Feeling a Little Empty?

When you strip it all down, its just more stuff....
Demolition is basically about efficiently moving materials from Point A to Point B

But there is a lot that happens in between.......


Sometimes structures get cleaned up right before demolition.....

It's like tidying up before the Cleaning Lady comes.

Demolition is scheduled. Don't overlook dust control......

Dust Control 

A method often employed by Southern Demolition and Environmental for Dust Control during Demolition:

            Fire Hydrant + Meter from Water Authority + Backflow Preventer + Fire Hose 

Fire Hose typically comes in 50' lengths and can be attached to each other (depending upon fittings) to gain the length needed to efficiently move water to the jobsite. The meter measures the output which is charged by the water authority for the duration of the project.

The Backflow Preventer is important to keep unwanted backflow from the municipal water supply.

 

Demolition - Wait, What Do I Get For My Money?

Ugh, Demolition, a necessary evil for so many. The payment of money, jack, bones, the big bucks.... mula for what? To make something undesirable disappear? That it a hard pill (bill) to swallow for some. It's difficult to part with money when you literally get nothing in return. It kind of messes with your mind. It is converse to the arrangement of one getting something of value with the payment of money. Normally under-budgeted and often minimized by the lack of understanding regulatory and environmental factors, owners typically suffer major sticker shock when presented with demolition estimates. Why does demolition have to be so expensive? There are several environmental considerations qualified contractors price when determining a bid for the work: For Instance, hand removal of all fluorescent blubs from the facility prior to demolition. THAT takes time and money and labor beyond knucklehead level to ensure that they do not disturb potential mercury associated with the bulbs.......Read All About it, as found on the Georgia EPD website: http://epd.georgia.gov/sites/epd.georgia.gov/files/related_files/site_page/lampbrochure.pdf Other factors that drive demolition costs: Workers insured by Workers Compensation by one of the most risky and expensive classes of insurance (don't get me started......); Distance to the concrete recycling facility, disposal facility, and/or recycling facility; Permitting Costs that vary widely per jurisdiction Volatility in the Value of Steel; Administrative Costs associated with documenting and tracking recycling, waste, personnel, time, project management, safety meetings, equipment maintenance....... I'm exhausted just thinking about it all. I better markup a little more overhead in my next proposal. xxoo, Gina Oh Yeah and This is not me with your money:

So Many Bricks.....So Little..........No Time to Lose!

Brick Brick Brick - the deal with bricks? Southern Demolition and Environmental saves and sells solid, non-painted bricks through it's retail division, "Vintage Bricks" www.vintagebricks.com. The look and the feel of an old brick that has served another purpose in another life is like nothing on the retail hardware store shelves. We prep them the old fashioned way, with a brick hammer - taking the mortar off that was applied so many years ago. I LOVE bricks, they don't go bad outside and they never talk back - but they do feel good and when the computer screen starts to get blurry, you can find me with a brick hammer cleaning one out in the yard. I can't clean just one though, it's a little hard to just clean one. You start feeling accomplished when you have the first layer on the pallet. It's so tempting to keep cleaning, stacking, sorting, arranging. It cleans up so tidy. So tidier than grammar proofed emails and business development proposals and workers comp audit disputes. I love them so much we started slicing them, to make Vintage Brick Tiles. Today we started packing an order to send to Connecticut. Does Southern Demolition and Environmental recycle? Yes. Is it sustainable to transport them all the way to Connecticut via USPS? That's a debate for another day. A recycle effort that comes with a side of diesel fuel.....xxxooo Gina

Crushing

Crushing concrete can quickly achieve efficiencies and meet recycling goals at the same time. The product can be used for fill, road base, pipe base, landscape, erosion control - the list goes on. Southern Demolition and Environmental can help you and your firm determine if crushing onsite or offsite can help your firm achieve the most advantageous scenario for the site.

Rats, Why Does the Demolition Permit require a Rodent Letter?

Most permit jurisdictions require the applicant to hire a licensed pest control company to treat the project structure to eradicate rodents (rats) prior to the demolition. The "Rodent Letter" is often required to be dated within 30 days of the issuance of the permit from the jurisdiction. The City of Atlanta will hold the release of the demolition permit until this letter is produced.

Pest control companies normally charge between $100-$250 for an typical residential structure. Commercial projects will be charged based on square footage and location. 

Should you be the neighbor of the demolition project, this requirement is much appreciated - unless you love......rats.  Running at your you or your home or business in search of a new home. Rats!

 

                                                   RATS        

AAAAAGGGGHHHHH Topic #1: How to be a Woman and Ask for Business in a Man's world

How to be a Woman and Ask for Business in a Man's World
Alternate Title:   Demolition Derby Time?

I'm not explaining in this one. I'm actually asking:

"How to be a woman and ask for business in a Man's world?"

It's a legit question. Eight years into this there are themes that continue to recur....

Whisper into the ear of some men the words real slowly: "demo-li-tion, a-ggre-gate, gra-ding, de-ten-tion ponds", and finish it with a sultry "un-der-ground stor-age tanks". They get stupid. They start shuffling their feet in the dirt in their Carharts. They rev their diesel engines a little. They get excited.

But why do I always feel like when I get involved it kind of spoils the man-party.

I'm not the best estimator in the world. I'm not the worst. I actually want to learn AND I don't want to lose money learning.  So if my company is clean and ethical and presents real numbers with average profit expectations, why do we continue to lose to unethical companies appearing before Judges with Judgments handed down year after year? Doesn't any of the buyers of demolition and environmental services buyers actually read the Atlanta Business Chronicle? It's like gossip for people and companies you don't even know, and hope you never do. And it's not even gossip, it's for real. And pray your company never appears there where the fine print legal action takes place.  (Insert I hope I'm never sued but I'm sure I will be Prayer here x).

How do I:
1.) present the proposal
2.) ask for the business
3.) not come off as an aggressive bitch?
4.) and not ask how or why I could possibly lose yet again to a notorious company that doesn't pay their subs?

Anyone?


Meanwhile, while looking (ok, Googling) for a kick ass graphic to go with this post, I may have found some inspiring.......women.........moms..........doing amazing things in a man's world..........though I'm not sure why, but that's not the point. Maybe just a sign to rev up my own diesel and start careening around a little. Maybe put a little Demolition Derby into my efforts.....

Photo: ABC News
http://abcnews.go.com/Lifestyle/crash-queens-demolition-derby-moms-smash-cars-best/story?id=32505174

Why does "Picking up a Permit" sound so EASY? Part II

Hmmmmm, let's see: last post we were trying to get ALL the information required from a jurisdiction to get a Demolition Permit. This is nearly impossible if attempting by phone and/or relying on jurisdiction website alone.  Even with repeated experience the permit obtaining experience can and will vary depending upon personnel and their interpretation of the permit requirements for their respective jurisdictions.....

As a summary of the previous post, listed below is a simplifield "checklist" that MAY or MAY NOT apply per your jurisdiction for the demolition permit seeker. Quiz the building permit office personnel for the following documents applicability to your project............OR just call Southern Demolition and Environmental and ask us to complete your project with permitting!

For those ambitious do-it-yourselfers here you go:

• Specific # of copies of a Demolition Site Plan prepared by a registered Surveyor or Engineer.
• Specific size of Demolition Site Plan
• Build Back Plan
• Specific requirements and notes per that jurisdiction desire on Site Plan: ie, dumpster placement, erosion control, topography indicated, state and local stream buffers, etc
• Rodent Letter or "Rat Letter" - supplied by a licensed Exterminator after treatment to ensure Rodents will not flee during the course of demolition
• Asbestos Clearance Letter - supplied by an accredited Asbestos Inspector verifying Asbestos Containing Materials are not present and/or have been properly abated prior to demolition.
• EPD Notification - Required on NESHAPS asbestos and/or demolition work meeting specific requirements and presented to the Environmental Protection Division naming work methods, schedule and other pertinent information relative to demolition and/or asbestos work.
• Letter from licensed plumber certifying that Septic Tank has been pumped (if applicable)
• Evidence of intent of installing construction entrance per jurisdiction pre construction inspection requirements.
• Erosion Control Bond (Cobb County)
• Current Business License
• Name and Number of individual holding Blue Card
• Photos of structure to be demolished - potentially several for consideration by the jurisdiction Historical Society
• Fees, Site Development Fees, Additional Fees
• Additional Permits that must be issued in conjunction with Demolition Permit (ie, Sewer Plug Permit per City of Atlanta).
• Keep 404-478-7142, Office number for Southern Demolition and Environmental in your back pocket for emergency! website: www.southerndemo.com   email: info@southerndemo.com

                                                       Demolition Permit Ready!

                                                                Photo: G Ragsdale

Why does "picking up a permit" SOUND so EASY? Part I

Ring, Ring......
BUILDING DEPT LADY: "Hello, Building Department, May I help you?"
ME:  "YES!! ME!! You can help ME!"
This is where I introduce myself as a demolition contractor trying to get all the information possible to make ONE TRIP to your office and WALK OUT WITH WHAT INTENDED TO ACCOMPLISH (Secure a PERMIT, from the........PERMIT OFFICE).  I tell you all about my project and then you tell me to.........go to.......... a website.  A website that never tells me the complete story. Or fully explains the Fees. Or the little requirements that slipped right by the poor web guy tasked with teasing out the excruciating volumes of details that are required to get a demolition permit from this entity.  
ME:  "But MS Building Department Lady, YOU WANT TO HELP ME NOW, RIGHT? So are you going to rely on the website to tell me everything, and I mean everything that I will need to get a permit from your jurisdiction?
(ANNOYED) BUILDING DEPT LADY:  "Do you want me to give you the web address?"
ME:  "Would you mind it so much if you could go to the website and read me the requirements?"
(REALLY ANNOYED BUILDING DEPT LADY): "I just can't do that. We can't get on the internet here and I have another call coming in"
GETTING DESPERATE ME:  "Anything you could tell me would be helpful - anything, I can't get on the internet and I don't have much time or money and I really just want to know, specifically, what it would take for me to come with all documents necessary and walk out of your office with this little piece of paper that will give my company permission to move on with all of our lives"
EXASPERATED BUILDING DEPT LADY: "I know you need to fill out the application, get a site plan and a letter from the owner and a rodent letter.  It costs $200".
ME: "Are you sure that's it? That doesn't sound very comprehensive. Are you sure that's all you got? Cause I'm about to have me a "I KNOW MORE THAN YOU BUILDING DEPARTMENT LADY FACEOFF":

QUESTION ONE:  "Is the......... application for demolition and new building construction on the same application - because if it is the same application IT IS CONFUSING.  These two operations should never be confused.  They are so very much the opposite. If there is one application for both of these operations we call this kind of Permit Office........."AMATEUR". And add 2 hours to your day there, because you will have at least one permit office person insist that you need a General Contractor's License to fill in the little box for that contractor's number since you are submitting an application that is submitted when people build a new structure.  And Demolition Specialty Contracting is EXCLUDED from having to have a General Contractor's License (here in Georgia). You will go round and round and then.......win. And move on to Section 2 of the Application......

QUESTION TWO:  THE APPLICATION SAYS I NEED A......Business License number  and EXPIRY to get a permit here? But invariably it is January and God and everyone's Business License
just expired on December 31?  And the Business License department doesn't renew the old one until usually around......MARCH.  WHAT NOW BROWN COW? Wait till then??

QUESTION THREE:  It says I need to take four photos of the *&^#box that I've been hired to demolish so the Historical Society can review it?  REVIEW IT FOR WHAT? DETERIORATING LEAD PAINT? ASBESTOS?  EVIDENCE THAT COMPLETELY INEFFICIENT AND SUB PAR DWELLINGS SHOULD BE SAVED?  I'm all in for saving historical structures, but come on. Check your CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER log, one of your very own departments is begging for this to be......demolished!

QUESTION FOUR: Your application here says I need 4 sets of site plans to scale to submit for the permit.  What it doesn't explain is that it can't be you pulling out the old ruler and marking up the tax record Map real nice and purty.  You have to spend money here. Or charge your client money you neglected to educate them about because you never got this far with "MS BUILDING DEPT LADY". She hung up on your ass like two questions ago!  Here is the drill down, the clarification, the explanation:  "Four sets of Demolition Site plans provided by a licensed surveyor or registered architect showing location of trees (greater than 6" DBH) (like you know what THAT means) and topography lines and silt fence and tree save fence locations"  This costs like $30 in printing by the way.....just put it in your Google Notes to remember to charge your client.....more money. They love that too!


QUESTIONS FIVE AND SIX:  If it's on sewer what do you want to do about it?  OR what we call the STUMPER:   "What do you want us to produce if it has a septic system?"
Answer:  JUST a letter from a company that says they've pumped the septic system.  Hmmmm, that is going to cost SOMEBODY some money!  Your client is going to *&^% in his pants when you start adding up this bill.........to get the permit.  Not including "FEES".

PERMIT OFFICE ODYSSEY..............To Be CONTINUED!!!

Here are .......The Rules.......for Hiring a Demolition Contractor

Hiring A Demolition Contractor......The Rules

1.  Get an asbestos inspection. Get Southern Demolition and Environmental to conduct it for you, get an accredited inspector to get it for you, get a reputable company to get it for you. Get this if you are serious about pursuing a real number.  Try to avoid any contractor that will "turn the other way" and suggest a way to 'get rid of the asbestos'.  If you touch it or you don't know what it is and you have it demolished, you are possibly exposing yourself, your workers, your neighbors to asbestos. And that's bad. You can't see it, and it may linger for a couple of days after demo, so don't do it. Yes, it's extra money. But do it anyways. Do it right and never look back. You hear of people getting away with "it", but they have broken the solid waste act law.

2.  If you are getting the demolition permit, or you've hired Southern Demolition and Environmental to get the permit or a permit expediter to get the permit, make sure a realistic timeline is adhered to.  It is hard to schedule demolition when one doesn't know when the permit will be released by the jurisdiction. AND, once a permit is released and in-hand, it doesn't mean that the moment of demolition is here!  Make sure the following are built in to the timeline for realistic expectation:  

1. Rodent Letter received
2. Asbestos Abatement Clearance Letter is received
3. Evidence that a Pre Construction/Pre Demolition Meeting with inspector from demolition permit issuance jurisdiction has been held or scheduled
4. Silt fence/Construction Exit is installed 
5. Gas is killed 
6. 811 utility locate is active and utility companies have properly responded
7. Power is disconnected 
8. Water is available to use for the course of demolition

There are even more, per permitting jurisdiction, for example:

1. Evidence the septic tank has been pumped
2. Permit box installed and Notice of Issuance of Building Permit Sign installed
3. Letter from utility companies that utilities have been removed
4. More stuff that public permit offices think of.......

3. Review the site plan, proposal and expectation with the contractor. If you need an extra load of gravel because the construction exit isn't worthy, it costs extra.  Utilize contractors that have systems, insurance, the ability to maintain a bond (this signifies credit worthiness).  Best price is not the "lowest price".  Ask low bidder where the material will be disposed of.  If the contractor can't offer to track the waste, then don't "waste" any time on the contractor. Illegal dumping is prevalent and if the lowest price is too good to be true, it most likely is.  

4.  Don't hesitate to call Southern Demolition and Environmental at 404-478-7142 for a ballpark and an outline for realistic expectations based on the environmental and wrecking concerns of your project. Our firm is a specialist in Metro Atlanta private and public residential, multi-family and commercial asbestos abatement and demolition projects up to $300,000. Southern Demolition and Environmental understands complexities of Land Disturbance Permits, NPDES Monitoring and our operators hold Level 1 Soil and Erosion Control certifications as well as 10 Hour OSHA training.

5. There is a level of professionalism you can expect from your "demolition guy" AND, last but not least, that "guy" may be a........... girl!  Southern Demolition and Environmental is a certified FBE by the City of Atlanta and DBE by the Ga Dept of Transportation.  We have a staff of estimators and projects managers that can guide your project with the RULES above in an effort to economically and feasibly complete your project on your timeline.

Demolition - Where the Men are Men and the Women are........Initials

Demolition - It is a MAN'S World and I'm ok with that - G. Ragsdale

So I've selected a field where women are the secretaries and the men are the wreckers.  Even I find myself exclusively using the words, "how many men, how many days" when I'm estimating or in a pre-bid - clarifying most questions using the male pronoun.

I'm settled here lately on not challenging the sexism that exists. I should ball up all the emails that begin:

"Gentlemen:

Your pricing for this proposal is due by noon."

and accept it. I should take my inner secretary and take all instances of sexism that I feel I've been privy to, and apply for 8a, Federal certification for those in my position with my experiences and qualifications. But I'm not that organized! Where is that girl?  But I can...... measure a building, estimate asbestos abatement, time and materials, men and days, read a site plan, apply for a permit, organize logistics, build a lead to proposal software customized for my firm, achieve compaction and pull an underground storage tank.  HOWEVER, from now on, I vow to do that in the most male way possible.

(xoxoxo?)

G. Ragsdale

Asbestos Survey and Inspection Services - What and Why?

So what is an "Asbestos Survey" and why would one need to obtain this service?

An Asbestos Survey is an inspection and sampling of suspicious building materials commonly found in residential and commercial structures.  There is no expiration date of asbestos containing building materials - they aren't illegal as many may think. Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral, is found as an additive in a wide variety of building materials which include, but are not limited to: flooring, glues, mastic, joint compounds, roofing products, insulation products, coatings, decorative applied textures, and ceiling tiles.

So what is the reason for identifying products that may contain asbestos?

If renovating a structure and disturbing materials that may contain asbestos, the contractor should educate the owner regarding the potential of exposure to asbestos.  Securing the testing and inspection services of an accredited asbestos inspector during the project planning period can determine if the project will require the services of an asbestos abatement firm. In the state of Georgia, a licensed and qualified firm is required to handle, remove and dispose of asbestos that contains over 1% asbestos.

What is a "Clearance Letter", which is required by my jurisdiction prior to the issuance of a demolition permit?

During the course of demolition, asbestos containing materials could be disturbed and release asbestos containing fibers into the air, causing a public health risk.  This is the reason many jurisdictions require evidence of a "Clearance Letter", a letter from an accredited asbestos inspector verifying that the structure is free of regulated asbestos containing building materials.  Additionally, Solid Waste laws in the state could dictate that the asbestos be disposed of prior to demolition in a regulated manner.

Southern Demolition and Environmental provides asbestos inspection, asbestos abatement and demolition services in the metro Atlanta area.  If you would like to discuss your next project or schedule an asbestos survey, call 404-478-7142.

Second Story Site

Eerie View....From inside the second story of an about-to-be-demolished home.....I left shortly thereafter. I don't usually get my kicks in this way........The operator knew I was in the home by the way. We were in total communication........  It is not the way I want to go.

Demolition of the Georgia Dome?

http://www.ajc.com/sports/atlanta-falcons/new-stadium-plan-retractable-1425916.html

Is this what is destined for the Georgia Dome? Couldn't they re-use the Dome as a movie studio? I'll try and remember to email City Council members with the suggestion!

Southern Demolition and Environmental Staff probs and potholes prior to digging and demolition project at site outside Atlanta in Austell, Georgia

The following is from the Georgia 811 Utility Protections Center, Inc website:

What is the tolerance zone?

The tolerance, or buffer zone, extends two feet on either side of the outer edge of the facility. Please try not dig within the tolerance zone. However, if you have to dig within the buffer zone, follow these guidelines:



• Do not use picks or mattocks.

• When using a shovel, keep face of blade parallel to and pointing away from the "flag line."

• When using posthole diggers, keep the opening between blades pointing in the same direction as the utility lines.

• In hard compacted soils, pothole to the side of the locate marks and collapse the soil into the hole while digging towards the marks.



Here is a sample tolerance zone diagram:

Don't Forget: "Call Before You Dig"

Before beginning any large project which requires digging in Georgia, remember to call Georgia 811, a division of the Utilities Protection Center, Inc.

Georgia Public Service Commission regulates these projects in the state, and works to minimize any destruction to public utilities.  If you are planning on any digging in close proximity to homes, underground utilities or overhead high voltage power lines, you are required to call 811 to alert the utility providers of your project.

The utility providers will visit the project site to mark the utilities located within the dig site.  This is to ensure that no damage is done to the conduits for these utilities.

For further information, visit http://www.georgia811.com/.

Atlanta's New LIFECYCLE BUILDING CENTER

The LIFECYCLE BUILDING CENTER (LBC) is a new endeavor in Atlanta to reduce waste, provide green jobs to stimulate positive economic development and to help the general public in implementing best practice green building.

It is a collaborative effort between many local stakeholders who are interested in bettering both the natural and built environments and the green economy.

Learn more about their efforts at: http://www.lifecyclebuildingcenter.org/

Demo For a Cure

Southern Demolition and "Pinky" from Volvo Rents Color For A Cause

Southern Demolition has had a working business relationship with Volvo Rents for the last few years.  In addition to being a great company to work with, Volvo Rents has proven its interest in the community it serves through its Color For A Cause program.

Volvo has painted their machinery in various different colors for different community causes.  Our favorite is a pink excavator that we have dubbed "Pinky."

Each time the machine is rented, Volvo Rents donates a portion of the proceeds to Susan G Komen foundation.  Since January, Pinky has been rented for over $20,000 - that's over $2,000 for breast cancer research this year.

We want to help spread awareness of this generosity during October, breast cancer awareness month.  We are happy to help Volvo with their donation program throughout the year and will continue to do so!

The story was covered by Construction Equipment Guide in their online magazine.  Read more about it at http://www.constructionequipmentguide.com/Austell-Gas-Flooded-Houses-Come-Down/17075.

Austell Flooded Homes Come Down

Austell's first use of FEMA grant for the flood of September, 2009.

http://www.constructionequipmentguide.com/Austell-Gas-Flooded-Houses-Come-Down/17075/

See us in action!



Surreal Demolition

There is something peaceful about this, in a surreal way.  This was taken mid-demo and I found it today when I was going through some of my photos. I had something happen today that has never happened before (to my knowledge). I found one of my photos on another Atlanta area demolition contractor's website.  I'm pretty furious that someone would take such liberties in stealing images that are pretty standard to get yourself if you are in the demolition business.