When your home, office or other space faces a need for immense amounts of reconstruction, there is one question that might come up time and time again as you gauge the extent of the damage: “Should we demolish it instead of restoring what already exists in this space?”

This is a difficult question to ask and when the answer is “yes,” it can be a bitter pill to swallow. Demolishing a space is bound to be more expensive than you likely expected initially, and can mandate a serious reevaluation of your situation. Unfortunately, there are times where demolishing is unavoidable if you’re looking to preserve the integrity of a space or its safety.

Below are five of the most common scenarios that could lead you to decide upon demolition as a solution over restoration.

1). Severe and irreparable structural problems
If your building is sitting on a damaged foundation, has issues with excessive mold that cannot be managed, or suffers from weak structural strength in the walls or ceiling, the severity of these problems could lead you to choosing to demo. If the structural integrity of only one room is in jeopardy you might be able to restore the room with renovation instead, but issues that impact larger portions of a building (or the entirety of it) are usually met with demolition.

2). When the value of the property would be higher as a vacant lot
Some houses and buildings really do nothing good for the land that they are sitting on. Structures with severe problems and a lack of upkeep can really drive down the asking price for the lot that you are trying to sell. In this case, it might be more frugal to demolish it before putting the lot on the market.

3). When you intend to build large expansions
Some expansions can be completed after knocking down some walls, but other spaces and bigger jobs might require a partial demolition. While this should only be done under very controlled circumstances, it is an option that home and business owners often consider when their buildings need to grow bigger to accommodate their needs.

4). New safety regulations on buildings
When the safety standards on buildings change, it is up to the owner of each building to decide if their space is up to this new code. The addition of ramps, elevators and other features that might be required of a building could actually be more expensive in the event that the building isn’t the most structurally sound to begin with. A newer building could not only be less expensive, but also safer in both the long and short-term. ABH Services will work with contractors to help evaluate the condition of the existing structure and offer guidance moving forward.

5). When the building is old, but not historically relevant
Historically significant buildings often benefit from the existence of standards that prevent them from being demolished as easily as other buildings. While these structures are certainly worth preserving due to their significance, that cannot be said of every building. If your home is simply old and would cost an arm and a leg to renovate safely and to your aesthetic/functional needs, starting anew after demolition could be the safest option. Some structures are simply too worn by the ravages of time to withstand sometimes necessary renovations.

ABH Services is proud to offer demolition assistance to contractors in the North Shore and Greater Boston areas. To request a quote or inquire about a free estimate, contact us today at 781-941-242.