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Portland demolition and construction is booming as the city’s its urban core expands. From new construction to building renovations, the area is experiencing a record number of active construction projects. In 2017, Portland had 45 projects on the books, the highest number documented since Downtown Clean & Safe began releasing its development and redevelopment reports, which gauge economic activity and vitality. Much of this growth is happening in Central City, an area divided into 10 sub-districts that stretch from the Lloyd and Pearl districts to South Waterfront and Powell Boulevard, as well as from the West Hills to SE 12th Avenue. An additional 56 projects are anticipated for 2018 and beyond, keeping construction and demolition companies in Portland busier than ever. Continue reading
The Portland demolition industry is constantly evolving as construction trends and technologies emerge. One of the most recent trends making waves is off-site construction, a building process that occurs away from the final point of installation. It includes modular and prefabrication construction. With construction processes happening off-site, will demolition still have a place? Absolutely. As communities prepare plots and remove existing buildings to make room for modular solutions, they’ll depend on demolition companies to ensure the land is safe and ready to go. Continue reading
Pre-demolition inspections and pre-bid walk-through are important steps in a Portland demolition project. The processes help demolition companies in Oregon understand project scopes better and identify materials to remove prior to demolition. In some instances, inspections and walk-throughs may be required by law. By understanding the difference between the processes, you’ll be better prepared for your own upcoming demolition project. Continue reading
Portland has a crushing need for not just housing, but for affordable housing. Because of the ability to build homes quickly using additive manufacturing, 3D printing might be the solution the city needs. Some Portland demolition contractors are keeping an eye on the 3D printing industry, which has already made headlines for its residential construction applications. If regulators can be convinced, the advantages of the building technique could forever alter the construction industry, the City of Portland, and the city’s inhabitants. Continue reading
In the summer of 2017, the United States closed its last sand mine. The closure is a reflection of a global sand shortage that’s so serious that some countries have banned its export. After water and air, sand is the natural resource humans use the most, especially in regard to construction. Sand is used in the cement in your building, the asphalt on which you drive, the glass in the windows you look out of, and the silicon chips in your cell phone.
After a disaster, a major component of the recovery efforts is the demolition that must take place before rescuing and rebuilding can commence. Portland demolition contractors are instrumental in removing debris, hazardous materials, and damaged structures, making them invaluable resources when the unthinkable occurs. By knowing how to prepare and be vetted as a disaster response resource, you’ll maximize your response capabilities so you can jump in and provide vital support services. Continue reading
Do you know what’s buried under your feet? It could be a piece of history. Most Portland demolition and construction projects require the moving of earth in one form or another. Sometimes, workers stumble upon priceless treasures or strange artifacts that were left behind or forgotten. Check out some of historical objects uncovered by demolition and construction workers that will make you wonder what’s beneath your Oregon demolition project’s site. Continue reading
The most important factor to successfully completing a Portland demolition project is having a skilled crew. Labor shortages, however, plague the construction and demolition, or C&D, industry. In 2011, for instance, homebuilders experienced shortages of 13 percent. Today, this number has exploded to 82 percent. Experts expect this number to increase since as many as 60 percent of the industry’s workforce will retire in the next five years. For demolition companies in Portland, the only thing more vital than acquiring skilled workers is retaining the ones they have. Continue reading
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has been taking a closer look at polychlorinated biphenyls, or PCBs, and their use in older buildings. PCB molecules are man-made organic chlorine compounds made up of carbon, hydrogen and chlorine atoms. Until their ban in 1979 by the Toxic Substances Control Act, they were used in building materials because they were odorless, non-flammable, and chemically stable. They also had good insulating properties and a range of consistencies. The EPA has reinterpreted its position regarding PCB-contaminated building materials as it relates to bulk and remediation waste. By understanding the EPA’s reinterpretation, Portland demolition contractors can take appropriate abatement steps to keep workers and project sites safe. Continue reading
