Fully Licensed & Insured Demolition, Excavation & Asbestos Removal Services Wollongong

Every site is different. Slopes, soil types, and access points all impact cost. We always begin with a site inspection to assess soil condition (rock, sand, clay), access for machinery, existing structures or vegetation, and required cut and fill volumes. Project scope shapes price too — a full site scrape and levelling, bulk excavation for a basement or retaining wall, trenching for utilities, or detailed excavation for footings all cost differently. We don't use subcontractors and we own our gear, which saves time and layers of cost, though larger machines mean a faster job but a higher hourly rate, and tight-access jobs mean a slower pace with smaller gear. Wollongong has strict disposal regulations, so soil classification (clean fill, contaminated, asbestos-affected), tipping fees, and transport costs all factor in, along with any council approval, environmental or erosion control measures, and Dial Before You Dig clearances. For Wollongong area residential works, ballpark figures are: a basic site scrape $3,000–$6,000, bulk earthworks (driveways, pads) $90–$150 per cubic metre, detailed excavation $100–$200 per hour depending on machine, and tipping fees $15–$60 per tonne depending on classification. We offer free quotes with no hidden extras.

Digging is typically manual or small-scale, done with shovels, hand tools, or mini machines, and used for gardening, planting, small trenches, or non-structural work — it's the light-duty side of earth movement for minor tasks that don't require engineering or large-scale planning. Excavation is engineered large-scale earth removal using heavy machinery such as excavators, bobcats, and dump trucks, for site preparation for foundations, basements, footings, and retaining walls. It's precision work that often requires soil classification, depth calculations, and environmental considerations. When you need a site prepared safely, legally, and up to code, you want a licensed excavation contractor with the machinery, compliance knowledge, and experience to handle it from start to finish, not someone just digging.

Asbestos removal is heavily regulated under NSW law. First, you must use a licensed asbestos removalist — in NSW you must be licensed to remove more than 10 square metres of non-friable (bonded) asbestos, or any amount of friable (crumbly or powdery) asbestos. DemoEx holds the correct licence for non-friable (Class B) asbestos jobs; friable asbestos jobs require a Class A licensed contractor. Second, all friable asbestos jobs, and many non-friable jobs, must notify SafeWork NSW at least 5 days before work begins. Third, crews must wear proper PPE including P2 respirators or better, disposable coveralls, gloves and boot covers, alongside containment measures like negative air pressure units, decontamination units, and enclosures with signage. Fourth, friable asbestos work requires independent air monitoring throughout the job. Fifth, waste must be double-bagged, labelled, sealed, transported in covered secure vehicles, and disposed of at an EPA-licensed asbestos waste facility. Finally, friable jobs and many commercial non-friable jobs require an independent occupational hygienist to inspect the site and issue a clearance certificate before it's reoccupied.

If a property was built before the late 1980s in NSW, there's a high chance asbestos is present somewhere. Common places include roof sheeting and eaves, internal and external wall cladding, ceilings (especially textured popcorn finishes), vinyl floor tiles and backing, fibre cement sheeting around bathrooms or laundries, and fencing, garages, sheds, and downpipes — if it looks like an old cement sheet or strange vinyl, assume asbestos until proven otherwise. You can't confirm asbestos by sight alone, even experienced tradies can't be 100% sure without testing, so engage a licensed asbestos assessor or certified lab to safely take a sample and analyse it, with results typically back in 1–2 business days. Never cut, sand, or disturb suspected asbestos yourself, as that's how dangerous fibres get released into the air.

Yes, in most cases, though it depends on the type of demolition and approvals already in place. If your local council has already approved your Development Application, you'll need a Construction Certificate before demolition can start, even if demolition is only one part of the broader project — this confirms the work complies with the Building Code of Australia, detailed plans meet safety and structural standards, and a Principal Certifier has been appointed. Some straightforward demolitions qualify as Complying Development under NSW legislation, meaning no DA is needed, but you will still need a Complying Development Certificate issued by a private certifier. Regardless of pathway, you'll also need a demolition licence if the structure is over 4 metres in height or involves friable asbestos, asbestos management or removal plans if applicable, notification to SafeWork NSW for asbestos or hazardous materials, and site-specific safety plans (SWMS). Demolishing without the proper certificate is a serious breach of the NSW Environmental Planning & Assessment Act and can lead to heavy fines, delays, or worse.