The first day a demolition contractor arrives at your property is usually far less dramatic than you might expect. Rather than immediately tearing things down, the crew will spend most of that initial day setting up safely, confirming plans, and making sure the site is properly prepared. Understanding what's involved helps you stay informed and avoid any surprises.
Site Induction and Safety Briefing
Before any work begins, the contractor's team will carry out a site induction. This is a formal safety briefing where the crew leader walks everyone through the hazards specific to your site — things like overhead power lines, uneven ground, neighbouring properties, and any known structural risks. This is a legal requirement under WorkSafe NZ guidelines, and a reputable contractor will take it seriously. You may be asked to attend part of this briefing yourself, especially if you'll be on-site during the project.
Checking Permits and Consents
The contractor will confirm that all required building consents and permits are in order before breaking ground. In New Zealand, most demolition work requires a building consent from your local council, though some minor structures may qualify as exempt work under Schedule 1 of the Building Act — always confirm this with your council rather than assuming. The contractor should have copies of the consent on-site. If utilities disconnection is involved, they'll also verify that services have been properly isolated.
Utility Disconnection Confirmation
One of the most critical steps on day one is confirming that all services have been safely disconnected. This includes:
- Electricity — must be disconnected by a licensed electrician. Check the Electrical Workers Registration Board (EWRB) for licensed practitioners.
- Gas — must be disconnected by a licensed gasfitter registered with the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board (PGDB).
- Water and drainage — also requires a licensed plumber or drainlayer.
If these haven't been done prior to the contractor's arrival, work cannot safely begin. A good contractor will have coordinated this with you well in advance.
Hazardous Materials Assessment
If your home was built before the mid-1990s, the contractor will pay close attention to hazardous materials — particularly asbestos. New Zealand homes built before the mid-1990s commonly contain asbestos in materials like textured ceilings (stipple), vinyl floor tiles, roofing, and wall cladding. Under WorkSafe NZ regulations, an asbestos survey must be completed before demolition begins, and any identified asbestos must be removed by a licensed asbestos removalist before the main demolition proceeds.
Lead paint and other hazardous substances may also be identified and managed at this stage. Don't be alarmed if the first day involves more assessment than action — this is exactly how it should be done.
Site Establishment and Hoarding
The crew will set up the physical site, which typically includes:
- Hoarding or fencing around the perimeter to secure the site and protect the public
- Signage warning of demolition activity
- Waste bins or skip placement for debris removal
- Temporary toilet facilities if the project is large enough
- Equipment staging — positioning machinery like excavators or bobcats ready for use
If your property is close to a road or footpath, the contractor may need a traffic management plan approved by your local council. This is common in urban areas.
Salvage and Soft Strip
Depending on your agreement, the contractor may begin a soft strip on day one. This involves carefully removing reusable or recyclable materials before the heavy demolition starts — things like doors, windows, timber framing, copper pipe, and fixtures. This reduces waste going to landfill and can sometimes offset costs if salvageable materials have value. Discuss this with your contractor beforehand so expectations are clear.
Communication with Neighbours
A professional demolition contractor will often knock on neighbouring doors or have already sent a courtesy letter before work begins. Expect some noise and dust, particularly once machinery is operating. Your contractor should be managing dust suppression (usually water spraying) and keeping noise within council-permitted hours — typically 7:30am to 6:00pm on weekdays, though this varies by council.
What You Should Do on Day One
- Be available by phone in case the contractor has questions
- Keep children and pets well away from the site
- Make sure the contractor has clear access to the property
- Confirm your contact details and the best way to reach you during the project
- Ask for a brief end-of-day update on what was completed and what's planned for the next day
When to Call a Professional
Demolition is not a DIY job for anything beyond very minor structures. For any significant demolition — a house, garage, or large outbuilding — you need a qualified and experienced demolition contractor. Check that they hold any appropriate licences or registrations required for the work, and confirm with your council or MBIE whether an LBP licence is required for your specific demolition project, carry public liability insurance, and have a solid health and safety plan. You can find qualified local demolition contractors on tradedirectory.co.nz.
Sources & Further Reading
- WorkSafe NZ – Asbestos and demolition safety
- MBIE Building Performance – Building consents and demolition
- Electrical Workers Registration Board – Licensed electricians
- Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board – Licensed tradespeople
- Licensed Building Practitioners – Find an LBP
- BRANZ – Building research and guidance
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