National Demolition Association Develops Tools for Demolition Projects

The National Demolition Association (NDA), Doylestown, Pa., is offering a free checklist that will take the client through the completion of a successful demolition job. The organization says real estate developers, architects and engineers should have a basic understanding of the demolition process and what should be included in a standard demolition contract before embarking on a demolition project.

“The NDA developed the Demolition Planning Document to give the buyers of our services the recommendations to help minimize any problems that might occur during the process,” says Michael Taylor, executive director of the NDA. “The better everyone understands the demolition process beforehand, the less likely there will be disputes and requests for change orders down the line.”

In addition to the Demolition Planning Document, the NDA is posting a Model Demolition Specification, which offers specific contract language buyers can consider including in their contracts to make sure they manage all parties’ expectations concerning things such as permitting, insurance, health and safety reports and waste disposal.

Taylor explains that a successful project requires a great deal of pre-planning in order for both the demolition contractor and owner/operator of the site to coordinate all facets of the project. “Almost every project involves some detours and changes that inevitably occur,” he says. “But with a solid plan and direct course of action, the negative impact on project schedules, costs, and liabilities can be kept to an absolute minimum.”

Along with the Purdue Press textbook on the demolition process Demolition: Practices, Technology and Management by Richard Diven and Mark Shaurette, the NDA says it is leading the way by presenting in a systematic way for the first time the means and methods that define what modern demolition contractors do.

“Frankly, many of our clients really haven’t understood the demolition process in the past,” Taylor says. “One of the main goals of the association today is to expand the public knowledge base so that our customers, including those in the construction, engineering, architectural, and real estate markets, have the tools they need to do their jobs better.”

The Demolition Planning Document, now posted on the NDA’s website www.demolitionassociation.com, has a checklist of stages or activities that must be completed in every job, which may include:
 

• Proposed use of site

• Utility disconnect responsibility

• Reuse of materials from project

• Extent of underground demolition

• Responsibility of temporary facilities

• Expected site condition after demolition

In addition to the Demolition Planning Document, the Model Demolition Specification includes sample submittals, general conditions, and pre-execution, execution, and restoration and closeout language for consideration, as well as a sample insurance requirement document posted for viewing.

“The National Demolition Association is intent on taking a giant step forward in helping our clients purchase our members’ services in a knowledgeable way, while eliminating many of the problems that often arise on a construction or demolition site,” Taylor says. “These documents are one way we’re making this happen.”

To view the Demolition Planning Document and the Model Demolition Specification, go to www.demolitionassociation.com, and click on “Our Industry.” Printable and downloadable pdf’s are available.