demolition contractor

20 entries have been tagged with demolition contractor.

Demolition Contractors Credit

Verifying and checking your demolition contractor’s credit is an essential part of hiring a demolition contractor. Why Do you want to verify a demolition contractor’s credit worthiness? Because if a demolition contract does a job, takes your money, but fails to pay his supplies, subcontractors, or employees you can be legally obligated to pay them (again). 

Credit checking your demolition contractor doesn’t completely eliminate the possibility of your contractor “cutting and running”, but chances are a demolition contractor with an established credit record is a much lower risk than a demolition contractor with no credit history or a poor credit history.

So how do you check a demolition contractor’s credit worthiness? The first step is to ask for a couple of credit references. You should ask for current work references from your demolition contractor so combining them with current credit references should not be a huge request. Beware of demolition contractors who won’t or can’t provide references. A refusal to supply references is your first tip that you may be dealing with a less than reputable demolition contractor.

You can also check a demolition contractors credit by using a third party agency. Credit agencies like Experian are offering services to check your demolition contractor’s credit. These third party agencies can actually serve as a valuable double check on supplied references. 

Posted on July 10, 2013 at 11:29 am Leave a Comment

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Precise Demolition

A surgical demolition is when a demolition contractor demolishes a part of a building but preserves a large portion of the building standing for renovations.

An example of surgical demolition might be an old 5 story hotel where the top two floors have been damaged by fire. Normally a demolition contractor would knock the entire structure down, but if a developer wants to preserve and renovate the property a demolition contractor might be called upon to surgically remove the burned out floors while preserving the rest of the structures.

You see a lot of surgical demolitions in cases where an old commercial structure is being converted into a mixed use property. Take for instance an old factory that is being converted into a condo with shops and a movie theater. A developer may wish to preserve the exterior of the factory but gut the boiler rooms. Once again a demolition contractor is brought in to surgically demolish pieces of the factory.

Surgical demolition is a highly specialized field of demolition. Only a few dozen demolition contractors do it, and those demolition contractors are mostly in urban areas like Chicago and Los Angeles where older buildings are frequently being repurposed for other uses.

Posted on June 14, 2013 at 3:13 am Leave a Comment

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What Do You Do if a Demolition Contractor Flakes on You?

This situation has come up multiple times. We’ve received several emails from customer who hire a demolition contractor for a job, like a swimming pool demolition, and they do maybe half the job. They tell the customer that they’ll be back tomorrow, or next weekend to finish the compaction and grading. Except they never show up to finish the job. 

What do you do when a demolition contractor flake on you?

1. Call Your Demolition Contractor

Before escalating your complaint call your demolition contractor. Accidents do happen and life can interrupt at the worst possible time. It is entirely possible that a demolition contractor had problems with a piece of equipment, an injured worker, or even a personal emergency. 

Give your demolition contractor an opportunity to fulfill his end of the contract. How long should you give a demolition contractor? If he or she seems responsive to your calls and has a legitimate excuse, a week or two. If a demolition contractor simply refuses to return your calls then you will want to escalate quickly.

2. Call the Better Business Bureau

Getting the Better Business Bureau involved in your situation is critical. Firstly, Better Business Bureau intervention  often works to resolve a situation. Secondly, your laying a foundation for a possible court case. 

By attempting to resolve your dispute through the Better Business Bureau and attempting to get your demolition contractor to finish the work he started. 

3. Withhold Payment

Hopefully you have a fairly specific contract with your demolition contractor that includes a payment schedule. If you owe the demolition contractor anything, don’t pay it until he is willing and able to complete the work he finished.

4. File a Complaint with Your State’s Contractor Licensing Board

Every state has a licensing board or organization that licenses contractors, including demolition contractors. Find the proper licensing board that covers your state and file a complaint against your demolition contractor for failure to finish a job.

5. Court

If nothing else works your only other option is to sue your demolition contractor and bring them into court. You can either sue your demolition contractor in small claims court, or sue him in civil court. Which should you use? That largely depends upon how much money you are trying to get in damages. You should consult with the legal aid department at your courthouse to determine which type of legal action is correct for you.

Hopefully none of this will be necessary. If you’ve done your homework and picked a experienced, professional, and licensed demolition contractor you can avoid this particular pratfall. If you want to know more about demolition contractors go here.  

Posted on May 30, 2013 at 11:29 pm Leave a Comment

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How to Garage Demolition

Garage demolition is fairly straightforward. You will need a demolition permit, a large dumpster or waste bin, tools (pry bar, heavy hammer, circular saw) and safety equipment. You may also want to recruit help to assist you in a garage demolition.

1. Obtain the necessary demolition permits

Talk to your local building department and obtain the necessary permits. What type of permit will you need? Depends entirely on your city and the rules that govern garage demolition in your city and state. 

2. Rent a Dumpster

Depending on the size of the garage you may need to rent a fairly larger dumpster. For most garages you need a dumpster in the 20 to 40 yard range.

3. Turn off Utilities

Make sure you turn off all utilities going to your garage, this includes electricity, water and gas. Remove the wires and switches leading from your house’s breaker box to the garage. Double check that the water (if applicable) has been turned off by opening up faucets. Double check that the power has been turned off by checking voltages on outlets and switches. 

4. Remove Anything That Can Be Reused or Resold

Window treatments, window sills, and even windows themselves. Also plumbing and doors, outlets and switches, and lighting fixtures. Anything you want to save or resell. Make sure you put these things aside to one so they don’t get mixed in with the rubble. Also make sure you disassemble the garage door, garage door mechanism, and garage door opener.

5. Remove the Garage’s Roofing 

Carefully, and using an assistant to steady your ladder, carefully remove the roofing materials from the roof. Start at the pinnacle and move downward, reducing the garage to its shell.

6. Remove the Wall Framing 

Cut out the remaining shell using a circular saw and let it all fall into a pile.

7. Remove Construction Debris

Throw the construction debris you have on the ground into the dumpster. Once its full call the dumpster / roll off company and have the dumpster hauled away. 

Posted on May 22, 2013 at 11:19 pm Leave a Comment

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Elements Every Contract with a Demolition Contractor Needs

Contracts exist to protect you and to protect your demolition contractors. Many people look on contracts as unnecessary. Why should I worry about a contract? I trust the guy. My common retort is, that’s exactly why you need a contract. Contracts spell out the Who, What, When, and Whys of a demolition contract. So what are some of the elements every contract with a demolition contractor needs? 

1. Description of Work to Be Performed and a Time Frame

The description of work to be done by your demolition contractor is fairly obvious. This should be a fairly detailed section about what type of demolition work is to be done (i.e. pool demolition) and how it will be done. A time frame is simple an estimate of when a job will start (job will commence April 1, 2014) and when it will be completed (April 7, 2014). Some States in the U.S. require that all contingencies that could delay a job (bad weather for instance). 

2. Payment Schedule

This is a section that spells out how a demolition contractor gets paid. Typically demolition contractors get paid in stages or tranches. I.E. a certain amount of money paid up front, a certain amount of money paid at the beginning of a project, a certain amount of money paid at the end of a project.

3. How Any Changes to the Work Will Be Handle

Typically contractors will require a dual signature on a work order to change any aspect of the demolition project. One from the contractor, one from the person who hired the contractor

4. Required Inclusions

Depending on the state there are certain required inclusions that must be included in every contract. Inclusions like warranties, resolution of disputes, and a notice of right to cancel. Check to see what inclusions are necessary in your state.

5. Choice of Law

A clause outlining a choice of law basically outlines how disputes will be handled should they arise, and whether and which court of law will handle a dispute.

You may wish to consult with a contract attorney before signing a full contract with your demolition contractor. Especially if you have a particularly intensive or complex demolition contract.

Posted on May 14, 2013 at 9:16 pm Leave a Comment

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5 Ways to Spot a Fake Review for a Demolition Company

One of the things we’ve harangued on constantly is the need to really closely examine your demolition contractor‘s reputation. There is a lot of competition for demolition jobs right now. And there are also a lot of small time scam artists operating as demolition contractors out there. One thing way you can check on a demolition contractor’s reputation is via internet review sites. But, whether you know it or not, internet reviews are not always accurate and sometimes are downright fakes.

Demolition contractors wh are desperate for business often will hire writers (either in the U.S. or overseas, mostly from India) to pump out hundreds of fake reviews to be posted on various review sites. Many demolition contractors will also ask their employees (or retain an employee full time) to write reviews for their company. 

So how do you separate out the fake reviews from the real reviews?

1. Generalities

People who have had a specific experience generally speaking have very specific memories to go along with that experience. Think back to losing your virginity. How would you describe it if your life depended on it. Would all you have to say is, “Well I lost my virginity and it was great. Highly recommend!”? Probably not.

Generalities and brevity are your first clues when it comes to spotting fake demolition contractor reviews. Regardless of whether someone had a great experience or a terrible experience, they’ll probably go into some fairly deep and sharp specifics relating to their experience with that particular demo contractors. A person who just had their pool removed and had a good enough experience to warrant taking the time to write a review will have more to say than just a single sentence.

A lot of unspecific, one or two line reviews is a pretty decent tell that you are dealing with a lot of fake reviews.

2. The combative good review

This scenario generally plays out something like this. A demolition contractor is hired by a homeowner to remove some concrete. He pulls a classic bait and switch, and charges her a lot more than what he estimated. That person, rightfully, goes to the internet to warn others off that particular contractor.

A day or a week later a new review pops up. And its from a guy who also had some concrete removal done and had a completely opposite experience of the last reviewer. Even to the point of calling that reviewer out specifically.

People are often oddly territorial about the companies they love and hate. I’ve seen grown men get into fights about whether Canon or Nikon made a better camera, for instance. But when it comes to demolition contractors this is often a swarmy tactic used to drag down a legitimate review and make their company look better than it probably is, which leads us into …

3. The Five Star bandit

Internet reviews are never perfect. People have outsized expectations of what a business can and can’t do. And when those expectations aren’t fulfilled they often take to the internet and holler about it. So when you are reading reviews of anything, even demolition contractors, its pretty normal to find one person that had a bad experience. However, a lot of bad reviews with similar complaints probably form a pretty accurate portrait of a bad contractor.

But, wait, a minute, there is one guy who really loves this one demolition contractor! Could he be a lone wolf crying in the wilderness? 

No. Mostly likely that single good review was put their by  a demolition contractor who felt like his business was on the ropes from bad (and I would guess accurate) reviews. So he made an account (or his brother or his mother) and posted an accurate review … of himself. 

My rule of thumb is mostly good reviews mixed with some mediocre and one or two bad reviews equals accurate. A lot of bad reviews also equally accurate. One good review isn’t enough to shift the weight of the people’s gestalt.

4. Reviews Live from New Dehli!

One of the darker corners of the internet is the space where demolition contractors who want to quickly build a good reputation or combat a string of lousy reviews buy internet reviews. The going rate for skilled U.S. Based reviewers is around $25 to $50 a review, and these reviews can be hard to spot.

But bad demolition contractors typically didn’t become bad demolition contractors by spending money, so instead of opting for good old American English Majors turned Yelp Fakers, they spend $200 on an Indian content farm that promises them hundreds of internet reviews that read better than the King’s Speech.

And what they get is, “Hello good sirs of the Pages that Yellow. I hired the above nice gentlemen to demolush a pool in my bath room. His work was of a superlative nature. Would highly recommend upon the altars of Vishnu. Praise be to the four stars!”

One immediate tip off of a fake review is misspellings and tortured phrasing. Misspellings aren’t uncommon on the internet (gasp) but look for obvious 8th grade and under misspells. Then look at the phrasing.  Grammar was assassinated a long time ago by that coward known as the internet but people have a distinct way of talking about things in America. And typically this colloquial phrasing is completely lost to the reviewers in New Dehli.

5. The copy paste

The copy paste review has gotten rarer because internet review sites realized that their existence hung upon their credibility. But every so often a proton torpedo slips past and lands in the reactor shaft of life. Every so often copy and paste internet reviews get posted.

These are easy to spot.

For instance, “I love these guys! I would high recommend! Very professional pool demo!” — Gary

Followed by, “I love these guys! I would high recommend! Very professional pool demo!” — Larry 

Yeah, that’s a fake.

In conclusion, there is no real way to verify every review you read. Chances are that some of the best reviews you read may be carefully constructed bits of artifice made in the foundries of a copywriter’s forge. But if you practice a certain amount of discernment and a skeptical eye, you can keep from getting fooled 80% of the time.

Crossposted from 911Demolition

 

Posted on May 12, 2013 at 9:59 pm Leave a Comment

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Why Should I Use a Licensed Demolition Contractor in Los Angeles

There are a lot of options when it comes to demolition contractors in Los Angeles. There are dozens of small and large demolition contractors who offer various demolition services And there are a lot of demolition contractors in Los Angeles who operate unlicensed demolition business. Often times unlicensed demolition contractors often cheaper and appear on the surface to offer the same quality of work, so why should you avoid unlicensed demolition contractors in Los Angeles?

First and foremost, unlicensed demolition contractors often appear to offer quality work, but on second glance offer substandard products and services. Poor quality demolition work puts your structure at serious risk. Poor quality demolition will cost you more money in the long run and may permanently damage your house or structure beyond repair.

Secondly, using an unlicensed demolition contractor opens you up to liability. If a worker gets hurt, or heaven forbid, gets killed you could be held liable for that worker’s injury and for using an unlicensed demolition contractor.

Thirdly, using an unlicensed demolition contractor means you are supporting a black market that abuses and under-values workers. Frequently unlicensed demolition contractors won’t pay a living wage, benefits, or even taxes. When you use unlicensed demolition contractors you are contributing to an dark economy that encourages substandard working conditions.

So when you are shopping around for a demolition contractor in Los Angeles only consider licensed demolition contractors. 

Posted on May 6, 2013 at 11:07 pm Leave a Comment

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Top Five Misconceptions About Demolition Companies in Los Angeles

Demolition is a profession that occasionally carries around a negative connotation. Demolition is synonymous with destruction. But the truth is that demolition companies are some of the most knowledgeable and technically experienced contractors in the world today.

5. Demolition Companies Don’t Care About Safety.

The preeminent concern of any demolition company is safety. A good demolition company spends many man hours and a lot of money on maintaining and improving safety.

4. Demolition Companies Don’t Recycle.

Demolition companies recycle constantly. Demolition companies have found that recycling building materials reduces costs, both by cutting down on disposal costs and by saving money on building materials. Also recycling has become a big selling point. As consumers get savvier they hold companies, even demolition companies, to a higher standard.

3. Demolition Companies Are All The Same

Unskilled demolition companies can and do cause great damage to property. An unskilled demolition contractor can actually damage a house or a building beyond repair.

2. Demolition Companies Just Blow Buildings Up.

Implosion demolition accounts for only about two percent off all demolitions down by demolition companies.

1. Demolition Companies Don’t Care About Building Preservation

Demolition companies work with preservationists on many projects to preserve buildings and historic monuments.

Posted on April 29, 2013 at 8:24 pm Leave a Comment

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How to Start a Demolition Company in Los Angeles

A demolition is a popular and profitable branch of construction contracting. You can start a small-scale demolition business for a small-scale initial investment of $10,000 to $15,000. Many construction and remodeling companies subcontract out their demolition work, so there are always plenty of opportunities for small demolition companies in Los Angeles.

1. Create a business plan for your demolition company. A business plan serves as an outline for your company and will help you secure bank loans to begin your business. There are many templates available for constructing a business plan. Although if you have some start-up capital I would highly recommend hiring a professional business plan writer to help you craft a great looking business plan.

2. Get a business license. If you are starting a demolition company in Los Angeles you will need a demolition contractor’s license and probably a local business license. While your obtaining a proper license you should also incorporate as an S Corp, C Corp, or LLC (a lawyer can advise you on which is best for your you and your company) and retain an accountant to handle your taxes and day to day accounting.

3. Get the correct amount of insurance. If you are starting your own demolition company you will have to post a surety bond with the state. You will also need to buy insurance for your demolition company and also purchase worker’s comp.

4. Purchase tools … A demolition company needs tools so purchase the correct tools and heavy machinery for your demolition company.

5. Hire Good Employees … Hire well-trained and qualified demolition workers for your demolition company.

6. Promote your demolition company … Advertise your demolition company.

Posted on April 26, 2013 at 5:26 pm Leave a Comment

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How Much Do Demolition Contractors in Los Angeles Make?

Demolition contractors in Los Angeles make a bit more than the national average. On average demolition contractors make between $20.00 and $30.00 an hour. The average salary of a demolition contractor in Los Angeles is around $45,000 to $60,000, Demolition contractors who work for larger companies or do commercial demolition jobs may make upwards of $100,000 a year.

Salaries can also depend on whether a demolition contractor owns his own company or not. A demolition contractor that owns his own demolition company  has great earning potential but has great costs. A demolition contractor must pay for laborers, equipment, etc and also the cost of insurance and a CA Contractor’s license.

Demolition contracting is a high paying work in Los Angeles.

Posted on April 23, 2013 at 9:21 pm Leave a Comment

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