Demolition Services
Complete Building Demolition
Full removal of structures down to and including foundations, slabs, and below-grade elements, so the site is ready for excavation and new construction.
Selective and Interior Demolition
Removal of specific walls, floors, finishes, or building systems while the rest of the structure stays in place. Selective demolition takes careful sequencing and, where structural elements are affected, temporary structural shoring designed by the project’s engineer.
Site Demolition and Clearing
Removal of pavement, sidewalks, curbs, retaining walls, slabs, and other site improvements, plus clearing and grubbing ahead of grading and excavation.
Foundation and Below-Grade Removal
Breaking out and removing old footings, basement walls, and buried structures that would conflict with new foundations or utility installation.
Concrete Breaking and Removal
Saw cutting, breaking, and hauling of concrete slabs, walls, and flatwork, with an eye on noise, dust, and vibration near occupied buildings.
Planning a Demolition in the Bay Area
Most of the work in a successful demolition happens before the first machine shows up. On Bay Area projects, the planning usually covers:
- Permits and approvals. Demolition generally requires a permit from the local building department, and some jurisdictions add their own review steps, especially for residential buildings or work that affects the public right-of-way. Requirements vary by city and county.
- Hazardous materials. Older buildings can contain asbestos, lead paint, and other regulated materials. A survey is generally required before demolition, and any abatement is completed by appropriately licensed specialists before structural demolition begins. We sequence our work around it.
- Utility disconnects. Gas, electric, water, sewer, and communications services have to be shut off and capped by the right parties before demolition starts.
- Neighbors and adjacent structures. On lot-line sites, the building being removed may share a wall with, or sit inches from, the building next door. We plan the sequence, protection, and any monitoring with the project team so adjacent structures stay protected.
- Dust, noise, and vibration. Water for dust control, sensible equipment choices, and local work-hour rules all shape how demolition is carried out in dense neighborhoods.
- Traffic and haul-off. Truck routes, street use, and sidewalk protection are planned up front, especially on busy streets and narrow residential blocks.
Recycling and Debris Diversion
Demolition produces large volumes of concrete, metal, wood, and other material, and many Bay Area jurisdictions have construction and demolition debris recycling requirements. We separate and recycle materials whenever possible, send them to appropriate facilities, and work with the project team on any diversion reporting the jurisdiction requires.
Our Demolition Process
- Site walk and preconstruction review. We review the plans, hazardous materials survey, utility information, and adjacent conditions, and flag anything that affects scope or sequence.
- Permits, notifications, and disconnects. We coordinate with the owner and project team on permits, neighbor notifications, and utility disconnects.
- Protection and setup. We set up fencing, sidewalk and neighbor protection, dust control, and access for equipment and trucks.
- Demolition. We take the structure down in a planned sequence, separating materials for recycling as we go.
- Below-grade removal and cleanup. We remove foundations and buried elements as specified and leave the site clean and ready for the next phase.
- Handoff, or keep going. We turn the site over, or move straight into excavation, shoring, and utility installation with the same team.
Why Hire One Contractor for Demolition, Excavation and Shoring
When you choose a demolition company for an urban site, remember that demolition, shoring, and excavation overlap. A foundation that comes out too early can undermine a neighbor. A wall that stays up too long can block shoring equipment. LVI Engineering is a general engineering contractor that performs demolition, excavation, shoring, helical piles, grading, utility installation, and concrete work. Keeping those scopes with one team means one schedule, fewer handoffs, and clear responsibility from teardown to foundation.
Safety comes first on every demolition. LVI sets a goal of a zero incident rate, trains employees to plan their work in advance, and runs a Safety Rewards Program that recognizes safe work practices in the field.
Where We Work
We take on demolition projects in San Francisco, Marin County, the East Bay, Sonoma, Napa, Sacramento, and Monterey. See all of our service areas.
Demolition FAQs
Do I need a permit to demolish a building?
In almost every Bay Area jurisdiction, yes. Requirements differ by city and county and by building type, so check with your local building department early. We work with owners and project teams on the demolition-related steps for each job.
Does my building need an asbestos survey before demolition?
Older buildings commonly do, and surveys are generally required before demolition work. Your project team or environmental consultant can confirm what applies to your building. Any abatement is completed before structural demolition begins.
Can you demolish part of a building and leave the rest?
Yes. Selective and interior demolition is common on renovations and seismic upgrades. Where structural elements are affected, we work to the engineer’s plans and install temporary shoring as specified.
What happens to the debris?
We separate concrete, metal, wood, and other materials for recycling whenever possible, and haul the rest to appropriate facilities.
Can you also handle excavation and shoring after demolition?
Yes. That’s one of the main reasons clients bring us in. We can carry the site from demolition through excavation, shoring, utilities, and concrete.
Request a Demolition Quote
Planning a building, interior, or site demolition in the Bay Area? Send us your plans, any hazardous materials survey, and your schedule, and we’ll put together a demolition approach that fits the site.
Call the office at 415-599-9575, call Joe directly at 415-305-5034, or email joe@lviengineering.com.
LVI Engineering · 1485 Bayshore Blvd, Suite 320A, San Francisco, CA 94124
