Residential Demolition FAQ

If you’re here, you’re not alone. Most homeowners have zero experience with demolition. You’ve probably seen wrecking balls in cartoons, or seen clips of big buidlings being blown up, but that’s likely the extent of your knowledge. We want to help clear that up. Here are a few of our most frequently asked questions. If your question isn’t answered here, we’re always just an email or phone call away.

Your first job is to call 811 and request that your utilities be disconnected. Electric lines need to be removed from the residence. Water and gas lines need to be shut off. This process should be handled early, as utility companies may not be available on short notice.

Yes. AAA Service Company can help you remove and demolish pools, extensions, balconies, sheds, and other exterior residential structures. In addition, we also offer interior demolition services.

Currently, with the Covid-19 situation, acquisition of permits can take longer than we would like. Processing times vary by location and project, but generally we expect 2-4 weeks. If you choose to hire us, we will communicate with you regularly to make sure you are updated on the status of your project.

Interior Demolition refers to any demolition services that do not affect the structural elements of the building. Floors, ceilings, walls, and cabinets are all fair game. In residential settings, this generally applies to kitchen or bathroom renovations. Interior demolition may also be necessary in cases of fire or water damage, or other natural disasters.

Currently, with the Covid-19 situation, acquisition of permits can take longer than we would like. Processing times vary by location and project, but generally we expect 2-4 weeks. If you choose to hire us, we will communicate with you regularly to make sure you are updated on the status of your project.

AAA Service Company will take responsibility for acquiring all of the necessary permits, filling out the necessary forms, and ensuring that the demolition work is completed to the satisfaction of the relevant authorities. That said, some of those forms will require your signature. We will coordinate with you as these come up.

Asbestos is a highly regulated and very dangerous construction material often found in older buildings. We take asbestos abatement very seriously and obey all local, state, and federal ordinances. If asbestos is found to be present, teams with protective equipment will cordon off any areas containing high levels of asbestos and carefully remove it.

For the majority of residential demolitions, the law does not require asbestos testing or abatement. However, if you know of or suspect the presence of Asbestos outside of standard testing practices, please inform us and we will send a specialized Asbestos testing and abatement team.

Every house is different, but generally a residential demolition can be completed in 1-2 working days.

Yes, if that is what you want. As part of the residential demolition process, we most often remove the concrete slab, foundation, and all other building materials. If you have other preferences, please let us know.

The answer to this depends on city and county regulations, but the general answer is yes. It is generally expected that a demolition site should be filled and graded to match the surrounding area, as well as seeded with new grass to prevent erosion. If backfill and grass seed are required in your area, we will include it in our cleanup process at the end of your demolition.

Silt fencing is one of our most common types of erosion control. At its most basic level, it keeps things like dirt, grass seed, and fertilizer from washing away in the rain. It is often required that we install it around a demolished property to prevent unnecessary runoff.

Yes. We will happily remove any trees on your property, as long as it is permitted by local ordinances.

While it is not legally required by any stretch of the imagination, warning your neighbors would certainly be a nice gesture. I would be pretty alarmed to see an excavator rolling down my street at 9am with no explanation.

Timeline of a Residential Demolition

Building a Relationship

You searched around. You did your homework. And you've reached out to us with some questions. Let's see what we can accomplish together

You Contact Us
First Contact Is Made

Whether by phone or by email, the first step is to reach out. Tell us about your project, your budget, and your needs. We'll help you figure out the best path forward.

Estimator Visit
1-2 Days
Our Professional Estimator Visits

Once we have spoken about the general scope of your residential demolition project, we always send one of our professional demolition estimators out to your location. Our estimator will take photos, measure the area, make sure that our machines can access the site, and check for anything that might complicate the project.

Estimate Sent
Within a Week
We Send Our Estimate. Do You Accept?

Once we have had a chance to review the Estimator's findings, we will work up and send over a full estimate. At this point, the ball is in your court. If you choose to hire us, then we move on to the next phase.

Permits and Prep

Don't worry - we'll make sure that you have all of your T's crossed and your I's dotted before the demolition begins. We will handle the hard stuff for you.

Notice of Commencement
Notice of Commencement
The Notice of Commencement is a legal document that makes a project's commencement known to the County. It is required for any demolition project over $2500. This is the first document that we need to get your residential demolition project officially started.
Utilities
When Available
Utilities

You will be responsible for reaching out to utility providers to disconnect your soon-to-be-demolished property from electric, gas, water, and any other utilities as applicable. This can be completed simply by calling 811.

Since their crews will complete the work, we cannot vouch for their schedule or timeliness.

Permits Filed
Wait Time Varies
Permits Filed

AAA Service Company will file for the permits required to complete your demolition project by the books and in full compliance with the law. Due to the impact of COVID-19, we are unable to predict how long it will take for permits to be issued at this time. However, we will do everything in our power to complete this process in a timely manner.

Fence
Within a Week
Erosion, Fences, and Tree Protection
If necessary or required by law, we will stop by your property before the demolition to erect security fences, silt fencing (a common form of erosion control), or tree protection measures.

Demolition Begins

Everything has been building up to this point. Months of preparation has led up to the day that our crew can begin demolition for real.

Machines Arrive
Day Of Demolition
Machines Arrive

Sometimes, if it is more convenient for our logistics team, we may ask to park our heavy machinery on location the evening before demolition begins. But usually they will arrive first thing on the morning of the big day.

Demolition Begins
1-5 Days
The Demolition Crew Gets Busy

Depending on the size of the project, a standard residential demolition can take anywhere from half a day to about one week. During this time, the crew will be on the demolition site full-time, with trucks cycling in and out.

Silt, Seed, and Mulch
Last Day of Demolition
Final Touches on the Demolished Property

The last step of a demolition project is to secure the property from erosion. Landscaping and buildings used to protect the dirt from blowing or washing away. In their temporary absence, other solutions are needed. Our crew will lay down silt fence, grass seed, or mulch, depending on your needs and the local ordinances.

Final Inspection
1-2 Days After Demolition
Inspector Signs Off On Demolition
After the demolition is complete, we will reach out to the relevant local authorities and request a final inspection. They will visit the residential demolition site to certify that the project was completed in compliance with the law, and then close out the permits if they are satisfied.
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