Residential Demolition

The cost to demolish your home can vary depending on several factors:

• Size of your home: The size of your home will affect the cost due to the length of time it will take to tear down.
• Complexity of the project: Pricing will depend on the complexity of the project, whether you want to demolish just a section of your home or the whole building will affect the overall project.
• Building materials: The materials used for your home will affect the cost, for example, concrete and steel can be a lot harder to demolish than wood-framed homes.
• Accessibility: If your home is located in downtown Toronto, then this can make it a lot harder to access and might require additional permits. Compared to if your home was located in a quiet part of the GTA, with lots of space for equipment.

Generally speaking, smaller projects may cost anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars, while larger projects can cost tens of thousands or more. It’s always best to get a specific quote from a reputable residential demolition contractor based on your unique needs and circumstances.

The duration of a residential demolition project can depend on several factors, such as the size and complexity of the project. A small-scale demolition project can be completed in just a few days, while larger projects may take several weeks or longer.

It’s important to note that other factors such as permit approvals, inspections, and unexpected issues can also affect the timeline for completing a residential demolition project. The best way to get a more accurate estimate is to consult with a reputable demolition contractor who can assess your specific needs and provide a timeframe for completion.

Yes, you will need a permit to demolish your house in Toronto, the GTA, or anywhere in Ontario. This ensures that your project complies with the Ontario Building Code, zoning bylaws and environmental protection laws.

While it is possible to do demolition work yourself, it’s important to consider the potential risks and challenges involved. Demolition work can be dangerous and requires specialized knowledge and equipment to be done safely and efficiently. In addition, certain materials such as asbestos or lead paint may be present in older buildings, requiring special handling and disposal procedures.

Hiring a professional building demolition contractor can help ensure that the work is done correctly and safely. A qualified contractor will have the necessary expertise, equipment, and insurance to complete the job without causing damage to your property or putting anyone at risk. They will also know how to properly handle hazardous materials if they are present in your building.

Overall, while doing building demolition work yourself may seem like a cost-effective solution, hiring professionals with experience in this type of work.

Throughout Toronto, the GTA and the rest of Ontario, all asbestos-containing materials (ACM) must be identified through a Designated Substance Survey (DSS) before demolition can begin.

All ACM must be removed first, the process involves containing the work area, wetting materials to control dust, carefully removing all ACM, double-bagging and disposing of in a designated waste removal site.

There are a number of ways to prepare your home for your demolition service:

1. Secure all permits: Building Permits, Heritage Approval (if required) and Tree Protection Permits
2. Disconnect utilities: Arrange for a company to come and disconnect all your utilities, including gas, water, electricity, and sewer.
3. Pre-demolition inspections: Make sure you organize for hazardous material assessments, then, depending on the results, organize for a specialized company to remove any hazardous materials.
4. Clear the property: Remove all of your belongings from the property, this includes any furniture, debris or anything else. 
5. Inform neighbourhoods: It is always a good idea to inform your neighbours of the up-and-coming demo work, the earlier the better, to keep everyone happy.

During a complete house teardown project, the foundation will be broken apart and completely removed using specialized equipment. Our house demo contactors will remove any steel reinforcements, disposing of both materials along with the rest of the debris from the overal demo project.

In Toronto, there is a dust bylaw for residential demo projects to limit the amount of dust and its impact on neighbouring properties.

Some of the methods we use to reduce the amount of dust produced are:

• Wetting the construction material
• Using a wet saw
• Using dustless saw technology
• Tarping or otherwise containing the source of dust
• Installing wind fencing or a fence filter, or
• Using a vacuum attachment when cutting