Frequently Asked Questions

Demolition can feel like a big process, especially if you've never done it before. Below are the questions we get asked most often by homeowners, builders and developers across the South Coast. If you've got a question that isn't answered here, give John a call on 0424 855 781 — happy to talk it through.

Getting started

How do I start the demolition process?

Give us a call or send a quick enquiry through our quote form. We will arrange a free site visit, talk through what you want removed, check for things like asbestos, and send you a written quote. From there we can also handle the council approval if you don't already have one.

Do I need council approval to demolish my house?

Yes — every demolition in NSW requires either a Complying Development Certificate (CDC) through a private certifier, or a Development Application (DA) through your local council. We can organise this for you as part of our service so you don't need to chase it yourself. Which path applies depends on your zoning, the building's heritage status, and a few other factors we'll check during the quote.

What's the difference between a CDC and a DA?

A CDC is the faster, cheaper route handled by a private certifier and is suitable for most straightforward residential demolitions. A DA goes through your local council and is required when the property is heritage-listed, in a conservation area, or doesn't meet CDC criteria. We will tell you which one your job needs at the quote stage, we just require a few documents first.

How long does the whole process take?

The demolition itself usually takes a week for a standard house. The full timeline including approvals and service disconnections can depend on the complexity of the job. We'll give you a realistic timeframe upfront.

Cost

How much does it cost to demolish a house?

Costs vary based on the size of the building, materials (especially whether asbestos is present), site access, and what else needs removing — slabs, sheds, trees, pools. We quote yours after a free site visit. We don't do estimates over the phone because we want to give you an accurate price, not a guess.

Do you charge for quotes?

No. All quotes are free and obligation-free.

Are there any extra costs I should expect?

We provide honest quoting outline everything included in our quote so there are no surprises. The only things we cant quote for is what we cant see.

Asbestos

What if my house has asbestos?

We're licensed to remove asbestos and handle it as part of the demolition. Most homes built before the late 1980s contain some asbestos, usually in eaves, fences, kitchen and bathroom linings, or roofing. We test, remove, and dispose of it safely under NSW SafeWork regulations, and provide the clearance certificate at the end.

How do I know if my property has asbestos?

If your home was built before 1990 there's a strong chance it contains asbestos somewhere. We will identify it during the site inspection. You don't need to know in advance — that's our job.

On the day

Will the demolition disturb my neighbours?

We do everything we can to minimise disruption — dust suppression, controlled noise, tidy site management, and we provide neighbours with notifications. Demolition is never silent, but it shouldn't make enemies of the people next door.

Do you handle the service disconnections?

We coordinate the power and sewer disconnections with licenced professionals are arrange for council inspections.

What happens to all the waste?

Everything is sorted and disposed of responsibly — concrete and brick are recycled where possible, metals go to scrap, asbestos goes to a licensed waste facility, and the rest goes to landfill. You don't need to organise skips or removal.

Do you leave the site ready to build on?

Yes. Our standard handover is a cleared, level site with all rubbish removed, ready for your builder. If you need additional excavation, fill, or specific levelling, we can include that in the quote.

For builders, developers & trades

Can you work to a builder's program?

Yes, regularly. We work with knockdown-rebuild companies and developers across the South Coast and understand that hitting handover dates matters. Tell us your program at quote stage and we'll do our best fit it.

Do you provide compliance documentation?

Yes — asbestos clearance certificates, and any other documentation your certifier or builder needs.

About us

Are you licensed and insured?

Yes. We hold the relevant NSW demolition and asbestos removal licences and full public liability insurance. We're happy to provide certificates of currency on request — just ask.

What areas do you cover?

We service the entire NSW South Coast — Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama, the Shoalhaven, Jervis Bay, Ulladulla, and down to Batemans Bay. If you're nearby and not sure, give us a call.

Are you the same company as other "South Coast Demolition" businesses?

No. We are South Coast Demolition & Excavation (D&C Enviro Pty Ltd), a family-run business owned by John and Tara. We're not affiliated with any other similarly-named businesses.

Still got questions?

Call John on 0424 855 781 or email admin@southcoastdemolition.com. We will always give you a straight answer.