Demolition teams take great care in making sure a demolition project does not affect other structures. Standard practice often includes pre-demolition assessments, controlled demolition techniques and proper protection measures to avoid causing damage to other buildings.
Unfortunately, these preventive strategies don’t always work, and building owners pay the price.
How can demolition damage other buildings?
There are several ways demolition projects can damage neighboring structures. Here are a few examples:
- Vibrations: The vibrations from heavy machinery or falling debris can lead to cracks in walls, foundations or other structural elements of your building. The damage can range from cosmetic to irreversible structural damage.
- Dust and debris: Demolition creates significant amounts of dust and small particles that can infiltrate nearby buildings. This can damage your HVAC systems and require extensive cleaning.
- Ground movement: In some cases, demolition can displace the soil or settlement, which can affect a building’s foundation.
- Asbestos and other hazardous materials: Older structures may contain asbestos, lead and other harmful substances. When demolished, these materials can release dangerous particles into the air and make their way to nearby buildings. Removing these hazards is often expensive.
It is crucial to be vigilant whenever there is a nearby demolition going on, especially if it is right next to your building. Even if the demolition team exercises utmost care, accidents can still happen.
What can you do if damage occurs?
The first step is to document the damage through photos, video and written descriptions. Consider hiring engineers or building inspectors so you can determine the full extent of the damage.
You can then present this evidence to relevant parties, including the demolition company, the owner of the demolished building and their respective insurance companies. Engineers and other professionals can help you determine who is liable for the damage.
Based on your findings, you may be able to file an insurance claim or negotiate a settlement with the responsible parties. It is possible to recover compensation for:
- Cost of repairs
- Any rent or income lost due to the damage
- Costs of temporary relocation for residents or businesses
- The decrease in your property’s market value caused by the damage
If filing a claim or attempting to settle is unfruitful, taking legal action may be necessary to recover the compensation you deserve. A construction law attorney can help navigate your case and determine the best course of action.