When you have a structure on your property that you want eliminated, hiring a crane could easily be the most feasible and fastest way to make that happen. Structure demolition on private property is actually one of the most common reasons the average consumer will hire a crane service, but if you are like most, this experience will be your first. To make sure you are prepared for the project and the arrival of such a large piece of equipment, there are a few things you should do. Here is a quick look at a few simple steps you can use to get your property prepared before the crane arrives to start the demolition project.
Make sure you have ample space for crane delivery and setup.
Many homeowners make the mistake of assuming the crane will have ample space to make its way to their demolition site, but never take into consideration how much room it will take for the crane to actually be unloaded and set up. A crane will normally be delivered on a large flatbed truck. Therefore, when the crane arrives, there will need to be a space sizable enough that the semi and trailer can be parked, and there should still be room for the crane to be unloaded.
Find out if you need a permit to have the crane perform work on your property.
If you live in an area where you have neighbors in close proximity or your home is part of a more urban area, there may be zoning restrictions in place that govern how and when heavy construction equipment is allowed. To make sure you are not breaking any rules, it is best to check with your local extension office to find out if you will need to apply for a permit. In some cases, you can be issued a temporary permit that will allow the usage of heavy equipment on your property for a small fee.
Contact local utility companies about temporary line disconnects.
In some cases, overhead utility lines will be in the way of crane operation because the equipment stands tall and will be using mechanical arms to operate that reach high into the air. If you have a lot of utility lines on your property, this can be an issue. Talk to the crane company about the utility lines and they will usually instruct you to arrange for a lineman to be present on the day of crane delivery to temporarily disconnect utility lines as needed.
