Service Abolishment & Demolition Handover: 8 Questions Answered

A cleared block is not automatically a construction-ready block. NextSite's demolition scope, utility-provider work and the new builder's ground-preparation requirements need to align. These answers help avoid gaps between demolition and the next stage.

What is the difference between turning services off and service abolishment?

Turning off a switch, tap or account is not proof that a service is safe for demolition. Energy Safe Victoria says electricity must be abolished before demolition: the electricity company permanently removes the meter and supply cable. Simple electrical disconnection leaves the physical network connection in place.

Tell each provider that demolition is planned and ask for its specific requirements. Retained water, temporary power, sewer and telecommunications need a documented plan rather than an assumption that every service is treated identically.

Who is responsible for electricity and gas abolishment before demolition?

Agree who requests the work, pays the charges and obtains completion evidence. The account holder may need to initiate a retailer or distributor process, while an authorised project representative coordinates it.

NextSite needs confirmation that the site is safe before affected demolition proceeds. Never assume cancelling an energy account, removing an accessible meter yourself or switching off the main switch completes the distributor's work.

How long does abolishment take with AusNet, Jemena, Powercor or United Energy?

Provider lead times vary by service, network, approvals, appointment availability and site access. The address determines the network; the named providers do not all perform the same service in every Melbourne suburb.

Ask the retailer or distributor for the current process and written completion date, and start early. NextSite cannot promise a standard number of days or a demolition start date before the necessary disconnections are confirmed.

Is the sewer capped during demolition?

Sewer disconnection or capping must follow the water authority's requirements and be carried out by an appropriately licensed plumber where required. Sewer work is distinct from disconnecting the water supply, and shared connections can complicate it.

Ask who arranges the work, whether it is included in the quote and what record is needed for the builder. Yarra Valley Water distinguishes licensed-plumber capping of a private drain from its sewer-connection cut-and-seal process, and says the water meter should remain protected and accessible for a knockdown-rebuild. Other authorities have their own processes; an excavator cutting an old pipe is not an acceptable substitute.

Are concrete slabs, deep strip footings and brick piers removed?

Only if the agreed scope includes them. Above-ground demolition, slab removal, footing excavation and deeper below-ground structures can be separate work, particularly where depth, access or neighbouring foundations limit excavation.

Provide the builder's requirements and any available structural plans. Ask NextSite to specify removal depth, retained structures, backfilling and how newly discovered concrete will be assessed.

What happens if an old septic tank, soakwell or underground fuel tank is found?

Stop affected excavation and identify the structure and risks. Tanks can contain hazardous residues, unstable voids or contaminated soil. Fuel tanks may require specialist environmental assessment; septic systems may involve council and licensed plumbing requirements.

Do not enter a tank or assume it can be crushed and buried. Agree the safe removal or approved treatment scope, lawful disposal and any additional investigations before work continues.

Does demolition leave the site compacted and ready for a new slab?

Not automatically. A visually level site does not prove bearing capacity, compaction or suitability for the new building. Geotechnical testing, engineered fill, drainage, earthworks and the builder's specification can be separate requirements.

Ask NextSite and your builder to agree handover levels, footing removal, fill and documentation. Do not schedule a slab pour solely because demolition and surface clean-up are finished.

What is a Certificate of Final Inspection, sometimes called Form 17?

The relevant building surveyor determines the required final inspection and completion documentation for the building permit. A demolition permit may conclude with a Certificate of Final Inspection; ask the surveyor for the current required form rather than relying on an informal form number.

Your new builder may need evidence that demolition approval conditions have been met, alongside service and site records. An asbestos clearance certificate and a demolition final inspection certificate serve different purposes and are not interchangeable.