Northwest Arkansas project guidance
Can demolition start before utilities are disconnected?
For owners and project teams scheduling demolition
Structural demolition should not begin until the project team has verified the status and required endpoint of every affected utility. Shutoff, disconnect, cap, removal, abandonment, inspection, and documentation are different actions and must be assigned before work reaches the service.
Verify more than electric and gas
The review should include electric, natural gas, water, sanitary sewer, storm drainage, communications, private lines, wells, septic systems, and any service shared with a building that remains.
Put responsibility in writing
The owner, utility provider, demolition contractor, plumber, electrician, engineer, and local authority may each control part of the process. The scope should identify who performs and documents every required action.
Protect the next phase
Future service routes, temporary power or water, and utilities serving adjacent property can affect demolition limits, excavation, backfill, and construction access.