Set Your Expectations

First thing’s first: before you approach a contractor for demolition services, ask yourself the following questions.

What kind of demolition do I want performed?

Partial or total? Are you looking to completely raze a barn, pool or building, or are you looking to gut the inside of a building while keeping the outside structure intact? Being able to communicate the extent of the demo will help a contractor know how to approach the project and what equipment will be needed to successfully perform the job.

How much square footage needs to be demolished?

Providing a potential contractor with an estimate about how large the structure is that you’re wanting demolished will help establish a timeline of how long the project could take, and what tools would be needed to contain the demolition. Better yet, take photos of the property or interior you want serviced, and use them as reference points when describing your demolition needs.

Verify Your Contractor’s License

Few things are worse than hiring someone to do the job of demolition, only to realize later on in the project that the individual isn’t licensed. Before you sign a contract and hand over any work, make sure to view and verify your contractor’s license number (look for it at the top of their quote sheets or website). Laws vary by state, but a registered contractor has been vetted by the local board and is bound by certain standards of conduct that guarantee you get the best and most sustainable result, even for demolition projects that appear simple and straightforward.

Don’t Greenlight Work Until a Contract is Signed

Before you put pen to paper, make sure the following four things have been negotiated and put into writing

• Project outline. What exactly will the project entail? (Ex., commercial demolition, residential demolition, industrial demolition, containment, clean-up.)
• Project timetable. On what date does work begin, and when will the project be officially complete?
• Payment amounts and dates for agreed payments. When will payment be delivered to the contractor, and what work must be complete in order for payment to be released?
• Equipment to be used. What machines and materials will demolition involve?

A contract is the safest and most ethical way of ensuring that both you and the contractor you bring on are clear on all major and minor details of the project, and that any work done is bound by prearranged payment and satisfactorily delivered on time.

Keep a Record of All Conversations and Payments

Throughout the project, keep detailed records of every inspection, project report, payment, and modification to the contract. Forms such as invoices and bills should be stored digitally and in physical copy, if possible, with any changes to the project documented in writing and signed. Photograph work done at various stages (beginning, middle and end), and keep any correspondence between you and your contractor handy, should you need to reference a conversation or reviously submitted request.

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