobs.
Chambers Construction is a family run a complete building service based in Worcestershire.We specialise in new builds, extensions,conversions and complete refurbishment throughout to suit all your building needs. All our tradesmen are fully qualified and experienced to achieve the highest standards whatever your demands. We pride ourselves on our exceptionally high standard of finish and work with our customers to ensure their build is as stress free and enjoyable as possible.
Excellent job, Sam and his team worked efficiently and tidied up nicely at the end of each day. Would have no problems with recomending Chambers Construction to others.
P.K.P CARPENTRY AND PLASTERING We are committed to providing the highest quality workmanship with a first class service on time and budget.
Phil is an excellent tradesman - we had him replace some skirting boards, door frames and picture rails in 2 rooms. He was very reliable, reasonably priced and worked to our budget, his craftsmanship was very good, he was a quick (and tidy) worker, and he gave us plenty of extra advice and tips for other rooms. Additionally, he went out of his way to help us arrange getting some door restored by one of his contacts. Would thoroughly recommend and have saved his details for use in the future! Thanks Phil!
McEntee Grundworks were very dilligent, hard working, honest and I would happily recommend to anyone. Did a fantastic job.
I am more than happy with the work carried out, professionable and reliable tradesmen. Very happy with the service provided. I would highly recommed Worx 4 U. We were particulary impressed with the preparation and the knowledge of the product Andrea and Mark Kimber
Sev dalby building and construction is a local builder with over 10 years experience specialists in brickwork undertake all building work from small maintenance work to extensions and renovations honest,trustworthy eye for detail most work undertaken
Job completed timely and within budget. There were complications with weather, supplies, intricacies with the job and other trade people all of which were ably handled with commonsense, honesty and a great get the job done work ethic.
Graham did a very professional job in solving a tricky problem with water seeping into the garage. He turned up as promised, and kept me informed at all stages of the job. He did an extremely good job and left the area clean and tidy. I would have no hesitation in recommending him in the future.
Hello,my name is Dan Andries and I have been trading now for over 20 years, I am highly experienced in all aspects of property refurbishments, extension including Bathroom Kitchen,Tiling,Plumbing,Carpentry and much more.
communication excellent, turned up when hen said and never late, job completed in one fluid operation from start to finish. well recommended
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