How a Demolition Crew Works With Your Builder's Schedule

The builder sets the pace

In Oakville, the demolition permit for a replacement house waits on the new-house permit. So the builder's permit drawings decide when demolition can happen. A good demolition contractor plans around that, not ahead of it.

That's not a bad thing. It means demolition can be one of the most predictable parts of the project, as long as the steps before it are done. The real risk is the opposite: a lot sitting empty because the house was taken down early and the new permit wasn't ready.

What happens while permits are in review

This is the time to get the pre-demolition work done:

Each of these can take time, and none of them depends on the demolition crew. Gas disconnection in particular should be booked early, because Enbridge only signs the clearance once the work is done. A designated substance survey that finds asbestos adds an abatement step before demolition, so the sooner it's done, the better.

• Designated substance survey under OHSA section 30.
• Any asbestos abatement under O. Reg. 278/05.
• Gas, hydro, water and sewer disconnections.
• Arborist report and tree permits.
• A site visit with the demolition contractor.

Agreeing the handover

This is the most important conversation between your demolition contractor and your builder. What state should the lot be in on the day the builder arrives? Foundation removed and the hole left open? Backfilled and graded for the surveyor? Driveway kept for access, or removed?

Put it in writing. It sounds formal, but it avoids the most common mix-up on rebuild lots.

Other details worth settling at the same time: whether the builder wants the old water and sewer connections located and marked, whether any trees need extra protection during excavation, where the builder's own bin and trailer will go, and whether a construction fence is needed around the open lot. None of these take long to agree, and each one avoids a phone call on the first morning.

During the demolition

Once the permit's in hand, the crew mobilises: hoarding up, house down, materials separated and hauled, foundation dealt with. Oakville's noise by-law allows construction noise from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday to Saturday, so that's the working window.

Most teardowns take a few days of machine time, with a little extra for the foundation and cleanup. On the last day, the builder's site supervisor should walk the lot with the demolition contractor to confirm it matches what was agreed. If anything's off, it's much easier to fix while the machine is still there.

When it makes sense to bring in a professional

Bring your demolition contractor in once the builder's drawings are underway. That gives time to look at access, trees and the foundation, and to line up the handover with the builder's excavator and surveyor.

Our residential demolition crews coordinate directly with builders, and our site clearing work leaves lots graded when that's what's needed.

Your builder may already work with a demolition contractor they trust. That's fine too. Whoever does it, the same rules apply: permit first, surveys and disconnections done, and a clear, written handover.

The short version

Let the builder's permit set the date, use the waiting time for surveys and disconnections, and agree the handover in writing. Bolan Group Demolition Oakville is happy to talk to your builder directly. Request a free estimate.