Demolition & Site Preparation
Structure Demolition & Concrete Removal
Demolition of buildings and structures, and removal of slabs and concrete, by licensed demolition contractors under our coordination.
Overview
Removing a whole structure – a house making way for a new one, an outbuilding, a pool deck, a commercial building – is a regulated process. It usually requires a demolition permit, utility disconnections, and in many cases a survey for asbestos-containing materials before work starts.
Structure demolition is performed by appropriately licensed demolition contractors with the right equipment and disposal arrangements. We coordinate the process: confirming permits and pre-demolition requirements, scheduling utility disconnects, defining what is removed and what is protected, and planning how the cleared site will be handed over for the next phase.
Concrete removal is often part of the same scope: old slabs, footings, driveways, pool decks, or sections of slab cut out for new plumbing or foundations.
Who it’s for
- Owners tearing down an existing home to build a new one
- Properties removing detached garages, sheds, pool enclosures or other structures
- Commercial redevelopment requiring removal of existing buildings and paving
- Projects replacing driveways, patios or pool decks
- Renovations requiring slab saw-cutting or removal for new plumbing or foundations
What’s included
Typically included
- Confirmation of demolition permit requirements and pre-demolition documentation
- Coordination of asbestos surveys and any required abatement before demolition
- Coordination of utility disconnects with electric, water, sewer, gas and communications providers
- Protection of trees, neighboring structures, fences and anything to remain
- Mechanical demolition of the structure by the licensed demolition contractor
- Removal of slabs, footings, driveways and flatwork, or saw-cutting of slab sections
- Separation of concrete, metal and other materials for recycling where available
- Hauling and disposal of debris
- Rough grading of the cleared area, ready for the next phase
Common exclusions
- Asbestos or other hazardous-material abatement, priced separately once a survey is complete
- Removal of underground tanks, septic systems or buried debris, assessed and priced when found
- Pool removal, unless included in the scope
- Utility company disconnection fees
- Engineered fill and compaction for new construction, priced with site preparation
Every proposal lists its own inclusions and exclusions in writing.
Materials, design options & upgrades
How pricing works
Structure demolition is priced per project. The estimate is based on the size and construction type of the structure, the amount of concrete and foundation to remove, site access, disposal requirements, and what the asbestos survey finds.
Because hazardous materials or buried items can change the scope, we price the known work and explain how anything discovered will be assessed and priced before it is removed.
What changes the cost
- Size, height and construction type: wood frame, masonry, steel or concrete
- Volume and thickness of slabs, footings and flatwork
- Asbestos survey results and any abatement
- Site access for equipment and trucks
- Proximity of neighboring structures, trees and utilities to be protected
- Disposal and recycling options for each material
- Underground items such as septic tanks or buried debris
If this work is part of a larger project, it’s priced within that project’s budget — please don’t add separate estimates together. Read the pricing guide.
Typical stages
Pre-demolition review
We confirm permit requirements, schedule the asbestos survey, and identify utilities and items to protect.
Permits and disconnects
The licensed demolition contractor obtains the permit, and utilities are disconnected by their providers.
Abatement
Any hazardous materials identified in the survey are removed by licensed abatement contractors.
Demolition
The structure is taken down and materials are separated for disposal or recycling.
Concrete and foundation removal
Slabs, footings and flatwork are broken out and removed as scoped.
Site handover
The site is rough graded and cleared for surveying, testing and the next construction phase.
What affects the schedule
- Permit processing and pre-demolition requirements
- Utility disconnection scheduling with multiple providers
- Asbestos survey and any abatement
- Equipment and hauling availability
- Weather, especially heavy rain that affects equipment and disposal
Questions & answers
Do I need an asbestos survey before demolishing my house?
An asbestos survey is commonly required before demolition, and requirements depend on the building and jurisdiction. We confirm what applies and coordinate the survey with a licensed firm.
Can the old foundation be reused?
Sometimes, but only if an engineer evaluates it and confirms it is suitable for the new design. In most cases, a new home gets a new foundation designed for current requirements.
What happens to the concrete?
Where local facilities accept it, concrete is separated and taken for recycling rather than to a landfill. Metal and other recyclable materials are separated where practical.
Start here
Planning structure demolition & concrete removal?
A short form — three steps, a few minutes. Share plans or photos if you have them. We’ll review it and follow up using the contact details you provide.