Looking for a demolition contractor can quickly spiral into a rabbit hole of quotes, conflicting advice, and regulatory red tape. Whether you’re clearing a commercial site or knocking down a backyard shed, the stakes are higher than most people think. I've been through this process myself—on a tight timeline and an even tighter budget—and learned (sometimes the hard way) what separates a reliable contractor from a costly mistake.
One of the best decisions I made was contacting a team that specialised in commercial demolition early in the process. Here's what I wish I'd known before starting, and how you can get it right the first time.
Understand the scope of your demolition project
Not all demolition jobs are created equal. Are you removing internal walls for a renovation? Levelling a retail site? Clearing hazardous material? Each type demands different equipment, permits, and skills.
In my own case, we were clearing a small warehouse for redevelopment. What seemed like a two-week job turned into a month-long process because we hadn’t considered underground infrastructure and noise permits. Lesson: scope it thoroughly, and write it all down.
Ask the right questions before hiring
Before you hire anyone, prepare a checklist of must-ask questions. You’d be surprised how much this separates the pros from the cowboys.
Here’s what helped me:
- Do they hold valid demolition and asbestos licences?
- Can they provide a detailed quote with a timeline and scope?
- Are they familiar with local council approvals?
- What kind of insurance do they carry?
- How do they dispose of waste, especially hazardous material?
These aren’t just paperwork items—they tell you how seriously a contractor takes their work. If they can’t answer clearly or seem evasive, walk away.
For a more in-depth take, this article on hiring demolition experts lays out some excellent questions to keep in your back pocket.
Ensure proper building approvals are in place
- In Australia, almost all demolition work requires council approval. This includes:
- Development Application (DA) or Complying Development Certificate (CDC)
- Asbestos and environmental management plans
- Work Health and Safety (WHS) protocols
Ignoring this step isn’t just risky—it’s illegal. One of the best tools I found was the NSW Planning Portal, which walks you through the building approval process step by step. Your contractor should be willing to help you with this paperwork or, at the very least, guide you through what’s required in your area. If they brush it off, consider it a red flag.
Review safety standards and procedures
Demolition isn’t just messy—it can be dangerous. Professional contractors will follow strict Work Health and Safety (WHS) standards, especially for tasks involving height, machinery, and hazardous materials.
Ask to see:
- Safety management plans
- Daily site checklists
- Asbestos registers
- Incident response plans
When we did our job, I insisted on reviewing their Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS). It helped me sleep at night knowing they had protocols in place for everything from unexpected gas leaks to stray nails.
And if your site may contain asbestos, even in small amounts, make sure the contractor has the right licensing. A reliable asbestos removal guide can be a great resource to prepare and know what to expect.
Evaluate their communication and professionalism
Sometimes, the warning signs aren’t technical—they’re interpersonal. A contractor might have all the paperwork, but still be impossible to work with.
Look for:
- Timely responses to emails and calls
- Clear documentation and quotes
- A willingness to answer questions
- Transparency about limitations or risks
On one job I supervised, the contractor showed up two days late with no warning and refused to provide a revised timeline. We ended up cutting ties and bringing in someone else, which cost us weeks.
The good ones? They’ll treat your property—and your time—with respect.
Get everything in writing before work begins
A handshake agreement might sound old-school, but it’s a bad idea in the demolition world. Before you approve the job, make sure you have:
- A formal contract outlining scope, price, and timeline
- Details about responsibility for permits, waste disposal, and cleanup
- A payment schedule tied to project milestones
- Signed copies of insurance and licences
This documentation protects both you and the contractor. You'll have a clear paper trail if things go sideways, and they sometimes do.
Final walkthrough and cleanup
Don’t consider the job done until you’ve walked the site with the contractor. Check that:
- All debris and rubble are removed
- Any retained structures are undamaged
- There’s no leftover hazardous waste
- Site boundaries and fencing are restored
A good contractor will handle cleanup as part of the package. Ask to see photos from previous jobs to get a sense of how tidy they leave things.
In my case, the difference between a decent and great contractor came down to cleanup. The best teams made the site spotless, while others left nails and debris scattered for me to handle.
Final thoughts
Finding a trustworthy demolition contractor goes far beyond comparing quotes. It’s about ensuring safety, meeting compliance requirements, and giving yourself peace of mind throughout a potentially complex process. Whether you’re taking down a large commercial building or partially removing part of your home for a renovation, the right contractor will help you avoid costly delays, legal issues, and unnecessary stress.
Take the time to do your research. Look for licensed professionals with a solid reputation, ask targeted questions about permits, waste removal, and site safety, and be wary of red flags. A reliable contractor will be transparent, experienced, and communicative from the start.
Remember, demolition might involve breaking things down, but the process itself should be structured and well-managed. If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts and walk away because in the end, choosing the right partner makes all the difference.