Fairfax Demolition Contractors

Fairfax Demolition Tips and Steps

Is a permit required to demolish a home, garage, swimming pool, or commercial building?

Permits are typically required. The permits necessary depend on your local and state municipalities. Depending on where you live, 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 contractor should be well informed about local regulations and will pull the permits on your behalf in most cases. Be sure to clarify up front with the contractor all the services your hired contractor will perform.

What are the steps required for building demolition?

1. Request an estimate or estimates from licensed and insured Fairfax demolition contractors.
2. Apply for demolition permits and approval from local government authorities.
3. Utilities need to be properly disconnected.
4. Older homes or buildings need to be inspected for hazardous materials.
5. Safely tear down the building.
6. Removal and disposal of debris.

How much does it cost demolish a house?

"Ballpark" estimates over the phone are usually not possible for residential or commercial building demolition. These almost always require an on-site estimate to ensure accuracy. So many variables affect the price of demolition that it's very difficult for contractors to give you a realistic estimate without actually seeing the property and understanding the challenges they will face when wrecking and removing the building. Some of the factors that affect the cost of demolition include:

• Environmental issues, such as the need to remove asbestos or underground storage tanks, can significantly increase costs
• Material (brick, cinder block, wood, etc...) the building was constructed with.
• Debris disposal - hauling and landfill fees vary widely by location. Are there any salvageable materials that can be diverted from the landfill?
• Concrete demolition and removal of the foundation adds cost
• Square foot of the building and the number of stories for the house or building. Multi-level structures add to the cost of demolition.
• The need for excavation or site clearing and preparation

What areas do demolition contractors have expertise in?

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.

• Interior demolition or selective demolition - Soft or "Hand" demolition crews tearing down walls, kitchens, bathrooms, flooring, etc... prior to a renovation project.
• Residential - Demolition of a house, garage, shed, retaining wall, deck, or other residential building (typically less than 3 stories) and usually achieved with hydraulic excavators and bull dozers.
• Commercial and Industrial - Wrecking services for larger jobs and larger buildings. May require a wrecking ball or controlled (explosive) demolition.
• Concrete Removal - Concrete demolition and removal of driveways, foundations, patios, sidewalks, etc...
• Swimming Pool Removal - Swimming pool demolition and removal
• Hazardous Material Removal - asbestos abatement and removal along with other hazardous materials like lead paint.