When a full teardown makes sense
Owners usually call us for a full teardown for one of three reasons. The house is being replaced with a new build. The existing structure has too much damage or too many problems to remodel. Or the lot is being cleared for a different use, such as a larger home or multiple units.
In each case the goal is the same: remove the structure and everything tied to it, and hand back a lot your builder can start on. That usually includes the slab or raised foundation, porches, walkways and any outbuildings that are part of the plan.
Hillside house demolition
A big share of Los Angeles housing sits on slopes, and hillside teardowns take more care. Access is tight, streets are narrow and the house may sit above a retaining wall or a neighbor. Compact excavators let us work from the uphill side and take the structure down in a controlled order instead of letting it fall.
We plan truck staging so loads go out without blocking the street for long, and we keep water spraying during the work to hold down dust.
What building demolition includes
Every job is scoped on site, but a typical whole-building demolition covers the following.
- Site protection: construction fencing with privacy screen and caution tape
- Removal of the structure, roof, framing and interior materials
- Foundation and slab breakout with hydraulic breakers
- Removal of attached decks, patios, walkways and sheds as scoped
- Sorting of concrete, wood, metal and other materials for recycling
- Hauling of all debris in our own dump trucks and trailers
- Final rough grade and cleanup of the lot
Before the demolition starts
Demolishing a building in Los Angeles usually involves a permit and some prep. Utilities need to be disconnected by the providers before machines arrive. Older LA homes may also need testing for materials like asbestos or lead before demo, and we will tell you what is required for your property so there are no surprises later.
We coordinate permits and scheduling around local restrictions, and we talk through timing with you so the teardown lines up with your builder's start date.
Recycling and debris handling
A house teardown generates a lot of material, often many truckloads. We separate it as we go, so concrete, brick, wood, metal and drywall each go where they should. Separating materials keeps recyclable debris out of the landfill whenever practical and often speeds up the haul-off.
