How to Choose the Right Contractor for House Demolition

overhead view of house demolition in progress

Updated June 6, 2024

House demolition is a large and sometimes complex project. Hiring the right contractor for house demolition is crucial for the safety and success of a project this size.

Here's a breakdown of steps you can take to ensure you make the right choice:


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Research

The first and main step to finding the best house demolition contractor is, of course, to do your research.

Find Local House Demo Contractors

Start by figuring out what companies are in your area that offer house demolition. Google is the obvious choice, but our team at Hometown has made it even easier for you to find local demolition contractors.

You can browse house demolition contractors near you, or get straight to business and save time by filling out our quote request form. Simply enter your zip code at the top of the page and click "Get Started." Our quote request form takes the guesswork out of finding local contractors. Simply enter your project's details once, and we'll submit your request for a quote to up to three different contractors that offer house demolition in your area. Not only does this save you valuable time, but it also saves you your hard-earned money by making it easier than ever to compare service pricing as well as what's included in the fine print. Our goal is to solve a common problem for homeowners and business owners who need quality house demolition provided safely, properly, on schedule, and within budget.

Check Credentials and Licenses

Ensure the contractor holds all necessary licenses and certifications required by your local government for demolition work. This includes permits for hazardous material removal if applicable.

Verify their insurance coverage, too, including liability insurance and workers' compensation, to protect yourself from any potential accidents or damages during the project.

If their license number isn't listed on the written quote they provide, don't be afraid to ask. The same is true for insurance and permits. It's perfectly reasonable to ask for proof of these things when demolishing a house, and it's better to do your due diligence than to end up hiring someone without the proper licensing or insurance and being left unprotected. If a contractor pushes back at all when asking for proof of license or insurance, this is a red flag, and we recommend finding another contractor.

Review Past Projects and Portfolio

Ask the contractor for a portfolio of their past house demolition projects. This will give you an idea of their experience, how often they perform this type of work, and the quality of their work.

We also recommend looking for testimonials or reviews from previous clients to gauge their satisfaction and the contractor's reliability. When reading reviews on Hometown, you can trust that these reviews are verified real. Oftentimes, we don't feel we can trust reviews because we worry they're fake or planted by the company. To give Hometown customers peace of mind, we go the extra mile to ensure that any review submitted is real, so you can trust what you're reading.

Verify Equipment and Safety Measures

For the sake of clarity, we suggest confirming with the companies you speak to the equipment and techniques they plan to use for the demolition. Knowing what to expect and how they plan to complete the job safely and properly, even down to the equipment the company is using, helps take the stress out of the process.

When speaking to contractors, ask about their safety protocols and ways they minimize risks during the demolition process. The right contractor will prioritize safety for their crew, your property, and a quality end result.

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Compare Multiple Quotes

Once you've reached out to multiple contractors and you've received, ideally, three quotes, you'll be able to adequately compare...

  • Pricing: Cost Breakdown, Payment Schedule, Accepted Payment Forms
  • Work Schedule: Project Start Date, Project End Date, Daily Schedule
  • Equipment & Safety: Equipment On Site, Safety Protocols

Make sure the quote is in writing and includes all aspects of the project, including labor, equipment, disposal fees, work schedules, and any potential additional costs.

Avoid automatically choosing the lowest bid without checking the company's qualifications and reviews, and don't hesitate to schedule meetings with potential contractors in person to discuss your project in detail and get a clear feeling for the contractor you're considering working with. This is a great opportunity to ask questions about their approach, timeline, and any concerns you may have. Pay attention to how responsive and knowledgeable they are during the meeting, and keep in mind that clear communication is essential for a successful partnership.

Keep reading:

Get Everything in Writing

Once you've selected a contractor and you're ready to move forward, make sure to get a detailed contract in writing that outlines all aspects of the project, including timelines, costs, payment schedules, and any warranties or guarantees. Review the contract carefully and clarify any discrepancies or concerns before signing. Once any and all of your questions are answered, it's time to sign the contract, make the necessary upfront payment, and get your project started.

By following these steps and thoroughly vetting potential contractors, you can increase your chances of hiring the right contractor for your house demolition project. Then, throughout the demolition process, maintain open communication with your contractor. Regularly check on the progress and address any issues or concerns promptly and proactively.


Find house demolition contractors near me