Demolition in Runaway Bay, Paradise Point and Hope Island

Why canal blocks are different

Clearing a canal block calls for more care than clearing a dry suburban lot. The contractor needs to think about:

• The revetment wall. Heavy machinery and stockpiles close to the water can put load on the wall, so plan an exclusion zone.
• Pontoons and jetties. Decide whether they stay, and protect them if they do.
• Debris and runoff. Nothing should reach the canal. Silt controls and a clean site matter a great deal here.
• Groundwater. The water table can be close to the surface, which affects removing footings and pool shells.

Our article on demolishing a canal home goes into more detail.

Gated estates

Sanctuary Cove, Hope Island and other gated communities have their own rules. Contractors may need to register before entering, truck hours may be limited, and a bond may be held against damage to roads or verges. Ask your community manager for the rules before you request quotes, because they can change both the price and the timing.

Old pools by the water

Canal homes often have pools set close to the revetment wall. Removing one needs thought about how the shell, the ground and the wall interact. Have the contractor look at this on site and, if there is any doubt, get an engineer's advice before work starts.

Older brick homes and fibro

Many homes around Paradise Point date from the 1970s and 80s. Brick walls can still hide asbestos in eaves, wet areas and garages, so have them checked before work starts.