Can I use a hired excavator for demolition in NSW?

## Using a Hired Excavator for Demolition in NSW Mini excavators are highly effective for residential demolition work — removing old sheds, garages, pergolas, brick walls, concrete slabs, and small structures. The bucket and boom provide the leverage and force needed to pull down structures efficiently, while the machine's compact size allows it to work in tight residential spaces. ### What Can a Mini Excavator Demolish? **Timber structures (sheds, pergolas, decks):** The 1.7T or 3.5T mini excavator can pull down most timber structures efficiently. The bucket is used to push, pull, and lever structural members. Timber demolition is fast — a standard garden shed can be demolished in 1–2 hours. **Brick and masonry walls:** The 3.5T or 5.5T is recommended for brick and masonry demolition. The greater digging force is needed to break through mortar joints and pull down brick walls. A hydraulic breaker attachment significantly speeds up masonry demolition. **Concrete slabs:** Concrete slab removal requires a hydraulic breaker attachment. The breaker breaks the slab into manageable pieces; the bucket then removes the broken concrete. Contact BuildHire about hydraulic breaker hire. **Fibro (asbestos cement) structures:** **STOP.** Fibro structures must be assessed for asbestos before any demolition. In NSW, asbestos removal from residential properties must be carried out by a licensed asbestos removalist (for bonded asbestos over 10 square metres). Do not use an excavator on a fibro structure without a professional asbestos assessment. ### Demolition Permits in NSW For most residential demolition work in NSW, a development application (DA) or complying development certificate (CDC) is required. Check with your local council before starting any demolition work. Demolition without the required approvals can result in fines and orders to reinstate the structure. For small structures (sheds under 20 square metres, pergolas), demolition may be exempt development — check the NSW Exempt Development Code. ### Demolition Safety **Asbestos:** As noted above, always check for asbestos before demolishing any structure built before 1990. **Underground services:** Call 1100 before any excavation associated with demolition. **Structural stability:** Do not demolish load-bearing walls or structures that support other elements without engineering advice. **Dust and debris:** Demolition generates significant dust and debris. Wet down the work area to suppress dust, and ensure neighbours are notified. ### Spoil Removal After Demolition Demolition generates large volumes of waste — timber, bricks, concrete, and mixed rubble. BuildHire's tipper truck hire is ideal for removing demolition waste. A combined excavator and tipper hire from BuildHire is the most efficient solution for residential demolition projects.