Describe access as it is
A street address does not show a narrow driveway, overhead services, a shared entry or limited room beside a building. Share plans and existing photographs, and explain when access is available. Site assessment determines what arrangements are suitable.
Identify who can approve access arrangements and whether a neighbour, strata manager, landlord or other contractor needs to be involved. Do not assume a shared area or adjoining property will be available for the work.
- Vehicle entry, shared driveways and restrictions on when access is available.
- Overhead services, slopes and limited working space.
- Nearby homes, public areas or parts of the site that remain occupied.
- Features to protect, including fences, trees, driveways and services.
- Work already booked by builders, utility providers or other trades.
Mark what comes down and what stays
For partial demolition, describe the remaining building as carefully as the part coming down. Plans should make the boundary clear, including shared walls, adjoining rooms and existing services. Ask who is confirming the retained structure’s requirements.
Engineering or other specialist advice may be needed before the removal can be priced and scheduled. We work with the relevant specialists on the requirements for the parts of the building that will stay.
Plan around people and the next trade
Commercial removals and internal strip-outs often sit within a wider programme. Explain which areas are staying in use, the proposed handover sequence and any building-management requirements. Access hours, isolation arrangements and responsibilities need agreement between the parties involved.
For each stage, agree what must be ready before work starts, what will be removed and who accepts the area afterwards. Share that sequence with your builder or fit-out contractor.
Plan removal after fire or flood damage
Damaged buildings can leave the removal scope uncertain. Share existing assessment reports, the areas affected, the proposed repairs and any insurer or builder involvement. Ask which specialist findings are still needed before the work can be agreed.
Do not enter or disturb a damaged area just to obtain information for a quote. Use existing documents and arrange the appropriate professional assessment of access and the structure. Decisions about contamination, retained material and subsequent remediation may affect the sequence.
Include site constraints in the quote
The quote should address access restrictions, retained features, specialist work, removal boundaries and the finished condition. Check what is still provisional and how changes will be assessed.
Identify which site assessments and specialist advice are still needed before the removal can be priced.
| Site constraint | Information to share | Arrangements to confirm |
|---|---|---|
| Narrow or shared access | Existing photos, entry restrictions and who controls the shared area. | Site assessment, permissions and access arrangements before scheduling. |
| Part of the building stays | Plans showing removal boundaries and retained rooms or services. | Relevant engineering/design input and responsibilities for retained structures. |
| Commercial premises stay occupied | Occupied areas, access hours and building-management requirements. | Staging, site responsibilities and handovers with the manager and next trade. |
| Fire or flood damage | Existing reports, affected areas and insurer or builder involvement. | Professional access/structural assessment and any contamination or remediation inputs. |
Common questions
Does restricted access mean demolition is impossible?
Not necessarily, but it changes the assessment and planning. Describe the restrictions before a price or programme is agreed so the team can determine whether and how the project can be undertaken.
Can part of a building stay in use?
That needs project-specific assessment and agreement. Tell the team which areas you want to retain or occupy, and involve the relevant building manager, designer or specialist before arrangements are confirmed.
Can NextPhase work with my builder or insurer?
Yes. Give Jason their contact details and requirements. Agree who will provide specialist advice, who will receive updates and what your builder needs at handover.