Planning and Compliance
Approach to Demolition
Developing a systematic approach to demolition and defining the scope of the project can help stakeholders prevent harms to human health and the environment, identify recycling and reuse opportunities, control costs, and anticipate compliance requirements. For example, renovation and demolition projects that identify, remove, and properly manage harmful materials prior to the start of work may avoid violations of applicable environmental and health and safety regulations.
Additional actions and topics that may be considered during the initial planning stages of demolitions include:
- Community Involvement
- Selection of Contractors and Oversite
- Pre-demolition Inspections
- Compliance
- Demolition and Deconstruction Tools
Careful planning prior to the start of work may help to avoid releasing harmful materials into the environment, protect the health of workers and the public, and minimize costly mistakes.
Many of these topics are covered in the EPA Residential Bid Spec Tool On the Road to Reuse: Residential Demolition Bid Specification Development Tool (EPA-560K-13-002, September 2013). This tool can help prepare bids and contracts for demolition and asbestos abatement work by reviewing recordkeeping and reporting requirements for work being done at a demolition site. These requirements may assist with project oversight.