demolition tips

13 entries have been tagged with demolition tips.

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

This post is filed under Demolition Company, Los Angeles Demolition and tagged demolition, demolition companies, demolition contractor, demolition contractors, demolition services, demolition tips.

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

This post is filed under Demolition Company, Los Angeles Demolition and tagged demolition, demolition company, demolition contractor, demolition contractors, demolition services, demolition tips, garage demolition.

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

This post is filed under Demolition Company, Los Angeles Demolition and tagged demolition, demolition companies, demolition company, demolition contractor, demolition contractors, demolition services, demolition tips.

5 Questions to Ask Your Los Angeles Demolition Company

Before you hire a demolition company in the Los Angeles area there are five questions everyone should ask their demolition company. These questions will help you determine whether you have the right demolition company for your project.

Are You Licensed By the State of California?

The default answer to this question should be “Yes” followed by “Here’s my license number.” If the answer is No. Or It doesn’t matter. Or Yes but I can’t give you my license number for some reason … Then walk away and find a licensed demolition company.

Are You Insured and Can You Provide Proof of Insurance?

Most demolition companies in Los Angeles will claim to have insurance, but you need to verify that they have enough insurance and that their insurance policy covers the type of demolition work you are hiring them to do. All you have to do is ask your demolition company to provide the name and phone number of his or her insurance agent. Call the insurance agent and have him or her fax you a Proof of Insurance Certificate.

Can You Provide Three Recent References?

Any good demolition company in Los Angeles should be able to provide three to four recent (within the last three to six months) references. These should be work references from satisfied client. You should be able to call each client and check on the quality of the contractor’s work. These references should also serve as credit references as well.

How Many of These Demolition Projects Have You Done?

There is no magic number when it comes to how many demolition projects a demolition company does before he is “good”. But you ideally want to hire a demolition company that has a lot of experience in both demolition and in the particular type of demolition service you are asking him to perform.

What Happens If I’m Not Satisfied?

This could also be called “Write a good contract”. You need to clearly outline what happens if you are not satisfied with a contractor’s work and how any disputes with your demolition company will be resolve.

If you ask your demolition company these questions you’ll be better prepared and better informed.

Posted on May 2, 2013 at 5:52 pm Leave a Comment

This post is filed under Demolition Company, Los Angeles Demolition and tagged demolition, demolition company, demolition company los angeles, demolition contractors, demolition contractors Los Angeles, demolition services, demolition tips.

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

This post is filed under Demolition Company, Los Angeles Demolition and tagged demolition, demolition companies, demolition company, demolition company los angeles, demolition contractor, demolition contractors, demolition services, demolition tips.

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

This post is filed under Demolition Company, Demolition Company Los Angeles, Los Angeles Demolition and tagged demolition, demolition companies, demolition company, demolition company los angeles, demolition contractor, demolition contractors Los Angeles, demolition tips.

Why and How to Check a Los Angeles Demolition Contractor’s Credit

Before you hire a demolition contractor in Los Angeles you should get a couple of estimates for your demolition project. Before you hire a demolition contractor in Los Angeles you should check his license and insurance. Before you hire a demolition contractor in Los Angeles you should also check a demolition contractor’s credit.

Yes. Credit.

Why should you check a demolition contractor’s credit because a demolition contractor who has poor credit or a history of not paying subcontractors or workers can do your job and leave you holding the bag. Unethical demolition contractors do take people’s money and then don’t pay their subcontractors. This can make you, the homeowner, legally responsible for the money owed to workers and subcontractors.

So how do you check a demolition contractor’s credit?

The process is pretty easy. Ask for two to four recent credit references from your demolition contractor. Most legitimate demolition contractors can provide these credit references when asked. You can also check your demolition contractor’s credit through a third party agency. The three major credit bureaus (Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian) offer services for checking your demolition contractor’s credit.

Checking your demolition contractor’s credit is an essentially safeguard to protect yourself, your finances, and your home.

Posted on April 19, 2013 at 9:56 pm Leave a Comment

This post is filed under Demolition Contractors, Demolition Contractors Los Angeles, Los Angeles Demolition and tagged demolition, demolition companies, demolition company, demolition company los angeles, demolition contractor, demolition contractors Los Angeles, demolition services, demolition tips.

How to Check a Los Angeles Demolition Company’s License

Before you hire a demolition company in Los Angeles you should always verify that they have a current and up to date demolition contractor license. So how do you verify a demolition company’s license?

The state of California makes it easy to verify a demolition company’s license. The California Department of Consumer Affairs Contractors State License Board (CSLB) makes its easy to verify a demolition company’s license. The CSLB’s website provides a quick method of looking up your demolition company’s license information. The CSLB can also help verify your demolition company’s bond.

While you are checking on your demolition company’s license you should also verify your demolition company’s insurance. This part is easy too. Ask your demolition company for the name of their insurance agent. Call the insurance agent and have the insurance agent fax you a proof of insurance form. Also ask the insurance agent if there are any types of demolition your demolition company is prohibited from performing. Some insurance policies only cover certain types of demolition or may prohibit your demolition company from conducting some types of demolition work.

Verifying your demolition company’s license and insurance is a key part of hiring a demolition company in Los Angeles.

Posted on April 17, 2013 at 9:38 pm Leave a Comment

Tips for Finding a Pool Demolition Contractor in Los Angeles

Cross posted from RemoveSwimmingPool.

Thanks largely to Google and the growth of the internet we live in a world flooded with choice. We have fifteen different brands of orange juice to choose from and hundreds of sneaker brands to choose from. The same holds true for pool demolition contractors in Los Angeles. Depending the size of your metro area you can probably find five to ten pool demolition contractors in your area. So how do you find the right one? There are a few ways:

Ask for Estimates … Depending on how big your swimming pool demolition is you should get between 3 and 5 estimates. These estimates should be done in writing and in person. Be wary of pool demolition contractors that only offer phone estimates or charge for estimates. Treat the estimation process like a job interview for your pool demolition contractor. Get a feel whether you can and want to work with a particular pool demolition contractor.

Check Out Reviews … Thanks to review sites like Yelp and Angie’s List there are no secrets and very few withheld opinions. So compared your pool demolition contractor’s sales pitch against his Yelp track record. Also check with your local Better Business Bureau to see if your demolition contractor has had any recent complaints lodged against him and see how those complaints were resolved.

Check to See if Your Pool Demolition Contractor is Licensed … Most demolition and pool demolition contractors in most parts of the United States must have some sort of license to operate. Never use an unlicensed pool demolition contractor. When you are checking on your pool demolition contractor’s license also verify your pool demolition contractor’s insurance. Ask for the name of your pool demolition contractor’s insurance agent. Call the insurance agent and ask him or her to fax you a Proof of Insurance.

Check Your Pool Demolition Contractor’s References … Your pool demolition contractor should be able to supply two to three recent (six months old or less).

Check Your Pool Demolition Contractor’s Credit … Ask for credit references. A pool demolition contractor that doesn’t pay his employees or his subcontractors can leave you holding the bag for unpaid work.

If you follow some of this tips you can find a professional pool demolition contractor easily.

Posted on April 13, 2013 at 7:22 pm Leave a Comment

This post is filed under Demolition Company, Demolition Contractors, Demolition Contractors Los Angeles, Los Angeles Demolition, Pool Demolition Los Angeles, Swimming Pool Removal Los Angeles and tagged demolition companies, demolition company, demolition company los angeles, demolition contractor, demolition services, demolition tips, pool demolition contractor Los Angeles, swimming pool demolition.

Signs of a Good Demolition Company

We’ve already discussed the Signs of a Bad Demolition Company in some detail but what about a good demolition company? What are some of the things that make a good demolition company stand out above the rest and ahead of the pack?

– A demolition company that is licensed, bonded, and insured. Being licensed, bonded, and insured is a basic requirement of any demolition company. A demolition company that is licensed, bonded, and insured shows that they know the rules and follow the laws.

– A demolition company that recycles and shares your values. A demolition company that recycles shows that they care about the environment and are at the cutting edge of their industry.

– A demolition company that has good internet reviews. Customers that take time out of their day to comment on the proficiency of a demolition company are a good sign you have found a good demolition company.

– A demolition company that has good references. A good demolition company should be able to provide at least two very recent references for their work.

– A demolition company that has good credit. Good credit shows that a demolition company pays its subcontractors and workers, and takes its responsibilities seriously.

These are all signs of a good demolition company. If you need more help finding a good demolition company in the Los Angeles area contact the CSLB and the Los Angeles Better Business Bureau.

Posted on March 27, 2013 at 11:17 pm Leave a Comment

This post is filed under Demolition Company, Demolition Company Los Angeles and tagged demolition, demolition companies, demolition company, demolition company los angeles, demolition contractor, demolition services, demolition tips.