Demolition Contractors in San Francisco, CA

San Francisco Demolition Basics

What is the Process For Whole House Demolition, Garage Demolition, or Commercial Building Demolition?

1. Request an estimate or estimates from licensed and insured San Francisco demolition contractors. Demolishing a home, garage, or commercial building is not a simple project and requires the expertise of a professional demolition contractor to guide the process. During the estimate site visit, interview the contractor for qualifications, references, EPA certifications, and the process the demolition contractor would follow to knock down and remove the building.
2. Apply for demolition permits and approval from local government authorities. Depending on your location, demolition permits may be required by the city, county, and/ or state. Your local municipality may also have regulations related to notifications, noise, hours of demolition, disposal of the debris, etc... Your hired demolition company should be well informed about local regulations and will often pull the permits on your behalf.
3. Utilities need to be properly disconnected. Utility companies for gas, water, and electricity need to be contacted. All utilities need to be properly disconnected or terminated at the source prior to demolition. Again, this may be handled by your hired demolition company, but clarify upfront with the contractor all of the services that are provided.
4. Older homes or buildings need to be inspected for hazardous materials like asbestos or lead paint prior to being demolished. If your home or building contains hazardous materials, proper procedures for abatement need to be followed. Your hired demolition contractor may offer this service or sub contract it to an environmental remediation specialist.
5. Safely tear down the building. For one to three story structures like a shed, garage, or a home, demolition of the structure is usually achieved using large hydraulic equipment like cranes, excavators and/or bulldozers.
6. Removal and disposal of demolition debris. Debris will be loaded onto trucks or into roll off dumpsters for hauling to recycling centers or landfills. Discuss the options of salvaging and recycling demolition materials with your hired demolition contractor.

What Are The Different Types of Demolition Services Offered By San Francisco Demolition Companies?

Demolition companies have varying degrees of experience and may specialize in different types of services based on their equipment and level of expertise. Check the demolition services offered by the contractors above to find a match for your project.

• Residential Demolition - Home demolition or the wrecking and removal of a garage, shed, retaining wall, deck, or other residential building (typically less than 3 stories). This type of structural demo is typically achieved with hydraulic excavators and bull dozers.
• Industrial or Commercial Demolition - Wrecking services for larger jobs and larger buildings. May require a wrecking ball or controlled (explosive) demolition.
• Swimming Pool Removal - Above ground and in-ground swimming pool demolition and removal
• Asphalt and Concrete Demolition and Removal - Removal of concrete driveways, foundations, patios, sidewalks, etc...
• Environmental Remediation - asbestos abatement and removal along with other hazardous materials like lead paint.
• Selective or Interior Demolition - Interior renovation projects may require demolition crews tearing down and removing debris from walls, kitchens, bathrooms, flooring, etc...
• Underground Storage Tank Removal - Cleanup and removal of hazardous materials contained in underground storage tanks.
• Excavating - Site clearing and preparation for building.