Demolition Services Ottawa

• Getting permits – Getting City of Ottawa approvals and setting up inspections
• Safe removal – Testing for hazardous materials, turning off utilities, and taking down structures following Ontario building rules
• Getting rid of debris – Moving materials to above-board Ottawa disposal sites, and recycling when we can

Full-service demolition gets your property ready for renovation, home addition, or new construction without leaving hazards or mess for your construction team.

Ottawa Demolition Permits

City of Ottawa rules require a demolition permit, including inspection, for most renovation projects. Any time you're demolishing or relocating a building (except silos, barns, or non-load-bearing interior walls).

Before demolishing, you must:

• Get utility disconnection clearance
• Obtain an encroachment permit if using city roads for staging/materials
• Properly abandon any wells (per Ontario regulations) and septic systems (pump, fill with sand, cap)
• Get demolition control approval if your property is in a designated control area, involves a residential unit without a replacement permit, or is heritage-designated

Permit wait times and scheduling inspections are usually pretty quick, but it should be done in the right order. We take care of all of these details as part of your renovation project.

More Than Just Tearing Down

Complete demolition covers testing for dangerous materials, turning off utilities, removing structures, sorting debris, and leveling your site. Depending on your project, these requirements can look quite different. For example, prepping a site for a new house will be very different that replacing a kitchen.

We commonly do demolition within a home, strips walls, floors, and fixtures down to the frame or foundation. It's the best way to get a renovation that looks and feels consistent throughout the house.

Asbestos Testing Is Required Before Most Ottawa Demolitions

Ontario Regulation 278/05 requires testing for asbestos before tearing down buildings built before the mid-1980s. Ottawa follows this rule strictly. We work with qualified professionals on asbestos testing and abatement to test insulation, flooring, drywall mix, and roof materials found in older homes.

If asbestos is found, we'll safely remove it before demolition starts. These rules are set out to keep our families and communities safe and healthy.

Utilities Must Be Turned Off Before Demolition Starts

Gas, electric, water, and sewer lines must be identified and shut off before any equipment arrives. Safe disconnection stops gas leaks, electrical dangers, and water damage during removal.

When excavation is required we coordinate with Enbridge Gas, Hydro Ottawa, and City of Ottawa water and sanitary services. Depending on the job we'll keep power for lighting and tools.