Advice on getting quote for garage (with asbestos roof) removal

elsmandino

Hi all.

We are looking to have our garage professionally demolished but do not know where to start getting quotes for the work.

Should I look up individual demolition companies in my area, on the net, and send them each an e-mail for a quote?

Or should I use one of those Trustatrader type websites whereby I put a description of the job and have traders bid to do the work?

Or perhaps something else?

Any pointers would be much appreciated.

Section62

elsmandino said:

Hi all.

We are looking to have our garage professionally demolished but do not know where to start getting quotes for the work.

Should I look up individual demolition companies in my area, on the net, and send them each an e-mail for a quote?

Or should I use one of those Trustatrader type websites whereby I put a description of the job and have traders bid to do the work?

Or perhaps something else?

Any pointers would be much appreciated.

If there is asbestos involved then I would check your local council's website to see if they have a list of recommended asbestos contractors.  If yours doesn't have such a list then check neighbouring authorities to see if they do.

I wouldn't use that type of website to find an asbestos removal company.  You need to be absolutely sure the company is legitimate and professional.  If they offer to do the job for cash then don't use them.

Once the asbestos is gone then you could use any general builder to get the remainder removed.  What kind of walls are they?

Bigphil1474

Removal of a garage roof with asbestos cement is generally non-licensed work if the material is in decent condition i.e. you don't need a company with an asbestos license. What you do need is a good company that is going to remove the panels intact and dispose of legally (rather than smashing to bits, sticking in plastic bags and dumping at the tip). There's more info on asbestos license requirements:-
https://www.hse.gov.uk/asbestos/licensing/non-licensed-work.htm
I would contact a number of companies you may know through recommendations etc. and tell them the roof is asbestos containing cement panels and see what they come back with.

elsmandino

Thanks very much for the responses.

I immediately sent my council a quick e-mail to my local council, explaining that I want my garage removed, and they have said that they will get back to me in a few days (unfortunately, their website does not say much about asbestos).  As suggested, I shall check some other local authorities to see if they mention any asbestos contractors.

I took a few pics of the garage, yesterday.

It is quite a decent size (3.8m wide, 6.7m wide and 2.6m high) but it is dropping to bits.

It seems to be breeze blocks, covered in a concrete skin but with bricks at the entrance.

As mentioned, I might consider getting the roof taken down by a specialist company and then some general demolition company/builder to do the rest.

However, I am a bit worried that without the roof, the walls might just collapse.

Section62

elsmandino said:

As mentioned, I might consider getting the roof taken down by a specialist company and then some general demolition company/builder to do the rest.

However, I am a bit worried that without the roof, the walls might just collapse.

I think this is one of those jobs best left to professionals, the walls may well need some temporary support to stop them collapsing while the garage is dismantled.

elsmandino

Agreed - I have sent out for some quotes from local companies, to get a ballpark figure.

Bit of a nightmare but better safe than sorry with this job.