Demolition In Helston

Demolition Experts

Qualified demolition contractors in Cornwall. Domestic and commercial demolition, site clearance and waste removal.

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12 Years' Experience

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RW Groundworks

What Is Demolition?

When something needs to come down before something else can go up, you need a demolition contractor with the plant, the qualifications and the experience to do it safely. RW Groundworks handles demolition across Cornwall — garages, outbuildings, walls, internal structures, and full site clearance.

Reuben Williams has been in construction for over 12 years. We run our own plant fleet including a 14-tonne Doosan excavator and 7-tonne dumper, so we have the machines on hand to take down structures and clear sites without relying on hire companies. Our team holds CSCS cards and SSSTS/SMSTS qualifications — we know how to demolish safely and legally.

We cover demolition in Cornwall from our base in Helston, working across Truro, Falmouth, Penzance, Redruth and surrounding areas.

What we do

Demolition Services

RW Groundworks handles civil engineering across residential, commercial, and infrastructure projects:

Domestic Demolition

Garages, conservatories, extensions, garden walls, sheds, and outbuildings. If you're clearing a structure to make way for a new build, an extension, or simply reclaiming garden space, we handle the full job — knock it down, load it up, take it away.

Commercial Demolition

Demolition of commercial buildings, farm buildings, industrial units and retail premises. We work to a method statement and risk assessment for every job, with specific attention to neighbouring properties, services, and public access.

Internal Strip-Out

Removing internal walls, floors, ceilings, kitchens and bathrooms ahead of a refurbishment. We strip back to the structural shell so the new fit-out has a clean starting point. All waste is segregated and removed from site.

Site Clearance

Full site clearance for development — removing existing structures, vegetation, hardstanding, underground services and obstructions. We leave the site ready for the groundworks phase, graded and cleared to formation level.

Waste Removal and Recycling

All demolition waste is removed from site and disposed of responsibly. We segregate materials — concrete, brick, timber, metals — and recycle what we can. You get waste transfer notes for everything that leaves the site.

More Services

We work for private clients, developers, main contractors, and local authorities across Cornwall.

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RW Groundworks

Demolition in Cornwall — What's Involved

Demolition is more than just hitting things with an excavator. Every job needs proper planning:

Site survey — We assess the structure, check for asbestos, identify services (gas, electric, water, drainage) and note any access constraints.

Method statement — A written plan covering how the demolition will be carried out, what plant is needed, how waste will be managed, and what safety measures are in place.

Notifications — If needed, we handle Section 80/81 demolition notices to Cornwall Council (required for demolishing buildings or parts of buildings).

Service disconnections — Gas, electric and water need to be disconnected before demolition starts. We coordinate with utility companies or advise you on what needs arranging.

Demolition and clearance — The actual work. We use the right machine for the job — from a 3.3-tonne Hitachi for tight access work to a 14-tonne Doosan for larger structures.

Waste disposal — Everything is loaded, transported and disposed of legally. Waste transfer notes provided.

This is demolition in Cornwall done properly. No shortcuts, no fly-tipping, no surprises.

RW Groundworks

Why Choose RW Groundworks for Demolition

Own Plant — 14T excavator, 3.3T mini digger, 7T dumper, and attachments for breaking, grabbing and loading. We don't need to hire in kit.

Qualified Team — CSCS, SSSTS and SMSTS, and relevant demolition qualifications. We know how to bring structures down safely.

Full Service — Demolition, waste removal, site clearance, and ground preparation. We don't just knock it down and leave — we clear it and prepare it for whatever comes next.

Waste Compliance — All waste is removed legally with proper documentation. We recycle where possible and provide waste transfer notes.

12 Years Experience — Reuben has demolished everything from garden walls to farm buildings. We know what to expect and how to handle it.

CONSTRUCTION & GROUNDWORKS

Services Areas We Cover

RW Groundworks operates across Cornwall from our base in Helston. Eight core service areas, all within easy reach of the A30 corridor.

Helston HQ Penzance St Ives Hayle Camborne Redruth Falmouth Truro

If you’re outside these areas, get in touch — we travel across Cornwall for the right projects.

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TESTIMONIALS

What Our Demolition Customers Say About Us

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Reuben and his team replaced our old concrete driveway with block paving. From the quote to the finished job it was about two weeks — and most of that was waiting for materials. The actual groundwork and laying took four days. They dug out the old drive, sorted the drainage that had been pooling for years, put in a proper sub-base and the finished result is spot on. Reuben was on site every day and nothing was left for us to chase up. Would recommend to anyone in the Helston area.

Mark T. Helston

Domestic Driveway

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

We've used RW Groundworks on three separate housing plots now and they deliver every time. They bring their own plant so there's no messing about waiting for hire companies — the 14-tonner and dumper turn up with the crew on day one. Reuben understands programme and that matters when you've got other trades following on behind. Foundations, drainage, road construction — all done to spec and on time. Reliable contractor, fair pricing, no surprises.

D. Collins, Collins Developments, Truro

Housing Development (Commercial)

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Had a full garden renovation done — old raised beds ripped out, retaining wall rebuilt, new patio laid with Indian sandstone and artificial grass for the kids. They got the mini digger through our side gate with about two inches to spare. Reuben priced it fairly and the lads were tidy, which matters when they're working next to your house for a week. The patio has been through one Cornish winter already and hasn't moved. Really pleased with it.

Sarah & James P. Falmouth

Landscaping / Garden Project

The Process

3 Step Process For Your Demolition Needs

Contact Us

Start by completing the 'Get a Free Quote' form on our website to share your Demolition needs with us.

Schedule Your Estimate

Next, we'll arrange a property visit at a time that works for you to provide an in-person estimate for your Demolition needs.

Get The Job Done

After you approve our estimate, we'll schedule a date to complete the job. Our team will work hard to exceed your expectations!

F.A.Q

Demolition Frequently Asked

Questions

Here are answers to common questions about our Demolition services.

Q: How much does demolition cost in Cornwall?

A: It depends on the size and type of structure, the material, access, and whether asbestos is present. Demolishing a single garage typically costs £1,500 to £3,000 including waste removal. Larger structures cost more. We provide free quotes after a site visit so you get an accurate price.

Q: Do I need planning permission for demolition?

A: Demolishing a building doesn't usually require planning permission, but you may need a demolition notice (Section 80 or 81) submitted to Cornwall Council. If the building is listed or in a conservation area, Listed Building Consent or conservation area approval is required before any demolition. We advise on what's needed.

Q: How long does demolition take?

A: A domestic garage or outbuilding can be demolished and cleared in a day. A larger building or full site clearance might take three to five days. We give you a timeline with your quote and work to it.

Q: Do I need to give notice before demolishing a building?

A: If you're demolishing a building or a significant part of one, you need to submit a Section 80 demolition notice to Cornwall Council at least six weeks before work starts. There are exemptions for small structures. We tell you whether a notice is needed and can help with the paperwork.

Q: How is demolition waste disposed of?

A: All waste goes to licensed waste facilities. We segregate materials on site — concrete and brick go for crushing and recycling, metals go to scrap, timber is separated. You receive waste transfer notes as proof of legal disposal. Nothing gets fly-tipped.

Q: Can I demolish a building myself?

A: Legally, you can demolish your own building in most cases. Practically, it's risky without the right plant, training and insurance. Structural collapse, asbestos exposure, and damage to neighbouring properties are real hazards. For anything beyond a garden shed, using a qualified demolition contractor is strongly recommended.

Q: Do I need an asbestos survey before demolition?

A: Yes. If the building was built or refurbished before the year 2000, an asbestos survey is required before demolition. This is a legal requirement under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. If asbestos is found, it must be removed by a licensed asbestos removal contractor before demolition starts. We can recommend surveyors and removal specialists.

Q: Can I demolish under permitted development?

A: Demolition of some structures falls under permitted development rights, meaning you don't need planning permission. However, a prior approval application may still be needed — this lets the council consider the method of demolition and site restoration. Rules vary, so check with us or Cornwall Council before starting.