How to Prepare Your Property for House Demolition (Queensland Checklist)

A step-by-step checklist to get your property ready for demolition in Queensland: approvals, services, asbestos and access.
Excavator clearing a partly demolished timber house on a Queensland site

How to prepare for house demolition comes down to paperwork and timing, not heavy lifting. Do these things in the right order and your demolition will start on time and run smoothly. Not sure where to begin? Talk to us or call 07 3888 9399.

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What happens when demolition starts?

Before work begins, our team checks the site and confirms what is being removed and what needs to stay. This is why having your belongings out, access clear and the scope agreed beforehand makes such a difference. If anything has changed since the quote or site visit, let us know before the scheduled start.

The house is taken down in stages, with demolition materials loaded and removed as the job progresses. You can expect noise, dust and truck movements during the work. The timing will depend on the size and construction of the house, access and any unexpected conditions uncovered along the way.

Once the agreed work is complete, the remaining demolition waste is removed and the site is cleaned up.

Keep us updated before your start date

You do not need to have every answer when you first contact us. The important thing is to keep us informed as your preparations progress, particularly if you are waiting on approvals, service abolishments or access arrangements.

If something is delayed, tell us as early as possible so we can discuss how it affects the schedule. The same applies if you decide to keep an extra structure or remove something that was not included in the original quote.

A quick check-in before work starts helps everyone understand what is ready, what is outstanding and what happens next.

Step 1: Get your approvals sorted

Most house demolitions in Queensland need a building approval, and homes in character or heritage areas can need more. Check what applies to your property before you book a date. Our council approvals guide walks you through it. For the official requirements, see Brisbane City Council’s demolition or removal page, or check out our council approvals guide if the property is outside Brisbane.

Step 2: Arrange your services to be abolished

Electricity, gas and NBN must be formally abolished, not just switched off. Providers need time to process the request, so start as soon as your demolition date is confirmed. Our guide to arranging abolishment of services has the steps.

Step 3: Find out if there is asbestos

If your house was built before the 1990s, assume asbestos could be present until it is checked. It has to be removed by licensed professionals before the house comes down. Read our asbestos and demolition guide.

Step 4: Empty the house

  • Remove furniture, personal belongings and anything of value or sentimental importance.
  • Take out items you want to keep, such as light fittings, appliances, hot water systems, doors and fixtures.
  • Tell us if you want to salvage anything attached to the house, such as timber or stairs.
  • Check cupboards, roof spaces and under the house, where forgotten items often sit.

Step 5: Tell us what stays on the block

Sheds, garages, carports, fences, retaining walls, trees and pools can all be kept or removed. Be clear about this before we quote so there are no surprises. Anything that must stay should be pointed out on the site visit.

Step 6: Think about access and neighbours

  • Make sure trucks and machinery can reach the site. Tell us about steep driveways, narrow streets and overhead lines.
  • Let your neighbours know when the work is planned.
  • Tell us about shared fences, boundary walls and underground pipes or cables you know about.

Step 7: Confirm the contract

A standard quote from us includes demolition of the structure, removal and disposal of all waste, and asbestos removal where it is found, so you are left with a clear site. Check what is and is not included in any quote you receive, and compare like with like. See our demolition cost guide for what affects the price.

How to prepare for house demolition: the checklist

  • Approvals confirmed
  • Electricity, gas and NBN abolished
  • Asbestos checked and removal arranged
  • House emptied and salvage items removed
  • Structures to keep identified
  • Access clear and neighbours informed
  • Written quote and contract signed

Ready to book your demolition?

Call 07 3888 9399 or send an enquiry. You can also browse our resources hub.

 

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to clean the house before demolition?

No, but it must be emptied of belongings. We take care of removing the structure and the waste.

Do I need to be on site on demolition day?

Usually not. Before work starts we agree the details, including anything to be kept. If your plans change, call us as early as you can.

Do I need to disconnect the power myself?

Yes, arranging abolishment of your electricity, gas and NBN with the providers is the owner's job. See our guide to arranging abolishment of services for the steps.

Can I keep parts of the house?

Often yes. Tell us what you want to salvage before we quote.

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