Demolition work before renovation: What you need to know and how Global Bouw can help

A renovation almost never starts with the actual construction. Often, the first step is to remove old structures, finishes, or even entire sections of a building. This preparatory phase is called demolition work for renovation. It seems simple: knock down walls, remove floors, take out pipes. In practice, however, it requires knowledge, experience, safety, and good planning. This is precisely where many renovation projects are delayed or become unnecessarily expensive, because people underestimate how complex and decisive the demolition phase can be.

This guide contains all the essential information about the demolition work that precedes a renovation. Global Bouw supports you with expertise and practical experience.

Why is demolition work so important? 

Every renovation starts with a vision: a new layout for the home, a modern kitchen, an extension, or a complete renovation. But before you can create something new, the old must be carefully removed. It's not just about aesthetics, but also about safety and sustainability. Demolition work has three important goals: 

1. Preparation for the new construction: old walls, floors, or ceilings must be removed to make room for the new design.

2. Safety: old installations such as electricity, gas, and water pipes must be professionally shut off and removed.

3. Sustainability: by neatly separating and disposing of materials, much can be reused or recycled, which is environmentally friendly and often also cost-effective. Anyone who underestimates this phase runs the risk of the entire renovation being delayed or even coming to a standstill.

Types of demolition work

Demolition work for renovation is broad and can vary greatly from project to project. It is important to understand what types exist and which approach best suits your situation.

Manual demolition

Manual demolition involves removing parts by hand, often using smaller tools such as hammers, drills, and saws. This method is precise and is used when only part of the home is being renovated. Examples include removing an interior wall, tiles, or an old bathroom.

Mechanical demolition

When larger structures need to be removed, such as an entire floor or load-bearing wall, heavier equipment is required. Excavators, demolition hammers, or hydraulic cranes ensure that this is done safely and efficiently.

Selective demolition

This is a sustainable form of demolition in which materials are carefully removed and separated. Wood, metal, and stone can often be reused or recycled. Selective demolition requires more planning but offers many long-term benefits.

Total demolition

In some cases, a building must be completely stripped or even demolished. This occurs during major renovations or repurposing projects.

What does demolition work involve? 

Successful demolition is never random. It requires a structured approach. The most important steps are:

1. Inspection of the building. A professional first assesses the current condition of the property. Are there any materials containing asbestos, how are the pipes laid out, which walls are load-bearing? This analysis determines how the demolition can be carried out safely.

2. Permits and regulations. Some demolition projects require a permit. Municipalities want to be sure that safety and the environment are not compromised. This is especially true for larger projects or if asbestos needs to be removed.

3. Shutting off utilities. Before the first wall is touched, water, gas, and electricity must be shut off. This prevents dangerous situations.

4. Carrying out the demolition. The actual work is carried out according to a clear plan. This can vary from manual labor to large-scale mechanical demolition.

5. Removal and processing of rubble. After demolition, the waste must be removed. Professional companies take care of the separation and recycling of materials. This is not only good for the environment, but often also more cost-effective.

Asbestos and other hazardous substances

During demolition work, you may encounter materials that are not only difficult to remove but also hazardous to your health. The best-known example of this is asbestos. Until well into the 1990s, this material was widely used in construction because of its insulating and fire-resistant properties. Asbestos can be found in roofing sheets, insulation material, floor coverings, and even in certain adhesives.

How can you recognize asbestos?

Asbestos is not always immediately visible. It can look like ordinary building material, such as a cement board, a piece of flooring, or insulation behind a wall. Buildings constructed before 1994 are particularly likely to contain asbestos. The only way to determine this with certainty is to have an inspection carried out by a certified company.

Why you should never remove it yourself

Asbestos fibers are dangerous as soon as they are released. If you damage the material without the proper protection, microscopic fibers can be released into the air. These fibers are inhaled and can cause serious lung diseases in the long term, including asbestosis and lung cancer. For this reason, private individuals are prohibited from removing asbestos themselves, except for very small areas under strict conditions.

What are the rules? 

The law sets clear requirements for handling asbestos:

• Only companies with official certification may inspect and remove asbestos. 

• Larger remediation projects usually require a permit from the municipality.

• The workplace must be sealed off during removal and ventilated with special air filters.

• After remediation, an independent laboratory conducts an inspection to confirm that the space is safe for use.

Other hazardous substances 

In addition to asbestos, other harmful materials may also be encountered during demolition. These include old paint containing lead, chemical adhesives, or outdated insulation foams that can release toxic fumes. You should never attempt to handle these substances yourself. Safe removal and disposal requires expertise and professional equipment.

Safety during demolition work

Demolition work always involves risks. Falling objects, dust, sharp materials, and hazardous substances such as asbestos are real threats. That is why strict rules and safety regulations apply.

Important safety measures include:

• Use of personal protective equipment such as helmets, gloves, safety glasses, and dust masks.

• Cordoning off the workplace to prevent accidents involving bystanders.

• Correct use of machines and tools.

• Special procedures for hazardous materials, such as asbestos.

A professional company such as Global Bouw ensures that all safety standards are strictly adhered to. This gives you certainty and prevents fines or delays.

Common mistakes made during demolition work 

Many people try to save money by doing demolition work themselves. Although this is possible for small jobs, it often goes wrong with larger projects. Some common mistakes are:

• Removing load-bearing walls without structural calculations.

• Failure to shut off gas or electricity, with all the dangers that entails.

• Incorrect handling of asbestos-containing material.

• Inadequate waste separation, leading to higher costs and environmental damage.

• Underestimating the time and labor intensity.

The result: delays, extra costs, and sometimes dangerous situations.

How Global Bouw can help you 

At Global Bouw, we understand that demolition work forms the basis for a successful renovation. Our team has years of experience, professional equipment, and a structured approach. We take care of the entire process for you:

Advice and inspection: we analyze your property and determine the safest and most efficient approach.

Permits and administration: we guide you through the process of applying for the correct permits and comply with all legal requirements.

Safety: our staff work according to the highest safety standards and with the appropriate protective equipment.

Execution: whether it concerns manual, mechanical, or selective demolition, we ensure smooth and careful execution.

Disposal and recycling: we arrange the disposal and separation of all materials, so you don't have to worry about it.

This creates a clean, safe, and well-prepared space where your renovation can start immediately, perhaps even together with us, your renovation partner.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about demolition work prior to renovation 

Do I need a permit for demolition work? That depends on the scope of the work. Small-scale interior demolition often does not require a permit, but as soon as load-bearing structures, facades, or asbestos are involved, the municipality almost always requires a demolition permit.

How do I know if there is asbestos in my home? Asbestos is often found in houses built before 1994, for example in roof panels, insulation, or floor coverings. Only a certified company is allowed to investigate and remove it. Doing it yourself is dangerous and prohibited.

What happens to the demolition waste? During professional demolition, the rubble is immediately separated into stone, wood, metal, and plastic. Many materials can be reused or recycled. Global Bouw ensures proper disposal and processing.

How much noise pollution does demolition work cause? Demolition work is inevitably noisy, especially when mechanical work is involved. A good plan and clear communication with neighbors make a big difference. Global Bouw works as efficiently as possible to limit the nuisance.

How long does demolition take on average? That varies per project. A bathroom can be demolished in one to two days, while stripping an entire house can take weeks. Realistic planning prevents disappointment.

What is the difference between interior and exterior demolition? Interior demolition focuses on kitchens, bathrooms, floors, and walls. Exterior demolition concerns facades, roofs, sheds, and outbuildings. With exterior demolition, additional factors such as weather conditions and street safety play a role.

Can I make preparations myself before demolition begins? Yes, you can clear out rooms, remove valuable items, and make the work area freely accessible. This saves time and costs for the professionals.

What innovative techniques are available for demolition work? Low-dust techniques and diamond drills are increasingly being used to work cleanly and with less vibration. This is safer and more comfortable for the environment.

What is the average cost of demolition work? The costs depend on the size, accessibility, type of materials, and waste disposal. For small jobs, you can expect to pay a few hundred euros. Larger projects can run into thousands of euros.

Why hire Global Bouw for demolition work for renovation? Because Global Bouw takes care of everything from permits to recycling, with experienced professionals and a transparent working method. This ensures safety, quality, and a quick start to your renovation.

Conclusion

Demolition work may seem like a simple step in preparing for a renovation, but it largely determines the success of the entire project. Without a good plan, without attention to safety, and without professional execution, a renovation can quickly be delayed or become dangerous. With Global Bouw, you get a reliable partner who takes care of everything related to the demolition phase. From inspection to permits, from execution to recycling, we ensure that your project gets off to a safe and efficient start.

Are you planning to renovate and want to be sure that the demolition work is carried out professionally and without any worries? Then contact Global Bouw today. We are happy to help and guide you.