This page provides general practical guidance and does not replace project-specific legal, engineering, planning, ecological, asbestos or waste advice.
The short answer
The time a demolition project takes depends on two distinct phases: the pre-start period and the physical works on site. A small garage can be demolished in a day; the surveys, notices, service disconnections and access arrangements that must be in place before that day can take several weeks. Understanding both phases separately gives a more accurate picture of the overall programme.
Why it matters
Clients often focus on how long the physical demolition will take and underestimate the lead time required to get to a start date. Asbestos surveys, Section 80 notices, party wall procedures, ecology assessments and utility disconnections all have their own timescales and cannot always run in parallel. A realistic programme accounts for both the pre-start preparation and the physical works.
Information that may be needed
A clear scope, drawings where available, asbestos information, service information and any regulatory correspondence help establish a realistic programme. Where specialist surveys or statutory notices are required, their lead times should be confirmed before the start date is fixed.
What can affect the scope
Project size and construction type, the exact demolition scope, retained elements, the method and plant required, access, waste route, working hours, neighbours and occupiers, asbestos and survey requirements, service status, statutory requirements such as Section 80 or party wall notices, temporary works, and unexpected conditions found during the work can all affect duration.
When specialist input may be needed
An asbestos professional, structural engineer, ecologist, utility provider or local authority may need to be involved before work can begin. Their lead times should be established early so they do not become programme risks.