Question 1

What is 29A demolition consent?

Accepted Answer

Section 29A of the Building Act 1993 requires the relevant council to be given the opportunity to consider a demolition before a building permit can be issued for most full or substantial demolitions. As the Victorian Building Authority / Building and Plumbing Commission outlines, the council may consider matters such as heritage significance, streetscape and neighbourhood character. In practice you apply to council for 29A consent, and once consent is granted (or is not required) a registered building surveyor can issue the demolition permit. We'll tell you up front whether your job is likely to need it.

Question 2

Do I need a permit for demolition?

Accepted Answer

In most cases yes. Building and Plumbing Commission requirements mean a building permit from a registered building surveyor is needed for the demolition or removal of a building or part of a building, with limited exemptions for very minor structures. Where 29A consent applies, that must be obtained from council first. There may also be planning permit or heritage overlay requirements. We can point you in the right direction and work alongside your surveyor.

Question 3

Can you give me a quote from photos?

Accepted Answer

Not very often. I can give estimates and rates from photos, but a firm quote needs consideration of site access, whether permits are required, the strength and construction of the structure, locality to tip sites and recycling facilities, and other site-specific factors. A quick site visit almost always gives you a better price.

Question 4

Can me and my mates remove asbestos?

Accepted Answer

It is not advised. WorkSafe Victoria regulations set strict controls on asbestos removal, and any removal in a workplace context, or above the small non-friable limits, must be done by a licensed removalist. Beyond the health risk, you'll run into EPA-approved tip access for disposal and problems obtaining clearance certificates. A licensed removalist should be used.

Question 5

Why do we need a clearance certificate for asbestos removal?

Accepted Answer

WorkSafe requirements mean that for licensed asbestos removal work, an independent competent person or licensed assessor must inspect the area and issue a clearance certificate before it is reoccupied or handed back. It's your written proof the area is safe and the work was completed correctly — builders, surveyors, insurers and future buyers will all ask for it.

Question 6

Can we help with labour to save money?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately not. OH&S requirements mean everyone on a demolition site must be trained, inducted and covered by the appropriate insurance. Working around excavators and unstable structures is genuinely dangerous, and untrained people on site create risk for themselves and for our operators. Our public liability and workers' insurance only covers our own trained crew.

Question 7

Can you salvage parts of the building for me?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but it must be discussed during the quoting stage. We often factor the salvage value of materials into the quote for resale, which helps keep the overall price as low as possible — so if items are being kept, we need to know before we price the job.

Question 8

Can we sell parts of the building before you demolish it?

Accepted Answer

Similar to the above, but it adds extra time to the program, insurance considerations for other people on site, safety risks after others have accessed the property, and potential project delays. It can sometimes be arranged, but it needs to be agreed at quoting stage.

Frequently asked questions

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