Large or small, every abatement/demolition project requires the same basic steps:

1.  ASSESS:  What asbestos, lead or other hazardous materials will be impacted by the proposed project?  Only a hazmat survey can provide this information.  For small specific areas, this may be as simple as collecting a few samples of wall, ceiling and flooring materials.

2.  SCOPE OF WORK:  If hazardous materials are found, their removal should be a normal, scheduled part of your renovation/demolition project.  Identify when the materials will be removed, the duration of the abatement project, clearance requirements, etc.

3.  PROCURE BIDS:  For a small project, a price may be negotiated with a single contractor based on an informal viewing or verbal description of the work.  For larger private projects, a formal scope of work should be distributed to a select number of trusted firms.  For public works, the bid process will be advertised, and a formal bid conference will be scheduled.  In both of these cases, minutes of that conference, and any changes to the scope, should be provided in writing to all planholders.

4.  PRE-START MEETING:  Use this to discuss the finer details of the scheduled project - staffing, notification to regulatory agencies, specific start and finish dates, hours of work, emergency protocols and contacts, utility, staging and waste storage locations, etc.

If the above 4 steps are performed well, the project has a much greater chance of completing successfully and on time.  For smaller projects, an Owner is often able to perform and complete these steps on their own.  For larger projects, Ellis will typically assist with or provide each effort on behalf of the Owner.