Demolition in Sydney: Permits, Asbestos, and Safety Steps

Planning a demolition in Sydney can feel overwhelming. Between council applications, a maze of SafeWork rules, and the non-negotiable risk of hazardous materials like asbestos, it’s a job loaded with stress and "what-ifs." It’s tempting to either rush it or put it in the "too hard" basket.

But it doesn't have to be that way.

Whether you're a homeowner planning a knock-down-rebuild, a builder clearing a site, or a business owner planning a fit-out, this plain-English guide will walk you through the essential steps. We’ll cover permits, safety, and how an expert demolition contractor in Sydney like CMS Contracting manages the process from start to finish.

First, What is a Demolition Contractor? (And What to Look For)

A professional demolition contractor is a licensed specialist who manages the entire process of safely and legally dismantling a building or structure. Their job goes far beyond excavation, including permit applications, hazardous material remediation (like asbestos), site safety management, and responsible waste disposal.

In NSW, you can't just hire anyone with a machine. A reputable contractor holds specific demolition and (if needed) friable/non-friable asbestos licences. They must provide proof of insurance and a detailed safety plan. This isn't just paperwork—it’s your protection against liability, project delays, and budget blowouts.

Your Pre-Demolition Checklist: The 5 Key Steps Before Work Begins

Before any machinery arrives on-site, a thorough pre-demolition process is mandatory in NSW. This stage is all about safety and compliance. A professional contractor handles this entire sequence for you.

Step 1: Secure Your Demolition Permits (DA vs. CDC)

First, you need legal approval. In most parts of Sydney, this means one of two things: a Development Application (DA) from your local council, or a Complying Development Certificate (CDC) from a private certifier.

  • Development Application (DA): This is the more traditional and complex process, assessed by your local council. It's generally required for larger projects or properties in sensitive areas (e.g., heritage conservation).

  • Complying Development Certificate (CDC): This is a faster, streamlined approval path for straightforward projects that meet specific, pre-defined standards in the State Environmental Planning Policy.

Your contractor can advise on which path is required for your project and help manage the application.

Step 2: Identify & Manage Asbestos (A Non-Negotiable)

This is the most critical safety step. If your building was constructed before 1990 (and even up to 2003), it is assumed to contain asbestos until proven otherwise.

Before you can get a demolition permit, you must engage a qualified person (like an occupational hygienist) to inspect the site and create an 'asbestos register'. This document maps out the location, type, and condition of all asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). Only a licensed asbestos removal specialist can legally handle and dispose of these materials.

Step 3: Notify SafeWork NSW

Once you have your permits and asbestos register, we (the contractor) must notify SafeWork NSW.

For most demolition work, this notification is required at least 5 business days before work starts. For licensed asbestos removal, separate notifications (with a 5-day lead time) are also required. A professional demolition contractor manages all these notifications as part of their service, ensuring you are fully compliant.

Step 4: Arrange Service Disconnections

You cannot safely or legally demolish a building that is still connected to the grid. All services must be disconnected and "abolished" by qualified technicians. This includes:

  • Electricity

  • Gas

  • Water

  • Sewer

  • Telecommunications (NBN/phone lines)

This needs to be coordinated before the demolition date, as it can take several weeks.

Step 5: Plan for Waste Disposal & Environmental Controls

What happens to the rubble? A modern contractor doesn't just 'dump' it. A Waste Management Plan (WMP) is often required by council, detailing how materials will be sorted, recycled, and disposed of.

This also includes setting up environmental controls on-site before work starts. This can involve silt fencing (to stop sediment runoff), dust suppression (hoses and misters), and noise monitoring to minimise impact on your neighbours and the local environment.

CMS Contracting handles all waste tracking and disposal dockets, so you have a clear compliance record. Get in touch if you have questions about your site's specific requirements.We try our best to recycle and salvage as much as we can to avoid building products going into landfill.

How is Asbestos Removal Handled in NSW?

In NSW, licensed asbestos removal is a strict, multi-stage process to ensure no fibres are released.

  • Notifying SafeWork NSW at least 5 days before work.

  • Establishing a signposted and barriered exclusion zone.

  • Using specialised 'wetting' techniques and protective equipment (PPE).

  • Securely double-bagging and sealing all waste in labelled, 200um-thick plastic.

  • Using independent hygienists for air monitoring and a final clearance inspection.

It's vital to understand that there are two types of asbestos licences. A 'non-friable' (or Class B) licence is for materials like fibro sheeting, where fibres are bonded. A 'friable' (Class A) licence is for high-risk, easily crumbled materials like pipe lagging.

CMS Contracting holds the comprehensive licences and training to manage both types, ensuring your site is left completely safe and compliant, with a clearance certificate to prove it. We hold a Class B licence only, however if Friable (Class A) is required we can source the appropriate contractor to handle this. 

Beyond the Bulldozer: Understanding Different Demolition Types

Not all demolition involves a wrecking ball. As leading Sydney demolition contractors, we handle a wide range of projects. The method depends entirely on your goal.

Full Demolition (Knock-Down-Rebuild)

This is the most common type: the complete removal of a structure (and often its foundations) to clear a block for a new build. It involves the full permit and asbestos process, careful machine work, and removal of foundations to leave a clean, level site ready for your builder.

Partial Demolition (Structural Renovations)

This is a more surgical approach. Partial demolition is common for large-scale renovations or extensions. It involves removing specific sections of a building—like a back wall, a roof, or a concrete slab—while carefully bracing and protecting the remaining structure. This requires a high level of skill to maintain the building's integrity.

Internal Strip-Outs (Commercial & Residential Fit-outs)

An internal strip-out involves gutting the inside of a building, leaving the external structure intact. This is common for office 'make-goods' at the end of a lease, retail fit-outs, or gutting a house for a full interior renovation. It includes removing non-structural walls, ceilings, flooring, kitchens, bathrooms, and all services, taking the space back to a 'base build' state.

Our teams specialise in detailed commercial strip-outs for businesses needing a fast, quiet, and efficient turnaround with minimal disruption.

  • Remedial demolition

  • Heritage demolition

  • Make safes

  • Strata works 

Frequently Asked Questions About Sydney Demolition

How much does demolition cost in Sydney?

Demolition cost varies significantly based on site access, building size, construction materials (e.g., brick vs. timber), and, most importantly, the presence of asbestos. A simple timber house on a flat block may cost $15,000–$25,000, while a complex site with extensive asbestos remediation could be much higher. Always get a detailed, itemised quote.

Do I need to notify my neighbours about demolition in NSW?

Yes. Your council development consent (DA) will almost always include a condition that you must notify neighbours in writing within a specific timeframe (e.g., 7 days) before work starts. This is a crucial step for maintaining good community relations. Your contractor should manage this.

What happens to the demolition waste?

Reputable contractors are committed to recycling. Waste is transported to a licensed facility where it is sorted. Concrete, brick, and metals are recycled for reuse. Timber and green waste may be mulched. Only non-recyclable materials and hazardous waste (like asbestos) are sent to landfill, with all movements tracked on dockets.

How long does the demolition permit process take?

This is often the longest part of the project. A CDC can sometimes be approved in a few weeks. A full DA with a local council in Sydney can take anywhere from 2 to 6 months, or longer if there are complications or objections. It is vital to factor this approval time into your project timeline.

Choose a Demolition Contractor in Sydney You Can Trust

Navigating Sydney's demolition regulations doesn't have to be a headache. When you partner with a contractor who understands the process inside and out, it becomes a simple, streamlined step in your project. A professional team manages the risks, handles the paperwork, and ensures your site is left safe, clean, and ready for what's next.

At CMS Contracting, we are the no-fuss experts in Sydney demolition, from complex asbestos removal to large-scale site clearing and detailed internal strip-outs. We get the job done right, on time, and with full compliance. We provide a seamless experience for homeowners, builders, etc… and other construction professionals.

If you’re ready to start your project, contact us today for a detailed, no-obligation quote. Let our team of professional demolition contractors handle the hard work for you.

Civil Works Sequencing for Sydney Builds: From Site Prep to Final Trim

In any Sydney construction project, time is money. A poorly sequenced civil works program is one of the fastest ways to derail a schedule and blow a budget. When a subcontractor lays the road base before installing "below-ground" drainage, the result is catastrophic: a brand-new pavement has to be ripped up.

This isn't just a delay; it's a costly variation that grinds your entire project to a halt.

It isn't just about owning the excavation machinery; it’s about having a proven process and a clear staging plan that ensures every step is completed logically, safely, and in the correct order.

This guide will walk you through the typical civil works sequence, from a bare block to a build-ready site, showing how smart sequencing prevents delays and delivers a compliant, high-quality foundation for your build.

What Does a Civil Contractor in Sydney Actually Do?

A civil contractor in Sydney manages all the non-building, horizontal infrastructure for a project. This includes bulk earthworks, site preparation, installing 'below-ground' services like drainage and conduits, and constructing pavements, car parks, roads, and kerb & gutter. They create the stable, compliant, and correctly-levelled foundation for all subsequent building work.

Work with surveyors, engineers, and councils to ensure the "ground-up" part of your project is 100% compliant with the approved plans, ready for the next trade to take over without a single issue.

The Critical Path: A 6-Step Guide to Civil Works Sequencing

A successful civil project runs on a "critical path," where each major task must be completed before the next can begin. Missing a step or doing it out of order isn't an option.

Here is the standard, 6-step sequence that CMS Contracting follows to ensure a "no-fuss" project delivery.

Step 1: Site Establishment & Preparation

This is Day One. Before any soil is turned, the site must be made safe, secure, and environmentally compliant.

  • Safety & Security: Setting up temporary site fencing, access gates, and all required safety signage.

  • Environmental Controls: Installing sediment and erosion controls, like silt fencing and truck-wash-down zones, to prevent any runoff from leaving the site.

  • Amenities: Establishing a site office, first aid station, and worker amenities.

  • Clear & Grub: This is the true site preparation phase, involving the removal of all vegetation, large rocks, debris, and the "stripping" of topsoil, which is often stockpiled for later use in landscaping.

Step 2: Bulk Earthworks & Excavation

With the site prepared, we begin shaping the land according to the engineer's design. This involves:

  • Cut-to-Fill: Using surveyor's set-out points, we move earth from high spots ("cut") to low spots ("fill") to create the basic levels (the "subgrade") for the new car park, road, or building pad.

  • Import/Export: If the site doesn't have the right balance of soil, we either export excess spoil or import clean, certified fill.

  • Excavation: This is also when large-scale for things like basement car parks, underground water detention tanks, or deep service trenches occurs.

Step 3: "Below-Ground" Services (Drainage & Conduits)

This is the most common sequencing error made by inexperienced contractors. All "below-ground" services must be installed after the bulk earthworks (Step 2) but before the pavement (Step 4). This includes:

  • Stormwater Drainage (pipes, pits, and culverts)

  • Sewer and water mains

  • Electrical and communications conduits

  • Fire service lines

Once these services are laid in their trenches, the trenches are backfilled with approved material (like sand or gravel) and compacted. Getting this right prevents you from ever having to excavate your new pavement.

Step 4: Pavement & Basecourse Installation

With the subgrade (the natural ground) tested and all underground services in, we build the pavement from the ground up.

  • Subgrade Proof-Rolling: We use a heavy roller to test the subgrade, identifying any soft spots that need to be rectified.

  • Basecourse Layers: We then lay the pavement in "lifts" (layers) of engineered material, such as DGB (Densely Graded Base), often called road base.

  • Compaction: Each layer is precisely spread, watered, and subjected to heavy compaction. This is non-negotiable.

  • QA Testing: A Geotechnical engineer is engaged to perform QA testing (like a nuclear density test) to certify that the compaction meets the engineer's specification (e.g., 98% Standard Compaction). If it fails, the layer must be reworked.

Step 5: Concrete Works (Kerb & Gutter)

Once the road base is laid, compacted, and tested, we install the final concrete elements. The basecourse provides the stable foundation for these structures. This includes:

  • Kerb & Gutter (or kerb-only)

  • Vehicle crossovers and driveway laybacks

  • Footpaths and pram ramps

  • Concrete "dish drains"

  • Any concrete retaining walls or stairs

The kerb acts as the final "edge" and structural retainer for the pavement and sets the finished height for the asphalt or concrete surface.

Step 6: Final Trim & Handover

This is the final, high-precision step. The road base is "final trimmed" with a grader to an exact level (within millimetres) in preparation for the final surface - be it asphalt, concrete, or pavers. The site is thoroughly cleaned, all compliance paperwork (like QA testing dockets) is compiled, and the site is formally handed over to the builder or asphalter.

A Smarter Staging Plan: More Than Just a To-Do List

That 6-step sequence is the "what." The staging plan is the "how" and "when." It's the project management layer that turns a to-do list into a reliable schedule.

A well-managed staging plan is the core of our service. 

How a Good Staging Plan Manages Weather Delays

In Sydney, weather delays are a major risk, especially for earthworks and subgrade preparation. A smart staging plan anticipates this. It builds in contingencies and ensures the site's environmental controls and drainage are robust from Day 1. This minimises "washout" and allows work to recommence faster and more safely after a rain event.

Why QA Testing & Compaction Are Non-Negotiable

A developer or builder can't accept a foundation that "looks right" - they need proof it is right. A professional civil contractor schedules QA testing as a mandatory hold point in the plan. We coordinate the geotechnical engineers for all compaction tests, providing a full paper trail. This ensures the pavement won't sink or fail, and it gives council the certification they need to sign off on the work.

Reducing Variations and Saving You Money

Project variations are the enemy of a profitable build. The 6-step sequence, when managed by a clear staging plan, is your best defence. By installing drainage before the road base, we prevent rework. By passing compaction tests before pouring the kerb & gutter, we prevent failed inspections. A good plan isn't a cost; it's a tool for cost control.

Frequently Asked Questions About Civil Works

What's the difference between a civil contractor and a builder?

A civil contractor (like CMS) builds the horizontal infrastructure. We manage earthworks, roads, drainage, and utilities up to the building. A builder constructs the vertical structure - the building itself. We create the foundation they build on.

What is included in site preparation?

Site preparation includes all tasks to make a site safe and ready for excavation. This typically involves site fencing, environmental controls (like silt fences), clearing vegetation and topsoil, and disconnecting or abolishing any old utility services.

How long do civil works take for a new development?

This varies significantly. A simple car park on a flat site might take 2-3 weeks. A large residential subdivision with deep drainage and new public roads could take 3-6 months or more. Weather delays and council approvals are the biggest variables.

Why is soil compaction so important for a road base?

Compaction removes air voids and locks the soil or road base particles together, creating a dense, stable, and strong foundation. Poor compaction is the #1 cause of pavement failure, leading to settlement (sinking), potholes, and cracking under load.

Get Your Sydney Civil Works Sequenced Right, First Time

A successful, profitable construction project starts from the ground up. Don't risk your timeline and budget on a contractor who cuts corners or doesn't understand the critical path.

Our "no-fuss" promise means we provide a clear staging plan and get the sequence right, every time. We manage the compliance, the QA testing, and the machinery, handing you a site that’s on-time, on-budget, and 100% build-ready.

If you need a team, for a clear, reliable quote on your next project reach out on our contact page. 

What Is Bulk Earthworks and Why Is It Required?

What Is Bulk Earthworks and Why Is It Required?

When it comes to preparing land for construction projects, one term you’ll often hear is bulk earthworks. But what does it actually mean, and why is it so critical for developments across Sydney and beyond?

Let’s break it down, literally and technically, so you can better understand what’s happening beneath your feet before a single wall goes up.

Bulk Earthworks Explained

Bulk earthworks refers to the process of removing, moving, or adding large quantities of soil or rock to alter the topography of a site. The goal is to bring the land to the required levels and specifications, making it ready for building foundations, roads, pipelines, or other infrastructure.

This process involves:

  • Cutting (removing material from higher areas)

  • Filling (adding material to lower areas)

  • Compacting (ensuring the soil is stable and suitable for construction)

For civil and commercial construction in Sydney, bulk earthworks are essential for ensuring stability, proper drainage, and long-term durability of any structure.

Why Is Bulk Earthworks Required?

Before you can build, you need to make sure the ground can support the load. Here’s why bulk earthworks are a non-negotiable step:

1. Achieving Design Levels

Whether you’re constructing a highway or a warehouse, engineers will specify design levels for the site. Bulk earthworks reshape the land to meet these specifications precisely.

2. Soil Suitability

Sometimes the existing ground conditions aren’t suitable for supporting heavy loads. Bulk earthworks allow for replacement or re-compaction of poor soils.

3. Drainage and Erosion Control

Proper grading ensures that water flows away from buildings and roads. This prevents flooding and long-term erosion issues.


4. Safety and Compliance

Bulk earthworks in Sydney must comply with strict regulations and engineering codes. They are a key step in meeting these safety and quality standards.

Earthmoving vs Excavation – What’s the Difference?

It’s easy to confuse earthmoving and excavation, but they refer to different aspects of site prep.

  • Earthmoving is a broad term that covers any activity that involves shifting soil, sand, or rock using heavy equipment.

  • Excavation is more specific, it refers to digging or removing soil to create foundations, trenches, or pits.

So, when a client hears the term “earthmoving,” they’re likely hearing about a range of operations, including both bulk earthworks and finer excavation tasks. Understanding the difference helps when planning the stages of your project and talking with contractors.

How CMS Contracting & Plant Hire Delivers Expert Bulk Earthworks in Sydney

At CMS Contracting & Plant Hire, we bring years of industry experience and a specialised fleet of machinery to handle bulk earthworks across Sydney. Our team works on civil, industrial, and commercial projects, delivering:

  • Site levelling and grading

  • Bulk cut and fill operations

  • Soil compaction and testing

  • On-site material reuse strategies

  • Safe and efficient spoil removal

Whether you’re building a new subdivision, upgrading infrastructure, or preparing a commercial development, our bulk earthworks team ensures your site is ready to go, on time and within spec.

The Foundation of Every Project

Bulk earthworks may be hidden from view once construction begins, but they’re one of the most critical stages of the entire build process. They shape the success, safety, and longevity of every structure that comes afterward.

So next time someone asks about “earthworks,” you’ll know exactly what it means, and how CMS Contracting & Plant Hire delivers bulk earthworks Sydney clients can count on.

Connor Snell

CMS Contracting & Plant Hire has been operating in the industry for 20 years, specialising in excavation, demolition, landscaping and civil projects.

Need Excavation or Civil Works in Western Sydney or the Northern Beaches? Trust CMS Contracting

If you’re searching for reliable excavation, demolition, or asbestos removal services in Western Sydney or the Northern Beaches, CMS Contracting & Plant Hire is the name you can trust. With over 20 years of hands-on experience and a reputation for honest, dependable service, we deliver quality results, on time, every time.

Whether you’re a homeowner planning a new build, a commercial site manager overseeing a large project, or a contractor needing plant hire, our team offers the equipment, skills, and experience to meet your needs.

Are You Looking for Any of These Services?

At CMS Contracting, we specialise in a wide range of residential, commercial, and industrial projects, including:

  • Excavation & Earthworks

  • Demolition Services

  • Asbestos & Contaminated Material Removal

  • Civil Construction

  • Site Remediation

  • Rock Breaking & Detailed Excavation

  • Machinery & Plant Hire (Wet and Dry Hire Available)

  • Landscaping Preparation

  • Pool Excavation

We operate across Western Sydney suburbs like Blacktown, Penrith, Parramatta, and surrounding areas, as well as throughout the Northern Beaches, from Dee Why and Narrabeen to Palm Beach and beyond.

Why Customers Choose CMS Contracting

We’ve built long-standing relationships with clients who value our commitment to safety, communication, and results. But don’t just take our word for it, here’s what our customers have to say:

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“We have used CMS both as a dry hire company for machinery and for full excavation works. CMS value their customers and work by providing honest, reliable service without any surprises. We highly recommend their services for any excavation or civil needs.”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“We had CMS Contracting take on a challenging pool excavation through rock at our place in Palm Beach, and they did a brilliant job. The team was professional, easy to deal with, and clearly knew what they were doing. Everything ran smoothly and the end result was spot on. Would happily recommend them to anyone needing excavation work done in Sydney.”

Excavation Projects Done Right From Start to Finish

No matter the size or scope of your project, CMS Contracting ensures:

✔️ Transparent communication and no hidden surprises

✔️ Fully trained and experienced operators

✔️ Top-quality, well-maintained machinery

✔️ Adherence to all safety and environmental standards

✔️ Efficient project timelines and tidy handovers

Need Excavation or Civil Services in Sydney?

Whether you’re based in Western Sydney or along the Northern Beaches, CMS Contracting is your go-to team for excavation, civil works, and machinery hire.

Get in touch today for a quote or to discuss your next project.

Connor Snell

CMS Contracting & Plant Hire has been operating in the industry for 20 years, specialising in excavation, demolition, landscaping and civil projects.

Top 5 projects (or developments) in Western Sydney for 2025

Western Sydney is booming in 2025, with large-scale developments transforming the region into one of Australia’s most dynamic growth corridors. For civil contractors,

Developers and construction companies alike, these projects offer significant opportunities to participate in shaping the infrastructure and commercial landscape.

At CMS Contracting, we’re closely following the construction pipeline across the region. Here are the top 5 projects that every builder and developer should be paying attention to this year.

1. Bradfield City Centre – Western Sydney Aerotropolis

The Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport is just the beginning. Surrounding the airport is the Bradfield City Centre, an ambitious smart city development projected to become Australia’s newest hub for advanced manufacturing, aerospace, agribusiness, and logistics.

Why it matters:

● $1 billion government investment in infrastructure

● Civil and earthworks packages are still in procurement

● Long-term opportunities for construction companies through staged

development


2. Western Sydney International Airport Terminal & Infrastructure

Scheduled to open in late 2026, the $5.3 billion Western Sydney Airport is generating an enormous amount of work for civil, structural, and utility contractors throughout 2025.

Why it matters:

● Roads, drainage, and bulk excavation packages are ongoing

● Tunneling and utilities installation present specialist subcontractor needs

● Supports broader commercial developments in surrounding precincts

3. Parramatta Powerhouse Museum Precinct

The $915 million relocation and development of the Powerhouse Museum is revitalising Parramatta’s cultural district. With works ongoing in 2025, this site is a key landmark project involving complex groundworks and infrastructure upgrades.

Why it matters:

● Riverfront site requiring specialist excavation and shoring solutions

● Public and private sector collaboration with premium construction partners

● Streetscape and access upgrades call for reliable subcontractors

St Marys Metro Station & Surrounding Mixed-Use Developments

As part of the Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport line, the St Marys precinct is undergoing rapid transformation. The new metro station has unlocked multiple surrounding commercial and residential development projects.

Why it matters:

● Civil and utility work tied to mixed-use developments and rail integration

● Ideal for local contractors with transport infrastructure experience

● Council and state-backed rezoning opening more construction tender opportunities

5. Luddenham Science & Technology Park

A high-tech business park on the doorstep of the Aerotropolis, the Luddenham Science Park is positioned as a centre for research, innovation, and industry partnerships. 2025 will see a major expansion of utility infrastructure and site preparation.

Why it matters:

● Strong focus on sustainability and smart infrastructure

● Civil and drainage works in early stages

● Ideal project for contractors experienced in greenfield site development

These top-tier projects reflect the scale and ambition of what’s ahead for Western Sydney in 2025. For CMS Contracting, staying ahead of development trends is essential to how we deliver high-quality excavation, demolition, and civil works across NSW. Whether you’re a builder seeking subcontractors or a developer looking for trusted earthmoving teams, now’s the time to act.

Looking for reliable partners for your next project? Contact us today to discuss how we can support your development with end-to-end civil services.

Connor Snell

CMS Contracting & Plant Hire has been operating in the industry for 20 years, specialising in excavation, demolition, landscaping and civil projects.

What to Expect When Hiring a Demolition Contractor in Sydney

Planning a demolition project in Sydney? Whether you’re clearing a residential block, dismantling part of a commercial facility, or removing a structure for redevelopment, it’s essential to hire the right team.

Demolition isn’t just about heavy machinery — it requires experience, compliance with NSW regulations, and a smooth handover for the next stage of construction.

At CMS Contracting & Plant Hire, we’ve been delivering high-quality demolition, excavation, and earthworks services across Sydney and regional NSW for over 20 years. From safe asbestos removal to full site preparation, we provide a seamless start-to-finish service.

Site Inspection and Pre-Demolition Assessment

Every demolition job starts with a thorough site inspection. We assess:

  • Structural integrity and building materials

  • Potential hazards such as non-friable asbestos

  • Site access and surrounding conditions

  • Environmental, council and heritage constraints

We also help you navigate:

Our team ensures everything is in place to avoid delays or compliance issues.

Licensing, Safety and Compliance

CMS Contracting holds:

  • A Restricted Demolition Licence (NSW)

  • A Class B (non-friable) Asbestos Removal Licence

  • Full Public Liability and Workers Compensation Insurance

  • Compliance with all SafeWork NSW and WHS regulations

We specialise in jobs that require attention to detail, careful dismantling, and safe handling of regulated materials. Our trained operators and experienced site crews are fully qualified for high-risk tasks.

Comprehensive Demolition Services

We deliver tailored residential, commercial, industrial and remedial demolition services, including:

  • Full or partial demolition of homes, duplexes, and small buildings

  • Internal demolition and commercial strip-outs

  • Warehouse and retail defits

  • Concrete and slab removal

  • Remedial demolition for unsafe or non-compliant past works

  • Heritage-sensitive dismantling

  • Asbestos removal and disposal (Class B – non-friable only)

We operate our own plant and machinery, ensuring cost control, fast mobilisation, and total quality oversight on every job.

Earthworks, Excavation & Site Preparation

CMS isn’t just a demolition contractor — we’re also experienced in post-demolition construction support, including:

  • Bulk and detailed excavation

  • Earthworks and cut/fill

  • Foundation preparation and footing excavation

  • Trenching, piering and service runs

  • Site levelling, backfilling and compaction

If you’re moving into the next phase of a build, we’ll help make the transition smooth and efficient — all in-house, without the need for multiple contractors.

Waste Management and Clean-Up

We handle all site waste responsibly:

  • Asbestos waste is removed under EPA-compliant procedures

  • Concrete, bricks and steel are recycled wherever possible

  • Licensed tipping, skip bin hire and tracking documentation provided

  • Final site clean-up and optional compaction

We ensure the site is left clean, safe and ready for future works, inspections or construction.

Sydney Areas We Service

We offer demolition and excavation across:

  • Western Sydney – Blacktown, Parramatta, Penrith, Wetherill Park

  • Northern Beaches – Manly, Dee Why, Mona Vale, Avalon

  • Inner West – Leichhardt, Marrickville, Strathfield

  • North Shore – Ryde, Lane Cove, Hornsby, Chatswood

  • Eastern Suburbs – Bondi, Randwick, Maroubra, Coogee

  • Greater Sydney & Regional NSW – by arrangement

We work with builders, developers, homeowners, councils and contractors to deliver safe, compliant outcomes across all sectors.

Request a Free Quote

Looking for a dependable, qualified and experienced demolition contractor in Sydney? CMS Contracting & Plant Hire offers demolition, asbestos removal, and earthworks solutions tailored to your project.

Call (02) 9647 1929

Contact us today for a free quote or site consultation.