Most of a demolition job happens before demolition day. In order: check your demolisher is registered, get the permit (with the Section 29A consent it depends on), arrange power and gas abolishment, deal with any asbestos, and sort out trees.
Several of these run at the same time, so start the permit and the power and gas abolishment together.
This checklist says what each step is, who normally does it, and where to read more.
The checklist at a glance
| Step | Who normally does it | Typical time |
|---|---|---|
| Check your demolisher is registered | You | A few minutes |
| Section 29A report and consent | Your demolisher organises it as part of the permit | Council has 15 business days to respond |
| Demolition permit | A registered demolisher applies | Roughly 3 to 4 weeks, longer if a neighbouring protection work notice is needed |
| Power, gas and NBN abolishment | You, directly with your providers | Up to 4 weeks |
| Asbestos notice, removal and clearance | Licensed removalist and an independent person | Notice of at least five business days for larger jobs |
| Trees | You, with your council | Depends on the tree and the overlays on your property |
| Timber salvage strip-out | Salvage crew | About 1 day |
The steps in detail
1. Check your demolisher is registered
A registered demolisher is needed to get the demolition permit, and the company on your contract should be registered too. It's a quick check on the regulator's public register. How to check a demolisher is licensed in Victoria.
2. Section 29A consent and the demolition permit
A demolition permit is required for any habitable or masonry structure, and for sheds over 60 square metres. For most whole-house demolitions the permit also depends on council consent under Section 29A of the Building Act, which is triggered when the job removes more than half the building or any street-facing facade. Your demolisher organises this as part of the permit. If a neighbouring protection work notice is needed, the permit takes longer. Section 29A consent explained.
3. Power, gas and NBN abolishment
This is the step people underestimate. Abolishment isn't the same as disconnection: it's the formal process of having the service permanently removed from the property, and it can take up to a month. Lodge the power, gas and NBN applications at the same time, and follow up with each provider about a week later to make sure the paperwork wasn't misplaced.
4. Asbestos
If asbestos is present, the licensed removalist notifies WorkSafe before work starts, removes it, and an independent person issues a clearance certificate. On a DigDig job this is arranged as part of the demolition. Asbestos clearance certificates in Victoria.
5. Trees
Whether a tree can be removed or lopped depends on the tree and the planning controls on your property. Trees you're keeping, whether yours, a neighbour's or the street's, are fenced off before the machines arrive. Tree protection zones and house demolition.
6. Let your neighbours know
Demolition is noisy. Expect noise, vibration and dust for the day or two the machines are on site. A heads-up beforehand is a courtesy, and avoids surprises for the people next door.
On the day
Before the machines arrive, a timber salvage crew comes through and strips anything reclaimable, usually about a day's work. Then the demolition itself, typically one to three days for a single-storey house. Afterwards the block is left bare and groomed, ready for a builder. See what a clean demolition site means and where the material goes.
For how the stages stack up on a calendar, see how long house demolition takes.
Common questions
What do I need to organise myself before a house demolition?
The main thing is power, gas and NBN abolishment, which you arrange directly with your providers and which can take up to a month. You should also check your demolisher is registered and sort out any tree permits. Your demolisher normally handles the demolition permit and the Section 29A consent.
How far ahead should I start?
Start the permit and the power and gas abolishment together. The permit typically takes roughly three to four weeks, longer if a neighbouring protection work notice is needed, and abolishment can take up to a month.
Do I need a permit to demolish my house in Victoria?
Yes. A demolition permit is required for any habitable or masonry structure, and for sheds over 60 square metres. For most whole-house demolitions it also depends on council consent under Section 29A of the Building Act.
What happens just before the machines arrive?
If asbestos is present, it is removed and cleared first. A timber salvage crew then strips anything reclaimable from the building, which is usually about a day's work.