Whether you are clearing a lot to build a new home, replacing a storm-damaged house or selling the land, the steps before demolition matter as much as demolition day itself. Some items are handled by your contractor and some are yours. This checklist covers both, so nothing is missed.
Checklist
Your pre-demolition checklist
Paperwork and approvals
- Hire a licensed contractor and confirm the license on the state website
- Get a written scope: what comes down, what stays, and the lot's final condition
- Confirm who pulls the demolition permit (it should be your contractor)
- Order a current property survey if one is needed
- Check HOA or association rules and request approval if required
- Ask whether the property has open permits, liens or code cases
- Tell your insurance company and mortgage lender, if any
Utilities
- Request disconnects from electric, gas, water and telecom providers (or have your contractor coordinate them)
- Cancel or transfer cable, internet, alarm and trash service
- Confirm whether the home is on sewer or septic
- Plan the sewer cap or septic abandonment permit
- Have refrigerant removed from A/C equipment where required
Inside the house
- Remove all furniture, personal items and valuables you want to keep
- Decide what to salvage or donate: cabinets, doors, fixtures, appliances
- Remove or arrange disposal of paint, chemicals, propane tanks and batteries
- Tell your contractor about anything left behind so it is included in the quote
- Schedule asbestos testing if required for your property
Outside and around the property
- Mark trees, plants, fences and walls that must be protected
- Remove vehicles, boats and equipment from the lot
- Point out sprinkler lines, wells, septic tanks and other buried items
- Let neighbors know the schedule and expected work hours
- Plan for mail delivery and forwarding
Demolition day
What to expect when work starts
Site protection first
Fencing, erosion control and protection for trees, walls and neighboring properties go up before the structure comes down.
Dust and noise control
Water is used to keep dust down, and work stays within the local permitted hours.
Debris hauled away
Debris is loaded and hauled to licensed facilities, with concrete and metal recycled where possible.
A clean finish
The lot is left in the condition listed in your contract, such as broom-clean or rough-graded, ready for the next step.
Related
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Common questions
Frequently asked questions
What should I do before my house is demolished?
Hire a licensed contractor, confirm who pulls the permit, arrange utility disconnects, remove everything you want to keep, check HOA rules, and let neighbors know the schedule. Your contractor should give you a checklist of what they handle and what you handle.
Do I need to empty the house before demolition?
You should remove everything you want to keep. Anything left behind usually has to be cleared out by the contractor before or during demolition, which can add to the cost, so tell your contractor in advance.
Who disconnects the utilities before demolition?
The utility companies disconnect their own services, but a licensed demolition contractor typically coordinates the requests and the written confirmations the permit requires.
Should I tell my neighbors about the demolition?
Yes. Letting neighbors know the dates and work hours avoids surprises and complaints, and is especially important on small or zero-lot-line properties where protection measures may affect them.
This checklist is general information. Requirements vary by property and jurisdiction, so confirm the details with your contractor and local building department.