Tearing down a building involves more than just hiring a team of commercial demolition contractors and letting them do their thing. A structure has to be ready for the demolition process. When you consult with a commercial demolition services provider, they'll want to know these 5 things are done before they start work.

Utilities Off and Disconnected

Safety comes first, and no one wants to come across an unexpected surprise. The process of knocking down a wall could easily compromise a pressured natural gas or water line, for example.

Contact the utility companies for every system available in the building. Have them do full disconnects from the sources outside of the property. Also, ask a contractor to help you disconnect everything on the premises that's on the customer's side of the system. In the cases involving stuff in pipes, make sure the contractor has bled or drained every line.

Structural Issues Controlled

It can sound a little odd that you might have to do some building before you can demolish a structure, but stability is important. Given many companies approve demolition projects because buildings are structurally unsound, there is the potential in some instances for walls or supports to become unstable. A commercial demolition services firm will want to inspect the integrity of the structure before knocking it down. In some cases, you may need to bring in engineers to shore things up temporarily.

Clean-Out Complete

Cleaning out the building can make a major difference in the demolition process. The demolition team will have an easier time getting around the site. Likewise, you may be able to recover valuable materials for reuse or sale. Conduct as close to a total clean-out as possible, even if most of the stuff ends up in roll-off dumpsters.

Permits in Place

Most jurisdictions require permits for demolition jobs. Contact the local code compliance office to learn what your region's rules are. They will tell you what the permitting process is and how to align the work within the frame of the permit. If there are concerns about threats to nearby structures or ecological systems, you may also need to submit a plan showing how you'll mitigate the risks.

Access Available

Commercial demolition contractors often have to get equipment, supplies, and debris in and out of sites. You will need to confirm that they can legally access the location. Likewise, you may also need to create temporary roads and bridges so the contractors can get around the property.

For more information, contact a local company, like Cecil Holcomb Demolition.