What Our Demolition Service Covers
Demolition in Toronto is more paperwork than people expect. Before a machine can touch a house, the City wants a demolition permit, the utilities have to disconnect and cap their services, and a designated substance survey has to confirm whether asbestos, lead or other hazards are present. Miss any of these and the job stops, sometimes with fines attached.
We handle the whole sequence: the survey, the abatement scheduling, the permit, the disconnects, the demolition itself, recycling and final cleanup. Because we are also an excavation and underpinning contractor, we can take a project straight from demolition into the new foundation if you are rebuilding.
Types of Demolition We Do
Full house demolition
The complete above-grade structure, down to the foundation. On a knock-down rebuild we usually carry on and remove the basement and footings; see demolition excavation for that combined service.
Partial demolition
Rear additions, sunrooms, porches, a damaged floor or a section of wall. The key is protecting what stays. Our P.Eng specifies temporary support, and we work by hand and with compact equipment close to the retained structure.
Interior demolition
Strip-outs to studs and joists for major renovations, fire and flood restoration, or a basement before a dig-out. Dust barriers, debris chutes and negative air keep the rest of the house usable.
Garages, sheds and outbuildings
Detached garages, especially on laneways, often come down before a laneway suite or a new garage. Compact machines and bins fit most Toronto lanes.
The Rules: Permits, Disconnects and Designated Substances
Demolition permit. Toronto Building issues it, and it requires written confirmation that hydro, gas and water are disconnected. Some properties also need tree protection plans, and in parts of the city the demolition permit is linked to a building permit for the replacement.
Utility disconnects. Toronto Hydro, Enbridge and Toronto Water each disconnect and cap their own services. Lead times vary from two to four weeks or more, so we request them first.
Designated substance survey. Ontario’s Occupational Health and Safety Act requires owners to identify designated substances, the hazards listed in O. Reg. 490/09, before demolition. In Toronto houses built before the 1990s, asbestos turns up in vermiculite attic insulation, pipe and duct wrap, vinyl floor tiles, textured ceilings and plaster. Licensed abatement under O. Reg. 278/05 happens before demolition.
Heritage. Listed and designated heritage properties, and houses in Heritage Conservation Districts such as Cabbagetown, need review before demolition. We check the heritage register at the site visit.
Noise and dust. The Toronto Noise By-law limits construction noise to set hours. We work within them, spray water to keep dust down and sweep the street.
| Step | Typical lead time | Who handles it |
|---|---|---|
| Designated substance survey | 1-2 weeks | We arrange a qualified surveyor |
| Utility disconnects | 2-4 weeks | We request; utilities perform |
| Demolition permit | 2-6 weeks | Our expeditor files |
| Abatement (if needed) | Days to 2 weeks | Licensed abatement contractor |
| Demolition and cleanup | 1-3 weeks | Our crew |
Recycling and Clean Sites
A typical Toronto house produces dozens of tonnes of debris. We sort concrete, brick, metal and clean wood on site and send them to recyclers, which keeps disposal costs lower and keeps material out of landfill. At the end the lot is graded and fenced, ready for the next permit.
Insurance and Emergency Demolition
Fire, flood and storm damage often need fast, partial demolition with full documentation for the insurer. We photograph and itemise the work from day one and talk directly to the adjuster. For water damage that starts underground, see our sewer and watermain service.
Getting a Demolition Quote
Tell us what you want removed, what you want kept and what comes next. We visit within 48 hours, check for heritage status and likely designated substances, and send a written quote within 24 hours with the permit, disconnects, abatement allowance, demolition and disposal all listed. Request your site visit here.
