Essential Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Demolition Contractor

Choosing the wrong demolition contractor can turn a straightforward project into a prolonged, expensive headache. The questions you ask before signing a contract are more important than most people realise. At Total Demolition Brisbane, we believe an informed client makes for a better project. Here is what to ask.

Key Takeaways

• Always verify the licence first: A QBCC licence is the minimum requirement for demolition work in Queensland.
• Insurance protects you: Public liability and workers compensation cover you if something goes wrong.
• References reveal reality: Past client experience tells you more than any sales pitch can.
• Get the quote in writing: A detailed written quote prevents misunderstandings about scope and cost.
• Ask about waste management: Responsible disposal practices protect you from environmental liability.

1. Are You Licensed to Carry Out This Work in Queensland?

This is the first and most important question to ask. In Queensland, demolition contractors must hold the appropriate licence issued by the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC). As outlined by the QBCC’s guidance on who must hold a QBCC licence, you should always ask to see a contractor’s licence card or digital licence before signing anything or making a payment. A digital licence carries the same legal standing as a physical card.

Verify the licence directly through the QBCC licence search tool, not just by taking the contractor’s word for it. Check that:

• The licence is current and has not expired or been suspended.
• The licence class covers the type and scale of demolition work your project requires.
• The individual or company named on the licence matches who you are contracting with.

Engaging an unlicensed contractor leaves you without warranty protection and potentially liable for any safety, environmental, or compliance failures that arise during the job.

2. What Insurance Do You Carry?

Even the most experienced and diligent demolition crews can encounter unexpected situations. A structural failure, damage to a neighbouring property, or an injury on site can have serious financial consequences if the contractor is not properly insured.

Ask specifically for evidence of:

• Public Liability Insurance: This covers damage to third party property or persons during the course of the work.
• Workers Compensation Insurance: In Queensland, all employers must hold workers compensation insurance for their workers.
• Contract Works Insurance: Some projects require this additional cover for the structure being demolished and associated materials.

Makes it clear that insurance verification is one of the most essential pre-contract steps. Never accept verbal assurances on this point. Ask to see current certificates of currency.

3. Can You Provide References from Recent Projects?

A contractor’s track record is one of the most reliable indicators of future performance. Ask for at least two or three references from recently completed projects that are similar in scope to yours, whether residential, commercial, or industrial.

When you contact past clients, ask:

• Was the project completed on time and within the quoted price?
• Were there any surprises with the final invoice?
• How was communication throughout the project?
• Was the site left clean and in an acceptable condition?
• Would you use this contractor again?

Visiting a current or recently completed project and speaking with past clients provides direct, unfiltered evidence of a contractor’s working standards. Online reviews add another layer of verification.

4. Who Will Be On Site, and Will Work Be Subcontracted?

This is a question that many clients do not think to ask, but it matters significantly. Some demolition companies quote the job, then hand it to a subcontractor with whom the client has had no contact. In some cases, the subcontractor may be less experienced or less well-equipped than the company originally engaged.

Ask specifically:

• Will your own employees carry out the work, or will any part be subcontracted?
• If subcontractors are used, are they licensed and insured to the same standard?
• Who will be the on-site supervisor, and how many years of relevant experience do they have?
• How will you be updated on progress throughout the project?

At Total Demolition Brisbane, we use only our own in-house staff. Nothing is subcontracted. You can read more about our residential demolition approach and how we manage each project from start to finish.

5. What Does Your Waste Management Plan Look Like?

Demolition generates significant waste, and how that waste is handled is both a legal and environmental responsibility. As reported by the Queensland State of the Environment data on construction and demolition waste, 83.3 per cent of construction and demolition waste in Queensland was diverted from landfill in 2023 to 2024. This is an improvement, but it means the expectation on contractors is increasingly clear.

Ask your contractor:

• How do you sort and separate materials on site?
• Where do salvageable materials such as timber, steel, and concrete go?
• Do you hold the relevant approvals for waste transport and disposal in Queensland?
• How is hazardous waste, including asbestos, handled and disposed of?

Australia generated 26.8 million tonnes of building and demolition materials in 2022 to 2023, with $64 billion in building materials at risk of going to waste, making responsible waste handling one of the most significant environmental obligations in the industry.

6. How Do You Handle Asbestos?

For any Brisbane property built before 1990, asbestos is a realistic concern. Ask specifically how the contractor approaches asbestos identification, management, and removal.

A competent contractor should be able to explain:

• Whether a pre-demolition hazardous materials survey will be conducted before work begins.
• Whether they hold the appropriate Class A or Class B asbestos removal licence, or whether they engage a licensed specialist.
• How waste containing asbestos is contained, transported, and disposed of in compliance with Queensland law.
• What air quality monitoring is carried out before re-occupation of the site.

7. What Does the Quote Actually Cover?

Comparing quotes is about more than comparing price. A lower figure can become a higher total cost once additions and exclusions are factored in. Before accepting any quote, ask for a written breakdown that clearly states:

• The full scope of work, including what is and is not included.
• Whether council permit costs and applications are covered or are a separate cost.
• Whether utility disconnections are managed by the contractor.
• Whether site clean-up and levelling are part of the quoted price.
• What the process is if unexpected issues such as undisclosed asbestos arise mid-project.

Reinforced that the density and condition of Brisbane’s existing housing stock is increasing the complexity of many demolition projects. A clearly scoped and well-documented quote protects both parties when those complexities emerge.

Conclusion

The right contractor makes everything easier, faster, and safer. If you have a demolition project coming up in Brisbane, we would welcome the chance to answer all of these questions directly. Contact us today for a transparent, detailed quote from a fully licensed, experienced team.

FAQs:

What licence does a demolition contractor need in Queensland?

Queensland demolition contractors must hold a valid QBCC licence appropriate to the class and scale of demolition work being undertaken.

Do demolition contractors need insurance in Australia?

Yes. Public liability and workers compensation insurance are essential. Always ask for current certificates of currency before signing any contract.

Should I get multiple quotes for demolition in Brisbane?

Yes. Comparing at least three detailed written quotes helps you understand true market rates and identify what each contractor includes.

How do I check if a demolition contractor is licensed in Queensland?

Search the QBCC licence register online using the contractor’s name or licence number to verify current status before engaging anyone.

What should a demolition quote include?

It should cover scope of work, permit costs, utility disconnections, asbestos handling, waste removal, site clean-up, and any provisional allowances for unforeseen issues.

How long does residential demolition take in Brisbane?

Most residential demolitions take between one and five days, depending on the size of the structure and site conditions.