Your scope and the work involved
How our crew handles the work
Whether the scope is a house, garage or another outbuilding, the retained property and neighbouring structures need to be considered. The residential gallery provides work photos to help you explain a similar scope.
A full demolition starts with paperwork. In Markham a demolition permit is needed to take down a building, and the application needs confirmation that services such as gas, hydro and water are disconnected. A Designated Substance Survey identifies asbestos and other hazards that must be dealt with before the structure comes down. We walk you through what the City and utilities ask for.
Smaller outbuildings like sheds and some garages can often be taken apart by hand and loaded into a trailer. Houses and barns usually call for a machine, with the building brought down in a controlled order so walls fall inward, away from fences, trees and neighbours.
Neighbours matter on residential streets. We keep equipment inside the lot, place bins where they do not block driveways, control dust with water where needed, and keep noisy work inside Markham's permitted construction hours.
When the structure is gone, debris is separated and hauled, the foundation is removed if it is in the scope, and the lot is left graded rough and clean. What happens to trees, fences and hardscape is agreed in writing before the machine arrives.
See this kind of removal
Use the work collection to compare visible conditions with your project, then discuss the scope with us.
View this service's work collectionMarkham and wider service coverageWhat to expect
What to expect, step by step
Step 1
Site visit
We look at the structure, access, neighbours, trees and anything that must stay.
Step 2
Permits and disconnects
We outline the demolition permit, utility disconnect and survey steps for your property.
Step 3
Hazard removal
Any designated substances found in the survey are removed first by the appropriate contractor.
Step 4
Controlled takedown
The structure is taken down by hand or machine in a planned order.
Step 5
Haul and grade
Debris is hauled, the foundation removed if in scope, and the lot left rough graded and clean.
Photos from our jobs
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Local questions
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need a permit to demolish a house in Markham?
- Yes. The City of Markham requires a demolition permit to take down a building, along with confirmation that utilities are disconnected. Heritage properties and some areas have additional review.
- Do I need a permit to take down a shed?
- It depends on the size of the shed and whether it has services. Small sheds often do not need one, but confirm with City of Markham Building Standards before removing anything larger or anything connected to power.
- How long before demolition should utilities be disconnected?
- Disconnection is arranged with each utility and can take time to schedule, so start early. The permit application needs it confirmed before the permit is issued.
- Will you remove the foundation too?
- If it is in the scope, yes. Some owners keep the foundation for a rebuild or remove it later, so we confirm this in writing.
Decisions to prepare for this work
- Resolve the overhead door before garage demolition
- Document the junction beside a garage being removed
- Coordinate an old shed base with a replacement delivery
- Plan the doorway interface when a deck comes down
- Maintain an agreed boundary during partial fence removal
- Assemble service records before a residential teardown
- Protect survey references during outdoor removal planning
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