Steps for a House Demolition & Excavation

Get Advice

• Before beginning a demolition project, homeowners should seek advice from a professional to determine whether the demolition and excavation process is worth the time and expense. Individuals who are considering house demolition and excavation may want to hire an independent constructor to walk the property and express any concerns he may have and offer any necessary advice. A contractor can also look for any hazardous materials, such as asbestos, that will need to be removed before demolition.

Obtain a Permit

• Home owners looking to take on a project of this magnitude must obtain the necessary permits. To obtain a permit, individuals need to submit numerous documents and pay a fee to the municipality in which the house is located. The documents will include an application, site plan, and list of adjacent properties and owners. Before a permit will be issued, homeowners also need to verify that all gas and electricity has been turned off.

Find a Construction Company

• Once a homeowner has obtained the necessary permits, it's important for them to find the right construction company. Any prospective construction company must be licensed and have the proper insurance. To demolish a house, construction companies will use a bulldozer and place the material into large garbage container on site. Construction will need to follow the guidelines specified by the Environmental Protection Agency and any local regulations stipulated by the municipality.

Begin Excavation

• Once the home has been demolished and the area has been clear, the excavation process can begin. It's important to have the layout of the new home completed, so that construction workers know where to outline the property. Markers will be set up, so workers know where to dig. The depth of excavation is going to vary, depending on whether a home is going to have a basement or the foundation is being set up for the main level of a home.