Everything to Know About Demolishing a House

Demolishing a house is your first step to building a new one. Here’s what you need to know.

When it comes to starting a new build, some will need to embark on the demolition process. Whether looking in Ontario cottage country where lakeside lots are hard to come by or looking on a city lot with an existing home, there’s a good chance that demolition might be in your future. Whether you are looking to renovate or merely just deciding to start fresh, there are quite a few possibilities that will lead to a house demolition. If part of your new home or build process is going to involve demolishing a house, here’s everything you need to know about going about the demolition process the right way:

What needs to be done pre-demo?

The thing is, you can’t simply decide to demolish a home and then do it. You need to take several steps before embarking on the demolition itself, from acquiring demolition permits to finding the right team for the job. Our best advice is to find the right team for the job first since the right team can be the best resource you have for a home assessment, permits and the process as a whole.

When you’re looking for a demolition team, you should make sure to find a trusted, accredited group with years of experience in home demolition. By finding an experienced crew to do the job, you’ll know that you’re embarking on the process with someone who knows what they’re doing — which saves money, maximizes time and ensures safety and craftsmanship. If a home demolition is done the right way by the right crew, you’ll have firsthand (and trustworthy!) knowledge on permit acquisition as well as met timelines and an easy process.

What does the demolition process look like?

There are a couple of different ways to demolish a home, and it all depends on whether or not you’re tearing the entire house down or just a piece of the home. Either way, you’ll be looking at a pretty expensive mess — no matter what. However, demolition can open your home up to tons of new possibilities. Your demolition crew will be who can give you the details on cost and project timelines, but the general process always looks like this:

• Home assessment: Your home will need to be inspected (think: asbestos, utility disconnection, etc.) to make sure it’s ready to undergo the process.
• Permit acquisition: Tearing down a house is a loud and messy undertaking, and you’ll need a permit for the job. A demolition crew can help get you a permit, or you can get one through your town.
• Demolition: The crew will demolish the entire home or the correct part of your home, which can take anywhere from a day to a week, depending on the project.
• Haul away: Once the home is demolished, the material will need to be moved off of the property and disposed of properly.
• Start fresh: Now that your home is demolished, it’s time to start fresh and embark on a new project!

What are the next steps?

While demolishing a home can be an emotional process, it leaves room for massive new possibilities. With a cleared off property, a new home or cottage can be built in its place — making room for new memories, beautiful builds and a fresh start.

If you’re ready to demolish your home and create something new and custom in its place, we’re here to help! Connect with us today, and we’ll get started.