Tearing down a house is a big job. It takes planning, time, and care. Some people remove old or broken houses to build something new. Others do it when the house is not safe to live in anymore.
In this blog post, we’ll explain what happens before and after a house demolition in simple and easy words. This will help you understand what to do and what comes next.
🏠 What is House Demolition?
Demolition means tearing down or breaking a house or building. This can be done using big machines like bulldozers or even by hand in some cases. It is often needed when a building is too old, unsafe, or when someone wants to build a new one in its place.
✅ What to Do Before a House Demolition
Before the demolition begins, there are a few important steps you need to take.
1. Get Permission (Permits)
You can’t just knock down a house without asking the city or town. You need to:
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Go to your city or town office
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Fill out some forms
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Pay a small fee
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Wait for the city to say “yes”
This is called getting a demolition permit. Without it, you could get in trouble.
2. Turn Off Utilities
You must turn off all the utilities in the house. This means:
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Gas
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Water
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Electricity
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Internet or phone lines
Why? Because if you don’t, it could be very dangerous. A gas leak or electric spark can cause a fire or explosion.
3. Tell Your Neighbors
It’s nice to tell your neighbors what’s going on. Let them know the date the demolition will start. The noise and dust may bother them, so a little warning is helpful.
4. Hire a Professional Company
Demolishing a house is not something you should do by yourself. It’s best to hire a demolition company. These are people who know how to tear down buildings safely. They also have the right machines and tools.
Before hiring, ask:
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Are you licensed and insured?
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How much will it cost?
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How long will it take?
If you are looking for demolition services in Abu Dhabi, make sure the company you choose has experience and good reviews. One trusted name in the industry is Al Raihan Rental, known for their reliable and safe demolition work.
5. Remove Personal Items
Before the demolition, go inside the house and remove:
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Furniture
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Clothes
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Dishes
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Photos
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Anything you want to keep
Once the house is torn down, you can’t get those things back.
6. Take Care of Hazardous Materials
Some old homes have dangerous stuff like asbestos, lead paint, or mold. These must be removed carefully by experts before demolition. This keeps people safe and avoids health problems.
🏗️ What Happens During Demolition?
Now let’s talk about the actual demolition.
1. Setting Up the Area
The demolition team will come and:
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Put up fences or warning signs
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Bring in big machines
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Make sure no people or animals are in danger
2. Start the Demolition
The team will use machines like:
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Excavators
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Bulldozers
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Cranes
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Or hand tools for small parts
The house will come down piece by piece. It can take a few hours or a few days, depending on the size of the house.
3. Dust and Noise
There will be a lot of dust and loud noises. Don’t worry — this is normal. The workers may spray water to keep the dust down.
🧹 What Happens After a House Demolition?
Once the house is gone, the work isn’t over. Here’s what to expect next.
1. Clean-Up
There will be a big mess after demolition. Bricks, wood, nails, pipes, and wires will be all over the place. The demolition team will clean up:
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Haul away trash
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Sort out materials (some items can be recycled)
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Make the land flat again
2. Soil Checking
Sometimes the soil under the house needs to be tested. Why? To check for harmful stuff like oil, chemicals, or mold. If the soil is not clean, it may need to be replaced.
3. Inspecting the Land
The city might come to check if the land is now safe and clean. This is part of the rules when demolishing a home.
4. Start Building Something New
Now that the old house is gone, you can:
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Build a new home
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Make a garden
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Sell the land
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Use the space for something else
It’s a fresh start!
💰 How Much Does It Cost?
House demolition prices can change depending on:
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Size of the house
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Type of demolition (manual or machine)
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Location
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Clean-up and permits
On average, it may cost between $5,000 and $20,000. Always ask for a quote from more than one company.
📝 Final Tips
Here are a few simple tips to help you through the process:
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Always follow the law
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Keep kids and pets away from the site
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Take photos of the house before and after
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Ask questions if you don’t understand something
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Be patient — it takes time
🧠 Conclusion
Demolishing a house may sound scary, but it can also be the start of something new. By planning carefully and hiring the right team, you can make the process safe and smooth. Just remember:
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Get permits
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Turn off utilities
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Remove your things
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Clean up afterward
After demolition, you have a clean slate. It’s your chance to build a better future.
Need help with demolition work? Contact a local expert like Al Raihan Rental to make the process easier and stress-free. 🏡🔧