Demolition Contractor in Singapore: What to Check Before Hiring

1. Check Relevant Experience

Look for experience with similar equipment, structures and site conditions. Check the registrations, licences and insurance that apply to the work.

List what will stay, be moved, sold or disposed of. Confirm ownership before agreeing to remove items belonging to landlords, suppliers or leasing companies.

Ask who will lead the job and be your main contact. If other teams will be involved, confirm who manages their work. A clear contact helps you resolve questions about access, timing and agreed changes on site.

2. Request a Site Visit

A site visit helps plan the removal route and equipment needed. Check:

• Door widths and ceiling clearance.
• Loading areas and vehicle access.
• Upper floors and lift limits.
• Space for lifting equipment.
• Nearby operations and shared routes.

Record the condition of the property including floors, walls and access routes before work starts.

3. Confirm Approvals and Safety Plans

Check landlord and building rules. Agree on who handles approvals.

For structural work, a Qualified Person should confirm the plans and permits needed. BCA requires a permit before work covered by approved structural plans starts. Refer to BCA’s permit guidance.

Ask how the contractor will control risks from lifting, cutting, falling objects and work at height. Your business also has duties under MOM’s risk management requirements.

4. Review Costs and Scrap Recovery

Check whether the quote covers:

• Dismantling or demolition labour.
• Lifting and transport.
• Machinery removal or relocation.
• Scrap grading, weighing and valuation.
• Waste removal and cleaning.
• Agreed repairs or reinstatement.

Confirm who owns the recovered metal and whether its value is paid separately or deducted from the bill.

Declare oils, chemicals, batteries or other materials that need separate handling.

5. Agree on Shutdown and Timing

Confirm who isolates electricity and other connected services before work starts. Use qualified personnel and agree on how safe isolation will be checked.

Switching a machine off does not remove every power source or stored-energy hazard. The Workplace Safety and Health Council explains isolation and lockout procedures in its electrical safety guidance.

If nearby operations will continue, agree on work zones, access routes and shutdown times. Allow time for approvals, removal and final inspection.

6. Set Handover Requirements

Agree on the condition the site must be left in.

Confirm who handles anchors, openings, debris and repairs. Check that the cleaning scope meets the landlord’s requirements.

Keep before-and-after photos and completion records.