Category: Construction

Whether you’re clearing space for a renovation or pulling down an entire building, demolition isn’t just about tearing things apart. It’s a high-risk job that needs the right tools, timing and planning. One wrong move can damage nearby structures, delay your timeline or lead to safety issues. For both homeowners and business owners, it’s essential to get the basics right.

Demolition can include everything from knocking out a wall to removing a concrete slab. These jobs often rely on concrete cutting in Melbourne as part of a clean, precise process. But demolition goes beyond tools—it’s about method. The better your plan, the smoother the outcome.

Let’s break down what safe and efficient demolition looks like from start to finish.

Know What You’re Demolishing

Before any job starts, you’ve got to know exactly what you’re working with. That means checking the structure, materials, load points and even what’s hidden behind walls. Skipping this step leads to surprises—and not the good kind.

Here are some things to consider before demolition:

• Is the wall or structure load-bearing?
• Are there live wires, plumbing or gas lines nearby?
• What type of material are you removing—brick, concrete, timber?
• How close are other buildings, footpaths or fences?
• Does the work need council permits or engineer approval?

One homeowner wanted to remove a dividing wall to expand their kitchen. Without checking properly, they started knocking it out. Turned out, the wall carried part of the ceiling load. They had to halt the job, bring in a structural engineer and install a support beam—which added weeks to the timeline.

The same risk applies to business sites. Older buildings might have asbestos, buried pipes or weakened support columns. Before touching a thing, do a full inspection, get plans if possible and always ask the right questions.

Make Safety Your First Priority

Demolition creates dust, noise and debris. It also introduces sharp objects, unstable materials and fall risks. Without the right steps in place, the chance of injury is high.

There are proven safety tips for concrete demolition that apply to every type of job, big or small:

• Use proper PPE: boots, gloves, eye and ear protection
• Keep the worksite clean and marked off from public access
• Cut power, water and gas before starting
• Remove fragile or loose items near the site
• Check equipment for damage before every use

If machinery is involved, make sure the operator is licensed. Even handheld saws or jackhammers can injure someone if used carelessly. Every worker on site should understand the plan and be aware of their surroundings.

At a commercial carpark demo in a busy retail area, barriers and warning signs were installed along the perimeter. A spotter kept pedestrians away while operators worked. There were no incidents, despite being right next to a footpath. That kind of preparation pays off.

Use the Right Tools and Machinery

Not all demolition jobs need bulldozers and wrecking balls. In fact, many rely on smaller machines designed for tight access, delicate removal or detailed cuts. Picking the right tool means faster work, better control and fewer mistakes.

Take saws, breakers and wall chasers—they’re perfect for interior demos, where precision matters. In contrast, larger machines with hydraulic arms or shears are used on bigger commercial jobs.

There’s also been a shift in recent years toward technology that boosts safety. Remote-controlled demolition robots, for example, let operators stay out of the danger zone while machines do the heavy lifting. It’s a smart move for jobs inside factories, tunnels or near sensitive equipment.

Modern demolition machines improve safety in several ways:

• Less vibration and strain on the operator
• Quieter systems for indoor use
• Dust suppression features
• Reduced manual handling of rubble

Choosing the right equipment isn’t just about size or cost. It’s about how it fits the job, the team and the space available.

Get Your Permits and Paperwork in Order

Demolition isn’t always as simple as swinging a sledgehammer. Depending on the job, you may need council permits, engineering reports or service checks. Getting caught without them can stop your project in its tracks.

Homeowners often overlook this. Small jobs—like removing a garage wall or bathroom floor—can still trigger red tape. If the structure is tied to drainage, load-bearing beams or fire-rated walls, expect extra steps.

For businesses, the rules get even tighter. Demolishing part of a warehouse, office or shopfront might involve:

• Planning approval
• Asbestos checks
• Noise management plans
• Road use permits (if work spills onto public space)

A local café wanted to update their courtyard and remove a partial brick wall. They started without checking their property boundaries. The wall sat on shared land. The neighbour filed a complaint, and the council ordered the job be halted until new permits were approved.

Always talk to your builder, contractor or council before the first strike.

Plan for Dust, Debris and Disposal

Demolition makes a mess—and managing it well is part of doing the job right. That means thinking ahead about where dust, concrete and rubbish will go.

Here’s what a solid clean-up plan looks like:

• Use water or dust-suppression systems to reduce airborne particles
• Block off vents or ducting in indoor jobs
• Hire the right skip bins for rubble, metal and general waste
• Recycle materials where possible (like concrete, timber or metal)
• Sweep and vacuum regularly during the job

At a home in Preston, the team demolished a rear concrete porch. They used a wet saw to reduce dust, stacked reusable pavers to one side, and sorted the rubble into two bins—saving on disposal fees. The whole job stayed tidy and finished under budget.

Dust control is especially important in occupied spaces or public areas. Poor air quality can affect neighbours, workers and future residents. Use drop sheets, barriers and extraction fans when needed.

Time the Job Right

Demolition isn’t just about getting it done. It’s about knowing when to start, what to remove first and how to stay on track.

Start with structures that pose a risk or block access. Then move to partial cuts, soft materials or features that need careful handling. Leave shared walls, supports or drainage points until you’ve assessed the final layout.

Also think about timing around weather, traffic or operating hours. For example:

• Avoid cutting concrete in extreme heat
• Plan noisy work for mid-morning or early afternoon
• Schedule waste pick-ups before bins overflow
• Keep wet weather gear on standby for outdoor work

Business sites often need overnight or off-hour work to avoid trade disruption. That requires solid planning, good lighting and a clear after-hours safety plan.

Rush the job, and you risk costly delays or safety issues. Plan it well, and demolition becomes a smooth part of your build process.

Separate Structural vs Non-Structural Elements

Not all demolition is about knocking everything down. Many projects involve removing part of a structure while keeping the rest intact. That means knowing which parts carry load and which don’t.

Non-structural demo includes:

• Internal walls
• Ceilings
• Fixtures
• Flooring

Structural demo affects:

• Foundations
• Support beams
• Roof framing
• Retaining walls

If you remove a non-load-bearing wall without issue, that’s a win. But take out a beam without bracing and you could collapse the roof. The difference matters.

For example, a business owner wanted to open up a waiting room by removing a column. A quick scan showed it supported the upper floor. They brought in a builder who installed a steel lintel to carry the load before cutting. The job finished clean, and the structure stayed solid.

When in doubt, get a structural assessment. It’s cheaper than fixing a collapse.

Communicate with Neighbours and Workers

Demolition affects more than just your team. Dust, noise and access all spill over. Keeping your neighbours and crew in the loop helps reduce stress and keeps things civil.

If you’re a homeowner, speak to your neighbours before starting. Let them know what’s being done and when. Give a heads-up about noise or restricted parking.

Business sites need even clearer comms. Signs, staff briefings and access plans all help manage expectations. If customers or clients are still nearby, you’ll want to reduce confusion and keep the space safe.

Good communication looks like:

• Clear signage on temporary fences or hazards
• Daily start/finish updates for workers
• Contact details for the site supervisor
• Notices about bin drop-offs, power shutdowns or access issues

People are more forgiving when they know what to expect.

FAQ 

1) Do I need a permit for small demolition jobs at home?

You might, depending on what you’re removing. Pulling up floor tiles or removing kitchen cabinets usually won’t need a permit. But anything that affects the structure—like taking down a wall, removing a carport or altering plumbing—may require approval.

Check with your local council before starting. Some areas have heritage overlays, neighbour protections or specific rules around waste disposal. Fines for unauthorised demolition can be steep.

Even if you don’t need a formal permit, it’s good practice to notify your neighbours and confirm with your builder. That small step can save big headaches later.

2) What’s the safest way to handle demolition dust?

Start with prevention. Wet cutting, misting systems and plastic barriers all help reduce how much dust goes airborne. For indoor jobs, seal off the space and use HEPA vacuums or extraction fans.

Personal protection is also key. Use a P2 or P3 mask, safety goggles and gloves. Fine dust—especially from concrete or brick—contains silica, which can cause lung problems over time.

After the job, wipe down surfaces and clean tools before reuse. Don’t sweep dry dust—it just sends it back into the air. Instead, dampen and collect it with a vacuum or mop.

3) Can I do small demolition jobs myself?

Yes, but only if you know the risks and use the right gear. Jobs like lifting tiles, pulling out old cabinets or removing a garden wall can often be handled DIY. Just make sure you’re not touching anything structural or connected to plumbing, gas or electricity.

You’ll still need to wear proper PPE, clear the site and have a disposal plan. Renting basic tools like a jackhammer or angle grinder is easy, but make sure you understand how to use them safely.

If you’re unsure, ask a builder or get a quick consult. DIY demo can save money—but only if it’s done smart.

4) What should I do with waste from the demolition?

Sort it out before you start. You’ll want different skip bins or disposal plans for:

• Concrete and rubble
• Timber
• Metal
• General waste

Some materials—like bricks or clean concrete—can be recycled or reused. That saves on tipping fees and cuts landfill waste.

For big jobs, plan a waste pickup schedule so bins don’t overflow. If you’re working in a busy area, make sure bins don’t block footpaths or driveways. Some councils require permits for roadside skips.

Don’t forget dust clean-up too. Even small amounts can create long-term mess if left behind.

5) How long does a typical demolition project take?

It depends on the job size and setup. A single wall removal might take a day. A full garage tear-down could take 2 to 3 days with clean-up. Bigger jobs like shopfront removals or warehouse clearance can stretch over a week or more.

Weather, access, permits and clean-up all affect timing. So does whether you’re working in an occupied space. If other trades are involved, you’ll also need to coordinate with their schedules.

The key is having a plan. Even small jobs run smoother when timelines are set and followed.

Demolition Done Right Starts with a Smart Plan

Whether you’re knocking out a single slab or prepping a whole site, demolition needs structure—ironically. The safest, cleanest jobs happen when tools, timing and teamwork all line up.

Homeowners and business owners alike can benefit from treating demolition as a controlled, planned stage of the project—not just a tear-down. With the right prep, gear and guidance, it becomes a smart step forward instead of a setback.

For expert support with concrete cutting in Melbourne, talk to a team that knows the job inside out. Visit Megasaw for professional solutions tailored to your project’s needs.

Please call us today on 1300 920 419 or leave an enquiry.

No one wants to overspend on construction, whether it’s on a commercial or residential property. Regrettably though, only a few people know how to cut costs on construction projects. This has resulted in unnecessary expenses and money wasted.

But there are ways to stick to your project’s budget while not sacrificing its quality.   Here’s what you have to do.

 

Confirm the status of utilities and infrastructure before buying your lot

Watch out for budget building lots. The most affordable lots might cost more in the long run. Hence, you don’t want a lot that requires workers to blast through rock, provide extensive drainage, or clear away trees, just to mention a few.

Such hurdles make your overhead cost soar. To prevent this, make sure the lot you’re  interested in has good access to electricity and public water lines, lest you’re left to shoulder the cost of installing public utilities and services.

 

Collaborate with a friend or family and buy a large lot

You might not need a large parcel of land, but remember that some of the largest properties have the most attractive price tags. If it’s too large for what you can afford, the smart thing to do would be to find a friend or family member with whom you can split the parcel into two smaller lots.

Just be sure that the person with whom you are sharing the land is someone you don’t mind having around as a neighbor.

 

Go for a bay or canal lot if you need a waterfront site

The idea is to get your waterfront experience at less cost. Go for a bay or canal adjacent property, which cost less than an ocean or lakefront property.

Besides access to water, a bay or canal waterfront can shelter you against intemperate weather.

 

Purchase low-maintenance building materials

Construction materials such as metal for roofing and vinyl for siding can be particularly expensive to install. However, they will save you from repair or replacement costs for a long time.

 

Monitor your building allowances while construction is ongoing

Don’t leave everything in the hands of the contractor. Keep an eye on the ongoing building process to be sure you’re getting value for your money.

Make sure that the structural elements to decorative details are what you agreed on so that you can also stick to your set budget.

This also applies to the brand and quality of materials. Certain brands or qualities may be cheap at purchase, only to bring in regular maintenance expenses. Switching brands should merit the additional cost.  

 

Build compact

Sometimes it’s way cheaper to construct a two to three storied building instead of a single story house covering a wide area. A multi-story building is more compact but gives you the same amount of living space yet with a much smaller foundation and roof.

With it, you’ll have more affordable options for ventilation and plumbing, even though the initial cost and/or future maintenance may be higher because of the need for special equipment. However, you may find that a taller building is a more cost effective alternative.

 

Work with qualified professionals with a solid reputation

A certified general contractor will help you save money. They have an extensive experience thus can provide invaluable cost-benefit analysis.

Further, a professional who has been in the industry has established ties with suppliers and subcontractors. With this, you can possibly benefit in the form of discounts.

 

Reduce site preparation charges

You’ll save money if you can avoid site preparation costs such as grading charges, in-fill dirt hauling fees, the cost of clearing trees or blasting rocks. To avoid these, make sure you have bought the best site and have a plan that naturally fits that chosen site.

 

Avoid change orders

Know what you want right off the bat. Once you start, remember that any change in blueprints or materials will translate to additional costs and time, and will also cause frustration among people involved in the project.

Make sure things run smoothly by having an exact plan and structure beforehand so that the building work can be erected without any midway interruptions.

 

Conclusion

Whether you are building a new home or just doing a home renovation, it is always great when you can cut back on some overheads on your construction project. Fortunately, these ideas will ensure that you get value for your money and cash does not just fly off the window.

 

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Let’s face it – a lot of people use the words “concrete” and “cement” interchangeably mistakenly thinking these refer to the same thing.

This couldn’t be more incorrect. Cement refers to a broad variety of fine-ground powders that harden when mixed with water.  

On the other hand, concrete is a hardened construction material made by combining a chemically inert mineral aggregate – usually sand, crushed stone or gravel, or a mixture of two or all three, cement as the binder, chemical additives (optional) and water.

Cement is therefore is only one of the many components of modern concrete.

The cement and water that make up the paste coats the surface of the aggregate, both the fine and the coarse ones. Through hydration, a chemical reaction, the paste hardens as it dries to form the rock-like mass which is concrete.

When concrete is dry, it naturally acquires a hardness and consistency that can be likened to stone. This makes it deal for road construction, building of bridges, factories, railroads, sewerage and water supply systems, airports, mass transportation systems, waterways and other durable structures.

Concrete may differ in strength and density, depending on the proportions of its three key ingredients: cement, water and aggregate.

 

Quality Depends on Proportion

Depending on the kind of structure that would be made with the concrete, you will prepare proportions of water, cement and aggregate. These proportions and how you mix these elements will determine the quality of the concrete and the final structure.

Thus, if the mixture does not have enough paste to fill the gaps between the aggregates properly, it becomes difficult to manipulate the concrete and your mixture may become porous and rough on the surface.  

On the other hand, if the mixture contains excess cement paste, it will be easy to apply, and the final concrete will be smooth on the surface but can easily crack.

Given this, we see that the strength of the concrete depends on the ratio of water to cement.

This ratio refers to the weight of the water used to mix the concrete divided by the weight of the cement used.

To produce high-quality concrete, lower the ratio of water to cement as much as possible. Ensure that the fresh concrete can be properly placed and consolidated.

Setting the proportion of concrete can be done in two ways:

 

By Volume

This is usually used for small jobs. In doing this, you use gauge boxes to measure the fine and coarse aggregate.

Each gauge box has a volume equal to one bag of cement. This method is less accurate but takes less time.

 

By Weight

This method is way more accurate and makes for a more uniform process. It doesn’t have the uncertainties of bulking, hence is generally preferred over volume batching.  

In either case, the proportions of cement, water, and aggregate should produce concrete that has the following properties:

• Maximum density – the concrete should be as strongest and water-tight as it can be.
• Can be easily manipulated while it’s fresh. it should be easy to economically place in the formwork.

With these,  you are ready to make your first concrete. But, how do you go about it?

 

Step 1: Gather or Buy the Raw Materials

You may have to buy cement, but can gather the two other raw materials: water and builder’s sand/gravel or crushed limestone.

Determine the volume of concrete that you’ll need. You can do this by multiplying the thickness of the target area to its square footage.

 

Step 2: Find a Suitable Container for Mixing  

You may not always have a mixer unless you are in the construction business. But you can always borrow or rent a mechanical mixer. Don’t worry too much on the cost as this will considerably reduce the labour required.

For a small project, improvise a manual mixing box by building one from wood planks.  You can also use a strong wheelbarrow to mix the materials.

 

Step 3: Mix The Cement and Sand

Start off by preparing your dry mix. You do this by mixing the cement and sand. You can choose from these  two concrete preparation methods:

• Method 1 –  make a basic mixture for mortar using the ratio of 1 to 2 to 3 for water to cement to sand by volume.
• Method 2 – create a general purpose concrete using the ratio of 1 to 2 to 3 for cement to sand to gravel by volume.

 

Step 4: Add the Crushed Stone or Gravel  

Add the gravel or crushed stone at a ratio of up to 5 portions of gravel for every 1 portion of cement and sand mixture.

Don’t worry. The high ratio of gravel has no adverse effect on the tensile strength of the concrete unless it’s too much. Just be sure to leave enough cement paste to fill the spaces between the gravel. If this doesn’t happen then you know you’ve added too much of the gravel.

Note that concrete with too much gravel will be difficult to level and it will be hard to achieve a smooth finished surface where it’s curved.

 

Step 5: Add Water 

Water determines the quality of your concrete so it’s best to add water to the mixture slowly. Mix out the concrete continuously every time you add water until the concrete becomes plastic enough to place in your form.

 

Step 6: Mix the concrete thoroughly  

Once the desired volume of water has been added, continue mixing until the concrete achieves a uniform consistency.

The final wet concrete should be even all over, and have no packets of dry material. About two or three extra minutes of mixing after the desired consistency has been achieved will give you the perfect concrete.

With your concrete ready, you can then pour it and float it to create the structure you intended.

Concrete was by itself durable enough for construction until the 19th century when innovation led to the development of steel reinforcement. From then on, it didn’t take long for its popularity to spread.

Engineers saw reinforcing concrete as a way of reducing construction cost and saving time while bringing to life even stronger, more durable structures. Today, reinforced concrete has seen the rise of some of the world’s tallest skyscrapers, biggest bridges, longest highways and deepest tunnels.

While these mega-structures have lived up to the expectation the inventors of reinforced concrete had regarding strength, durability has been a different situation altogether. But before we delve into that, let us first discuss what reinforced concrete entails.

What Is Reinforced Concrete?

Reinforced concrete is a composite material made by casing wet concrete around steel reinforcing bars tied together to make a cage.  The concrete settles and hardens around the bars.

At this point, you’d be glad to know any reasons behind concrete reinforcing.

To start with, concrete is known to have relatively low tensile strength and ductility.  

Reinforcing it counteracts both weaknesses resulting in a new material that works well in either tension or compression. The concrete resists squeezing while the steel resists bending and stretching.

 

Why Steel?

In theory, all kinds of metals can be used to reinforce concrete. However, steel is the most preferred because it expands and contracts almost the same way concrete does.  

This similarity in thermal expansion characteristics ensures the steel bars doesn’t crack the concrete that surrounds it.

Alternative materials for concrete reinforcement exist such as aluminium bronze, glass, and plastics. However, the affordability of plain steel makes it a lot more attractive to developers.

Reinforcing concrete is favoured among builders for numerous reasons. For starters, steel bars give strong building structures with thinner, less supported slabs. Such slabs require less concrete to pour making the construction process go faster.

 

Strength versus Durability

Many planners and developers, however, fail to consider the extended costs of maintenance and repair services of reinforced concrete construction. While blending steel with concrete improves the structure’s daily tolerance with tension, it reduces its durability in the long run.

How does this happen you ask? Let us elaborate.

Modern concrete structures fail through what is informally known as concrete cancer.  This destructive process involves the following three problems, all of which are interrelated.

 

1. Natural Deterioration

 

Concrete is a combination of three ingredients:

– A mixture of fine and coarse fragments of crushed rock, such as sand, gravel and stones, glass etc.;

– Cement; and

– Water

Over time, concrete decomposes naturally as a result of a slow but steady reaction between alkalis from the cement and silica from the fragments.

The crystals formed from this reaction occupy and spread spaces within the structure.  Eventually, we have cracks from the inside, or flaking from the surface. Through, either way, moisture finds its way into the structure and corrodes it.

 

2. Cold Temperatures

 

Water that has seeped into concrete through cracks can freeze in the winter. It will then expand causing further cracks and faults within the structure. More water can get in through these new entry points, making the vicious cycle of deterioration and decay continues.

 

3. Steel Rusting

 

Despite the inevitable natural deterioration of concrete and harsh environmental conditions, old structures such as the Colosseum and the Pantheon in Rome are proof of just how long concrete can last.

It is puzzling that many concrete structures erected in the 20th century have no more than a few decades of life to show for themselves.

Structures built with reinforced concrete experience a significantly accelerated rate of degradation due to rust. This is because moisture that enters through small, newly formed cracks can eventually come into contact with the reinforcing bars in the concrete, causing them to decay.

The rust that forms around the bars results in their rapid, uneven expansion. Rust can expand the reinforcing bars up to four times their size. This enlarges existing cracks and creates new ones, finally forcing the concrete to fall apart.

 

What are the Dangers of Reinforced Concrete?

By facilitating concrete cancer, construction with reinforced concrete poses a danger to the structure and the people using it.

Many of us wouldn’t expect to find cracks in a newly made, modern building or bridge. When such structures fall apart, it is very likely to take its unsuspecting occupants down with it.

Yet, the casualties left in the wake of reinforced concrete construction do not end there. Growing concerns about the environment and climate change have shed light on another major problem.

Concrete production is the third largest contributor of carbon dioxide emissions after automobiles and coal-fuelled power plants. In fact, cement manufacturing alone is responsible for about 5% of carbon dioxide emissions in the world.

Moreover, concrete waste represents roughly a third of all landfill waste, both an outcome largely attributed to the construction of short-lived structures.

Because recycling concrete is impractical, the only way to save our planet from its effects is to reduce its production. This will only be possible if we start building longer-lasting structures.

 

Potential Solutions

Fortunately, you can address the problem of steel corrosion in reinforced concrete in many ways including;

1. Pre-stressing/pre-tensioning: The reinforced steel is permanently compressed by first applying tension on the steel bars. As the concrete sets, the taught bars pull inwards, compressing the concrete and making it stronger.

2. Cathodic protection: The entire structure is connected to an electric current which prevents rust from forming around the steel bars.

3. Chemical treatment: The concrete is treated with a rust-inhibiting compound. A common mechanism of inhibiting corrosion with chemical treatment involves the formation of a coating onto the steel. This prevents moisture from reaching it.

While builders are widely applying the methods above to deal with degradation, nothing can fully mask the fact that reinforcing concrete with steel greatly reduces its durability.

Avoid the dangers and hire professional, hire MEGASAW call us at 1300 920 419.

With the environment in a mayhem, it is imperative for construction companies to adopt methods that do not impact the environment in a negative way. However, this at times could mean that the company will have to adopt measures that cost quite a bit for the sake of creating a greener, healthier environment. While adopting green constructing methods could mean making great sacrifices, there are practices companies can adopt that would not only save them money but also make their practices even greener, allowing them to have a more positive impact both on their finances as well as the environment.

1. Avoid wastage in the design stage

If it is possible for one to be involved in the design stage, it offers a great chance for one to be able to make some prime changes. This is a great place for you to be able to set the tone for saving and how vigorous you expect this to be. In this stage, there are a few thing you can do to save even more on materials. You can start by using standard building materials while setting certain waste reduction goals when the project is just starting. The best way to go about this is target the products that are most likely you be misused. Estimate the time and place that you will be generating the waste. That way you can plan on how to handle the waste.

2. Reduce wastage on the construction site

This is among the most notorious places when it comes to generating waste. However, this also means that it is here that you can make boat loads of savings. You can start by using the suppliers to buy back the items that you will not use. Of course this may be at lower price but at least you will be able to save plenty of money. You can also ask the suppliers to replace any materials that might be damaged to ensure that you don’t have to throw this away. It is also a great idea if you can get suppliers that are able to deliver the materials in pallets and containers that are retainable. That way you’re able to return those that you will not use in the proper packaging. This also makes storage much easier. Speaking of storage, you may also want to change how you store the materials. This way, you’re able to reduce those that are damaged by weather and as such you have less to throw away saving you money and also the environment.

3. Purchase cleverly to reduce construction waste

Buying materials wisely can go a long way toward helping you save money as well as the environment. However, this is a place that you’re able to even stop the waste from getting to the site. The first thing that you can do is make sure that while buying the supplies, you go for those that have less packaging. That way you’re able to bring less waste into the site which you will not be able to use in most cases. Also make sure to evaluate your estimation process to avoid buying too much, which is wasteful; or too little that you have to keep making trips to the store, which is also wasteful on human resource and fuel.

4. Reuse and recycle waste at the construction site

The only limit that you can have here is your creativity. There are very many ways of recycling construction materials. However, it is important that you make sure that you are well aware of the local laws and more so in regards to recycling construction site materials.

One of the easiest things to do is using blocks and broken bricks for backfill. This includes any masonry rubbles and concrete chunks. You can also use the spacers and fire blocking lumber as fillers in dry areas. The bushes and trees that you may have cleared in the cause of the building can be used for mulching while the saw dust collected can be used for mulching the landscape as well as pathways. The options are virtually limitless. The only barrier present could be your creativity. However, for this to work, it starts with you having to set aside a designated area where you can have easy access to the materials.

5. Go green in your security

It is estimated that construction companies lose over $1 billion annually due to theft of their materials, if you were to do the math, your percentage of this $1 billion loss could be several tens of thousands of dollars. Start by installing solar run security cameras so that you’re able to cut back on wastage through theft. You can then double up on the security by employing real live guards to make sure that the cameras are not vandalized. That way you don’t spend extra on electricity and at the same time, you’re able to cut on wastage of construction materials caused by theft.

6. Make new friends with the recycling and salvage companies

One of the most frustrating things that any construction company has to deal with is waste. While you might do all there is to make sure that you deal with the waste and reuse as most of it as you can, there are bits and pieces that are hard to do away with. However, this does not mean that you should have to keep the waste around. By making friends with local recycling companies they should be able to help you recycle a good amount of your waste. The best news is that some the waste that you may be dealing with can actually be turned into cash. This means that you actually get paid to get rid of it. In the long run, you’re able to get savings and also put the waste to good use.

7. Filter or divert your water run off at the site

In this case, you have to be very careful about how you dispose the pollutants from your trucks, or the washed away top soil. There are a variety of rules against this and not being able to follow this carefully could land you in trouble and even cost you the ability to work for a given time due to restraining orders. To avoid this especially because you don’t want to waste your most important resource which is water, make sure that you prevent run off. This ensures not getting caught on the wrong side of the law. Make sure that you plant rye grass which is a great stabilizer to prevent top soil run off and considering this is a plant, it may also be sucking in some of the carbon dioxide being produced in the site and make sure that you have all the drain inlets and outlets covered with rocks arranged in the same manner as in a check dam to ensure you have the appropriate silt fencing. This makes sure that you retain the integrity of the soil and avoid erosion.

You can also make sure that you check your drain measures regularly to make sure that there are no problems and that you’re within you limits. You also need to keep checking the vehicles servicing the sites regularly for leaks and make sure that you have a spill kit at hand and ensure that you’re able to use this on the spills as soon as you spot one. The importance of making sure that you follow any of these tips can be very important and a great plus for the environment.

8. Use alternative green construction materials

With all the awareness that is going around right now about the importance of making sure that we use materials that are friendly to the environment, the green construction material industry is enjoying quite the spike as companies are striving to meet their obligations in creating a healthier environment. As such it is vital for companies to make sure that they are able to substitute some of the conventional materials with those that are friendly to the environment like the roofing options for instance.

9. Design for Deconstruction

This is the one place most companies overlook since they do not expect their creation may someday be required to be brought down or modified for something else. This is why it is important to make sure the structure has been built in such a way that make it easy to take apart or add components later on.

This makes it economical and very environment friendly since there is minimal damage to the surrounding area as well as pollution of the air and noise due to the repeated actions of demolition. This makes some of the parts of the building very reusable in the event that the building has to be taken apart.

10. Document your green efforts

Most of the companies would differ greatly in this but this is not done to get recognition but to help spread the awareness to other companies and help to join the fight and the good cause. Some of the societies that you can join that are strong in terms of green constructions are the Green Star (Australia) and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), or Green Building Initiative (both in the US) .

Benefits of adopting these practices

While some of these practices may sound like they are very intensive on the contractor, there are a variety of undisputed benefits that come with adopting green constructions and using this strategies to maximize on the same.

One of the best benefits that the constructor is able to feel almost instantaneously is the light nature of their budget. They waste less and as such are able to save more. That means that they are able to get the best constructions using the best practices but at the same time being able to adopt the safest building methods and practices.

Needless to mention, most of the constructors that are doing this are able to sleep better at night knowing well that they are doing their part diligently in making the world a better place.
While green construction has been highly touted, it is the responsibility of every industry player to make sure that they adopt practices that favour the environment and their business in the long run and more so if they intend to keep it. These practices just ensure that they are able to benefit while at the same time benefiting the planet.