When an old, worn-down building has reached the end of its functional life, it may seem like an impossible task to clear it away and start fresh. Knocking down large structures and disposing of all that debris is complicated work. Where do you even begin?
The demolition experts at Absolute Hauling & Services have executed countless building teardowns over the years. We know how to systematically demolish and remove unwanted structures, leaving clients with a cleared, clean site ready for its next chapter. In this post, we’ll outline the 8-step process our team follows for thorough, efficient demolition cleanups in Michigan. Read on to learn what’s involved in properly demolishing and disposing of a commercial or residential building.
The first step is a comprehensive inspection of the building being demolished. We walk through the entire structure, even if some areas are unsafe, to assess the scope of work. We look at what type of building it is, how large, the materials used, what condition it's in, if any additions were made, and other specifics that will impact demolition. We check for the presence of hazardous materials like asbestos and lead that will need abatement. And we note any unique access issues that may require special equipment. A thorough inspection gives us the information needed to plan and quote the demolition appropriately.
Our team handles obtaining all necessary permits and approvals for the demolition including any required planning commission reviews. Demolition often requires both city and county permits, particularly if utilities need disconnecting prior to demolition work starting. We submit professional drawings and applications and work through any needed revisions or meetings to secure permits efficiently. Keeping demolitions properly permitted avoids issues down the road.
Before demolition can begin, we methodically shut off and disconnect all utilities feeding the building. This includes electric, gas, water and sewer lines. Natural gas and propane tanks also must be removed. Having licensed tradespeople on our team allows us to properly cap underground utility lines so they don't become a hazard later. And we coordinate underground locating to identify any lines coming to the property. Cutting utility lines unexpectedly during demolition would be disastrous, so this is not a step to skip.
With permits and utilities addressed, we mobilize equipment to the site and set up safety precautions including perimeter fencing and signage. Any existing parking lots or drives are blocked off, and "No Trespassing" signs clearly mark the work zone. Dust-control measures are put in place. Proper site containment keeps demolition debris contained and protects passersby from harm.
If the inspection identified any hazardous materials such as asbestos, lead paint, or other toxins, we take precautions to safely remove and dispose of them prior to demolition. Our licensed technicians use proper protective equipment, containment procedures, and waste transportation to abate these materials seamlessly. Getting rid of any hazardous substances in the structure prevents safety issues and contamination later on.
With the site fully prepped, the real demolition work begins. We use excavators and other heavy machinery fitted with hammers, crushers, grapples and shears to systematically demolish the building. We strategically plan the order of demolition to dismantle the structure efficiently. Often we start by removing the roof, then tackle the exterior walls before focusing on interior walls and floors. For large buildings, we may demolish and load debris in sections. Safety is paramount during the teardown process.
As demolition progresses, there will be a mountain of debris that needs to be cleared. We load all the rubble including concrete, wood, drywall, metal and other building materials into trucks for proper disposal. A structure that took months or years to build can produce a huge volume of debris when being demolished. We carefully remove it all and leave the site cleared.
For finishing touches, we sweep the entire site to collect any remaining nails, screws, glass or other sharp objects. We remove any temporary fencing and signage. And we do a final walkthrough with the property owner, providing documentation on waste disposal as well as before and after photos. Our goal is to leave the property cleaned up and ready for its next use, with no trace of the previous structure remaining.
Safely demolishing an existing structure and clearing the site takes experience, equipment, and meticulous planning. Don’t leave it to chance—let the seasoned demolition pros at Absolute Hauling & Services handle the job start to finish. Our systematic process allows us to demolish unwanted buildings in Michigan efficiently, safely, and responsibly.
We understand that removing old structures paves the way for new beginnings. That’s why we work diligently to leave your site clean and cleared with no sign of the previous building. If you have a commercial or residential building that needs to be demolished, contact us today for a complimentary estimate. We’ll evaluate your project and recommend the most cost-effective approach. Let us renew your property by removing what’s no longer serving you. Call now to get your demolition project scheduled—we’re ready to work!
