Demolition is not just removal; it is one of the most dangerous stages of construction work, and any mistake can harm the neighbour's building, passers-by or the workers themselves, with responsibility falling on the owner and contractor. Demolition accidents usually come not from a lack of equipment but from the absence of a clear plan: the wrong sequence, a shared wall nobody accounted for, or services not disconnected. These are the essential safety requirements during demolition, divided into before, during and after, with a practical checklist.
The Technical Reference
The Saudi General Building Code (SBC 201) has a chapter on safety during construction (Chapter 33), which ministry guides refer to for site works. Demolition must be planned and carried out accordingly, after obtaining the demolition permit.
Before Demolition
- Disconnect services: electricity, water, gas and telecoms, and confirm they are actually disconnected rather than relying on word of mouth.
- Photograph the condition of neighbouring buildings before starting, especially shared walls and existing cracks.
- Study the right demolition method (manual or mechanical) for the site and the proximity of neighbours.
- Fence the site and put up warning signs.
- Make sure the building is free of hazardous materials or flammable waste.
- Set a safe route for trucks leaving and debris removal.
During Demolition
- Demolish from the top down in a planned sequence, without weakening load-bearing elements before removing what is above them.
- Do not put loads on the neighbour's shared walls, and prop the shared wall if needed.
- Control dust by spraying, and cover the street-facing facade if possible.
- Do not let debris occupy the pavement. Read: Occupying the pavement with building materials.
- Personal protective equipment for workers: helmets, harnesses and safety boots.
- Ongoing engineering supervision. See our supervision service.
The Shared Wall: The Biggest Source of Disputes
In older districts, the dividing wall often carries parts of the neighbour's building. Demolishing it without study can destabilise the neighbour's building. The rule: the shared wall is not demolished until an engineering assessment establishes whether it carries any of the neighbour's building, and how it will be protected or replaced.
After Demolition
If excavation follows, protecting the neighbours' foundations starts here. Read: Protecting neighbouring buildings during excavation. Then the following permits come in order. Read: The order of demolition and rebuilding permits.
Quick Checklist
| Item | Done? |
|---|---|
| Demolition permit issued | ☐ |
| Services disconnected | ☐ |
| Neighbours' condition photographed | ☐ |
| Site fenced with warning signs | ☐ |
| Demolition plan and sequence approved by the engineer | ☐ |
| Debris removal plan ready | ☐ |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is responsible for damage to the neighbour's building?
The owner and contractor, depending on what is proven, so prior documentation and supervision are essential.
Is the demolition permit enough?
The permit is regulatory permission; safety is the responsibility of those carrying out the work. Read: The demolition permit.
Which is better: manual or mechanical demolition?
It depends on how close neighbouring buildings are and the building's size; manual is slower but more precise near neighbours.
Do neighbours need to be notified?
Notifying them and documenting their buildings' condition reduces disputes and protects both sides.
What if a crack appears in the neighbour's building during demolition?
Stop work on that part and call the engineer to assess the cause before continuing.
How Abak Engineering Consultancy Helps
Abak is an accredited engineering office in Riyadh that prepares a safe demolition plan, assesses shared walls, supervises the work and handles the demolition permit. Learn about our demolition permit service, or contact us.
Regulatory information is based on the Balady platform and the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing, and procedures may be updated by the competent authority. Last reviewed: October 2026.
