Demolition Contractors (C04)
Demolition looks simple – but it’s one of the most regulated and potentially dangerous construction activities.
This BidScope guides you through demolition types: complete structure demolition (take it to the ground), partial demolition and selective removal (save some, remove some), interior demolition and gut-outs (remove everything inside while maintaining shell), and deconstruction for salvage and reuse.
Learn critical safety requirements including asbestos testing before any demolition (required by EPA for structures built before 1980), lead paint assessment, utility disconnection verification (gas, electric, water, sewer), and structural engineering assessment for load-bearing walls.
Understand permit requirements – most municipalities require demolition permits with fees, neighbor notifications, and street closures if needed.
Navigate salvage opportunities: copper wiring and plumbing has scrap value, fixtures and materials may have resale value, architectural elements might be worth preserving.
Know disposal requirements: where demolition debris can go, landfill fees (often charged by ton), recycling requirements for concrete and metals.
Plan dust control and erosion prevention.
Understand equipment requirements from excavators with hydraulic shears to wrecking balls to hand demolition.
Know backfill requirements after basement demolition – proper compaction prevents future settling issues.
Coordinate with utilities for final disconnection.
Budget for unknowns – what’s hidden behind walls often surprises.
This tool ensures your demolition is safe, legal, and properly managed from start to final grading.
What’s Included:
- Demolition types (complete structure, partial/selective, interior gut-out, deconstruction)
- Complete structure demolition to grade
- Partial demolition and selective removal
- Interior demolition and gut-outs
- Deconstruction for salvage and material reuse
- Asbestos testing requirements (EPA mandate for pre-1980 structures)
- Asbestos abatement if found
- Lead paint assessment and management
- Utility disconnection verification (gas, electric, water, sewer)
- Gas line capping and safety
- Electric meter removal and disconnect
- Water service termination
- Sewer line capping
- Structural engineering assessment for safety
- Load-bearing wall identification
- Structural stability during partial demolition
- Demolition permit requirements by municipality
- Permit fees and processing
- Neighbor notification requirements
- Street closure permits if needed
- Salvage opportunities (copper wiring, copper plumbing, fixtures)
- Architectural salvage (doors, windows, trim, light fixtures)
- Material resale and donation
- Scrap metal value and recycling
- Demolition debris disposal requirements
- Landfill acceptance and fees (by ton)
- Concrete recycling and crushing
- Metal recycling requirements
- Wood waste disposal or recycling
- Dust control and air quality management
- Water spray for dust suppression
- Erosion and sediment control
- Equipment requirements (excavators, backhoes, wrecking balls, hand tools)
- Hydraulic shears and attachments
- Safety protocols and OSHA compliance
- Site security and fencing
- Basement fill and backfill after demolition
- Proper compaction to prevent settling
- Final grading after demolition
- Underground utility location and protection
- Timeline estimates by structure type
- Cost factors (size, materials, asbestos, disposal)
- Per-square-foot pricing versus lump sum
