Structure, services and asbestos, in that order
Before demolition we identify what is load bearing and put temporary support in where needed. Removing a wall that is carrying floor load without support is how ceilings sag and doors stop closing.
Then services. Water shut off and capped, circuits isolated by a licensed electrician, gas handled by the appropriate trade, and any live line traced before it is cut.
In homes built before 1980, asbestos testing comes first. Old joint compound, ceiling texture, vinyl tile and pipe insulation can all contain it, and demolition is exactly the activity that puts fibres in the air.
Dust, access and getting debris out
We seal the work zone with poly and zip doors, tape off return air vents so debris does not travel through the ducts, and protect floors on the route to the door.
Downtown, access is the constraint. Many Centretown and Sandy Hill houses have no driveway, so debris gets carried out and a street bin needs a permit. We price that rather than discovering it on day one.
On suburban properties with a driveway it is simpler, though we still plan bin placement so a neighbour is not blocked in for a week.
Selective demolition saves money later
It is often worth taking a little longer to remove material carefully. Original trim, doors and hardwood in older Ottawa homes are frequently better than replacements and can be reinstalled.
We agree upfront what gets salvaged and what gets binned, and we label and store the salvage rather than leaving it in a pile that gets damaged.
What a demolition quote includes
- Scope by area: exactly what comes out, room by room.
- Structural plan: temporary support where load is being removed.
- Service isolation: water, electrical and gas handled by the right trades.
- Hazardous material: testing before work in pre-1980 buildings.
- Protection: dust barriers, vent sealing and floor protection.
- Disposal: bins, hauling, permits and diversion where practical.
Where demolition services sits in the bigger job
This work is part of our general contractor service, so it can run on its own or as one stage inside a larger project. When it is part of a bigger renovation we sequence it with the other trades rather than treating it as a standalone visit.
Clients booking this often pair it with roof repair, roof replacement, new roof installation or brick repair. One contract covers whichever combination you need, with a single schedule and one point of contact.
Demolition Services across the Ottawa area
We take this work on throughout the greater Ottawa area. Recent jobs have run through Nepean, Merivale, South Keys, Kanata and the surrounding neighbourhoods. The consultation is free wherever you are in the city.