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Demolishing a House
There are times when it becomes necessary
to demolish a house: for example, if it has
been abandoned for so long that it has become
a danger to the neighborhood or if it has
been structurally damaged by a storm. Other
times, a house can be demolished because
the owner wishes to build an updated structure
on the same property.
The demolition process itself
usually only
takes a few hours and is not
necessarily
expensive. If you are thinking
of demolishing
a house, consider the following:
- Assess what features in the house still have
value. Carpeting, lighting and plumbing fixtures,
and kitchen cabinets and appliances can sometimes
be sold; or you may be able to get a tax
credit by donating them to charity. There
are businesses that will conduct a pre-demolition
sale for you. If the house is old enough,
firms that deal in antique wood may be interested in buying the floor boards,
paneling, or doors. Architectural salvage
companies may purchase any significant architectural
features.
- Be aware of local codes and ordinances. You
may need to get a permit and pay a fee before
demolishing a house. In some areas there
are waiting periods, or a review board may
determine whether the house has any historical
significance that would make it undesirable
to tear down. You may be required to protect
any valuable trees on the property by fencing
them off so that their roots and branches
are not damaged during the demolition process.
- Make sure the demolition company you hire
has the capacity to haul away the debris
generated by demolition. You don’t want to
be left with a huge pile of trash. Remember
that old houses often contain substances
such as lead or asbestos that require special
handling.
- If the house has a basement, you will be
left with a large hole in the ground. It
will need to be fenced off or filled in so
that it is not a danger to the neighborhood.
Some areas will require you to keep the empty
lot neat by mowing the grass and maintaining
the landscaping.
If you live in a rural area, you may be able
to get your local fire company to burn down
your house. Firefighters need to practice
their skills, so they will occasionally set
a controlled fire that will burn up the house
you want to get rid of. |
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