Demolition in the Inner West
The Inner West is terrace and semi country. Houses share walls, blocks are narrow, and many streets sit inside heritage conservation areas. Demolition and strip-outs here in Marrickville, Leichhardt, Balmain, Newtown and Ashfield are planned around the neighbours, the lane at the back and what Inner West Council will allow.
- Hazardous materials survey before work starts
- Asbestos handled by SafeWork NSW licensed removalists
- Dilapidation reports on neighbouring properties
- Dust, noise and traffic planned for city streets
Housing stock
Most of the Inner West was built out in the Victorian and Federation eras. Rows of single and double storey terraces line Balmain, Newtown and Enmore. Marrickville, Dulwich Hill and Ashfield add semis, Federation cottages and inter-war brick homes. Older lean-to kitchens, bathrooms and laundries at the back of these houses often hold fibro sheeting, so asbestos is a common find on renovation jobs here.
Approvals and heritage
Inner West Council covers a large number of heritage conservation areas. Full demolition of a contributory house in one of these areas usually needs a Development Application, and council looks closely at what replaces it. Many Inner West jobs are therefore partial demolitions: the rear wing comes off, the front rooms and facade stay. We work to the conditions of the consent, including any items to be kept or salvaged.
Party walls
A terrace or semi shares at least one wall with the neighbour. That wall usually stays. The house is taken down in stages, by hand near the shared wall and by small machine away from it. An engineer advises on temporary propping, and the exposed face is weatherproofed once our side is removed. Dilapidation reports on both neighbours are done before anything starts.
Access through lanes
Many Inner West streets have a rear lane, and that lane is often the only way to get plant and trucks to the back of the block. Lanes are narrow, with garages and bins on both sides. We plan truck size and timing to suit, and where a skip or work zone needs council land, we apply for the permit under council's kerbside rules before the start date.
Typical Inner West jobs
- Rear wing demolition ahead of a terrace extension
- Bathroom and laundry strip-outs with fibro removal
- Full demolition of a non-contributory house for a rebuild
- Kitchen strip-outs back to the joists in semis
- Asbestos removal from eaves, sheds and back sunrooms
Dust, noise and the street
Inner West streets are dense, and most neighbours are within a few metres. Dust is controlled with water at every stage, loads are covered, and noisy work stays inside the approved hours. Traffic and pedestrian management is planned for streets with schools, cafes or bus routes nearby, which covers much of Newtown, Leichhardt and Marrickville.
Getting a quote
Send us the address, photos of the front and back, a photo of the lane if you have one, and any plans or consent you already hold.
Common questions
Can I demolish a terrace in a heritage conservation area?
Often only part of it. Full demolition of a contributory house in an Inner West conservation area usually needs a DA, and council commonly expects the front of the house to be kept. Rear wing demolition is the more typical approval.
What happens to the shared wall?
It is normally kept. We demolish in stages near the wall, follow the engineer's advice on propping, and weatherproof the exposed face once our side is gone.
Can trucks use the back lane?
Usually, with smaller trucks and planned timing. We check the lane width, overhead wires and neighbouring garages before choosing plant and setting the schedule.
Is asbestos common in Inner West houses?
Yes, especially in rear additions, bathrooms, laundries and sunrooms built or lined before 1990. A hazardous materials survey before work starts confirms what is there.
Planning a demolition or strip-out in Sydney?
Send us the address and a few photos. We will look at access, neighbours and approvals, then come back with a written quote.