When seeking to knock down internal walls in your property, you’ll often have to choose between going the do-it-yourself (DIY) route and hiring a professional.
Most DIY wall demolition advocates would argue that undertaking the project yourself saves on cost. However, while wall removal experts charge a substantial fee, working with these contractors is more cost-effective in the long run due to their superb workmanship.
DIY aficionados may also cite time as a compelling argument for performing wall demolition by themselves. This notion stems from the perception that some wall removal companies may take several hours to drive to your property and conduct robust inspections, plus a couple more days to prepare and do the actual demolition work.
However, a bit of research is all you require to find wall demolition contractors that guarantee an incredibly fast turnaround.
Read more as we settle the DIY versus professional wall removal debate.
1. Professionals Understand Local Building Codes
Wall removal is subject to local building codes that only a professional would know. These include both permits and licenses.
In Perth, as with the rest of Western Australia, you require BA5 permits to undertake wall demolition projects.
While the permit is readily accessible on the official websites of the Western Australian Government or the City of Perth, working with a professional wall removal company can significantly accelerate the application process.
Besides the BA5 permit, Perth wall removals professional can also be instrumental in obtaining a WorkSafe Approval. This permit is mandatory before demolishing walls in commercial buildings measuring at least 10 meters high.
2. Professionals Possess Due Licenses
Alongside permits, you’ll require valid licenses to proceed with wall removal in Perth. Only a trained demolition expert would possess these critical documents.
Wall removal licenses fall into two categories including;
- Class 1 – Required to demolish walls that stand over 10 meters high
- Class 2 – Required to knock down walls under 10 meters high, excluding single-story properties
3. Professionals Safeguard Your Property’s Structural Integrity
Conducting wall demolition calls for extreme caution, especially if it involves load-bearing walls. One slip-up and your property could come tumbling down.
Professionals are trained to implement relevant precautionary measures while undertaking wall demolition.
For projects that involve knocking down a load-bearing wall, the company may install temporary beams or upgrade the existing support. This helps uphold your property’s structural integrity and minimize freak accidents during the demolition work.
4. Professionals Guarantee Your Safety
Having your building cave in due to shoddy wall removal workmanship might render you homeless for several months. While that’s devastating enough, it pales in comparison to the physical injuries you could suffer if you got trapped in the rubble during the accident.
These are other unpleasant surprises that you can effectively evade by working with wall removal technicians.
Wall demolition professionals comply with strict building codes, minimizing the risks of accidents and costly property damages.
5. Professionals Can Help With Asbestos Walls
It’s important to underscore the significance of working with professional wall demolition companies in Perth for older homes.
If your property was constructed over two decades ago, there’s a chance it contains hazardous asbestos material. Exposure to this compound might predispose you to severe health risks, including acute lung irritation and lung cancer.
Wall demolition experts are trained on how to identify, handle, and dispose of asbestos. Working with such companies can help avoid the long-term risks of inhaling asbestos compounds.
6. Professionals Save You Money
The vain quest to save a few extra bucks has caused many Perth homeowners to suffer costly DIY wall removal mistakes.
Although professional wall demolition companies charge a fee for their services, they offer high-quality workmanship as a trade-off. This minimizes unnecessary expenses incurred fixing substandard work.
Professionals also save you money by eliminating the need to buy demolition tools. That’s significant, considering a standard demolition hammer may set you back over AUD 1,000.
7. Professionals Save You Time
Some Perth homeowners may contend that professional wall demolition agencies take an unreasonable long to respond to wall removal requests. However, that’s only because knocking down internal walls calls for an elaborate approach.
A demolition contractor must visit your property and inspect the sections designated for removal. They’ll then assess the full scope of the project before issuing you with a quote, which you must accept before the company schedules the actual wall demolition. While these preliminaries may sound needless, they enhance the entire project’s efficiency.
Professional wall removal services take care of all the legwork, enabling you to tend to your other equally significant assignments. It’s even better if you work with local companies that maintain larger workforces, as then you’re assured of a remarkably fast turnaround.
Besides, professional wall demolition technicians utilize specialized tools for enhanced accuracy and efficiency.
8. Professionals Assist With Waste Disposal
Like most demolition works, wall removal can generate a significant amount of waste. Sadly, DIYers may not know where and how to dump the debris.
Wall demolition technicians are well-versed in local waste management guidelines.
Complying with these codes is critical in minimizing environmental impact and preserving the city’s streetscape. It also reduces toxic exposure to demolition debris, particularly if asbestos material is present.
9. Professionals Possess Relevant Insurance
Certain insurance coverage is crucial when planning a wall demolition project.
For instance, you’ll require public liability insurance to cushion you if a member of your household is injured or your property gets damaged during the renovation process. There’s also professional indemnity insurance that guards against workmanship errors.
While not all wall demolition experts possess this vital insurance coverage, professional ones do.
10. Professionals Offer Warranty
Accidents do happen. Even the most diligently undertaken wall removal can result in unintended property damage. Besides, the rebuilding work may not turn out precisely as you desired.
If you undertook the demolition work yourself, that means spending even more on repeat jobs.
Fortunately, professional wall removal companies offer reasonable warranties to guard against substandard workmanship or unforeseen issues. Repeat jobs are either 100% free or incredibly discounted.
Get Ahead by Enlisting Professional Assistance
Wall removal is a complex and skill-intensive home renovation project that calls for professional assistance. Never undertake any wall demolition by yourself, whether it entails load-bearing or non-load-bearing walls.
Besides potentially jeopardizing your property’s structural integrity, DIY wall removal could also pose grave physical danger to your dear ones. Not to mention the risks of damage to utilities and other household valuables.
While relative affordability is the biggest argument for DIY wall demolition, it’s evident that it’s all a false economy. Hiring a professional can turn out to be cost-effective in the long, despite these contractors charging considerable fees for their services.