Demolition: a complete guide for Coventry homeowners

Tackling demolition at home is more than a skip on the drive. Whether you’re removing a garage, taking down a rear extension, or ripping out internal non-loadbearing walls, doing it correctly keeps your project on time, on budget and compliant with regulations in Coventry.

This guide walks homeowners through the practical steps, common pitfalls and what to ask a contractor. MJM Waste Services has been serving Coventry and the surrounding towns since 1999 and this advice reflects 27 years of site experience.

Who needs professional demolition work?

• Owners removing a single-storey extension, garage or conservatory
• Homeowners taking out internal walls that might be loadbearing
• Anyone demolishing outbuildings (sheds, garages) or carrying out light demolition for a rebuild or extension

Smaller DIY removals are possible, but anything involving structural elements, asbestos risk, or significant waste should be done by trained crews.

First steps: survey, scope and safety

1. Site survey: identify what’s being removed, access routes, neighbours, parking and any boundary or party-wall issues. For shared walls contact a surveyor early.
2. Structural check: if a wall is suspected to be loadbearing, get a structural engineer’s sign-off before removing it. Temporary propping and RSJs are common solutions but must be specified.
3. Asbestos check: homes built before the mid-1990s can contain asbestos in soffits, roof felt, cement panels, or textured coatings. Never break material you suspect may contain asbestos — arrange a licensed asbestos survey. If asbestos is present, removal must be by a licensed contractor.
4. Utilities: disconnect gas, electricity and water through your suppliers. Isolation certificates or confirmation are often required before work starts.

Permissions, paperwork and neighbours

• Planning: full demolition rarely needs planning permission, but alterations, extensions or changes of use might. Check Coventry City Council planning guidance.
• Building Regulations: structural alterations and new works will normally need building-regs approval.
• Party Wall Act: if work affects a shared wall or boundary within three metres, serve party-wall notices and obtain agreements where needed.
• Neighbours: tell neighbours in advance about timescales and working hours — clearances and demolition are noisy and can affect parking.

Waste, recycling and compliance (what to expect)

Legally, all waste must be tracked. Ask any contractor for a Waste Transfer Note (WTN) and an invoice. As a licensed waste carrier registered with the Environment Agency, MJM Waste Services issues proper paperwork and disposes of material through a licensed facility.

Good practice:

• Segregate hardcore, timber, metal and green waste on site where possible
• Recycle materials where practical — MJM reprocesses and diverts up to 50% of material from landfill
• Keep a clear record of where waste is taken and how it’s treated

Tools, methods and safety on site

Light demolition commonly uses sets of tools and plant such as sledgehammers, breaker hammers, mini-excavators and grab lorries for debris. Safety kit includes hard hats, gloves, dust masks and eye protection. For larger jobs expect traffic management, skip lorry access or on-site containment to stop debris escaping into public highways.

Never remove loadbearing structures without temporary supports. Likewise, combustible or hazardous materials should be handled by specialists.

Typical issues Coventry homeowners face

• Tight access in terraced streets and post-war semis — plan vehicle access and permits
• Asbestos in older suburban homes around Binley, Walsgrave and Earlsdon
• Party-wall disputes in dense neighbourhoods — give early notice and use written agreements

How demolition affects cost and timeline

Factors that influence cost and programme:

• Volume and type of material (mixed waste, hazardous waste, recyclables)
• Access and need for traffic management or hoarding
• Need for asbestos removal or structural propping
• Disposal routes and recycling options

A responsible contractor will give a clear scope, a timeline and the required waste documentation — not just a price.

Choosing the right contractor: checklist for homeowners

• Are they a licensed waste carrier and registered with the Environment Agency? Ask to see the licence.
• Do they provide Waste Transfer Notes and a clear invoice?
• Public liability insurance and references from local jobs in Coventry, Nuneaton or Kenilworth
• Experience with recycling and lawful disposal routes (avoids fly-tipping risk)
• Clear communication about access, programme and neighbour management

MJM Waste Services meets these checks: local, licensed, registered with the Environment Agency and working in Coventry since 1999. We recycle up to 50% of material and supply all paperwork for peace of mind.

Practical checklist before work starts

• Confirm scope and written quote
• Obtain any required planning or building control approvals
• Arrange utility disconnections
• Serve any party-wall notices
• Book skips, traffic-management or grab-lorry access
• Check for asbestos and arrange licensed removal if required

Ready to clear the way? Get local help

For home demolition, clearance or light strip-out in Coventry and nearby towns (Nuneaton, Kenilworth, Leamington Spa), choose a licensed contractor who handles safety, paperwork and recycling.

Call MJM Waste Services on 07973 782845 or email mjm.services@hotmail.co.uk to arrange a site visit and a written plan. With 27 years on local jobs and proper waste transfer notes, we make demolition straightforward and compliant.