Structures and outdoor work
Demolition before a new backyard dwelling
A new backyard dwelling may replace an old garage or occupy a different part of the rear yard. Those layouts create different removal needs. Establish the address-specific proposal with the designer and municipality before assuming the old structure or its base must leave.
Compare two illustrative site plans
In the first plan, a proposed dwelling replaces an existing detached garage. The design team needs to resolve the old footprint, base and any retained property features. In the second, the new dwelling occupies another part of the yard while only a shed or selected hardstanding obstructs access. Removing the entire garage may be unnecessary.
These are planning examples, not Siteforce projects or statements that either layout is permitted. Toronto laneway guidance should not be applied automatically to Markham or another GTA municipality.
Divide structure, base and work access
| Plan element | Removal question |
|---|---|
| Existing garage or shed | Which structure is authorised to leave? |
| Concrete or other base | What is included after the actual foundation and design review? |
| Temporary construction route | Which agreed obstacles affect access, and what remains protected? |
| Retained yard features | Which trees, fences and surfaces are outside the scope? |
An access requirement can differ from the final building footprint. Show both so temporary convenience does not silently expand the permanent demolition package.
Connect the demolition to the new builder
The receiving contractor should describe the condition needed after removal. Siteforce can assess the accepted residential demolition and any defined concrete removal. New foundations, services, excavation and final landscaping remain separately assigned.
Existing service records and required locate arrangements belong in the project preparation. Known survey references should be identified through the survey-marker planning guide; do not move markers or infer a boundary from a fence.
Enquire with the reviewed footprint
Contact Siteforce with the property location, current structures, proposed footprint and intended access route. Identify the designer and builder, plus the base or boundary questions still unresolved. This guide concerns the demolition contribution, not dwelling eligibility or approvals.