Known for their durability, stone houses are quite common in Quebec. Some of these buildings are even centuries old, as fieldstones were one of the few materials available to the province’s early inhabitants.
That said, some stone structures no longer meet the demands of modern living, while others are in such poor condition that they are no longer safe. In these cases, it may be more advantageous to opt for complete demolition followed by reconstruction, rather than limited renovations restricted by the building’s architecture.
In this article, our house demolition specialists present everything you need to know if you’re considering demolishing a stone house, from project planning to execution.
VERIFYING THE FEASIBILITY OF THE DEMOLITION PROJECT
Among the steps to follow when demolishing a building, the first must always be to verify the feasibility of the demolition project.
Indeed, you might face many obstacles in carrying it out. By conducting various procedures and checks, you can confirm that your project is achievable and that you can move forward.
For example, if the stone house you want to demolish has a shared wall, you must have your neighbor’s agreement. If the building is a co-owned property, the other owners must approve the project.
It is also essential that your municipal administration approves your demolition project and that you apply for a demolition permit. This permit must be valid when the work begins.
Another aspect to focus on during your feasibility study is safety since demolishing a stone house presents certain dangers. It is important to restrict access to the site and secure it. Public infrastructure (sewers, electrical wires, gas lines, etc.) located nearby must also be protected.
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FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE THE COST OF DEMOLISHING A STONE HOUSE
The financial aspect is always an important part of a demolition project, as few people have an unlimited budget. It is, therefore, useful to know the various factors that influence the cost of demolishing a stone house. Here are the main ones:
THE SIZE AND ARCHITECTURE OF THE BUILDING TO BE DEMOLISHED
Generally, the larger the stone building, the higher the cost of its demolition. However, it is also important to note that what lies beneath the stones can also affect the price.
Architectural details such as the building’s framework, the thickness of the walls, or the presence of a floor or basement can influence the cost listed on a demolition contractor’s quote. The reason is that the demolition method may require additional equipment and more labor. That’s why, in Quebec, costs vary greatly and are usually between $4,000 and $25,000.
PERMITS AND SITE PREPARATION
In Quebec, the cost of applying for a demolition permit varies from one municipality to another and is generally between $50 and $200.
Note that the amount to pay for this type of permit can increase if you are demolishing the entire building’s foundation.
Additionally, site preparation entails many costs, such as those associated with disconnecting the building from public electricity, sewage, gas, and other networks. Site safety must also be considered, especially in urban areas.
THE PRESENCE OR ABSENCE OF ASBESTOS
In older houses, it is not uncommon to find materials containing asbestos. Unfortunately, if asbestos is detected in your house to be demolished, you will likely have to pay an additional amount to safely remove this hazardous material.
All contaminated materials will need to be removed following a strict protocol and placed in sealed containers to prevent asbestos fibers from spreading into the air during demolition.
THE LOCATION OF THE DEMOLITION SITE
The location of the house will also affect the cost of demolition. The reason is that the contractor has no choice but to adjust their price if they have to haul heavy equipment over long distances.
Moreover, if the site is in a densely populated area, more compact demolition equipment may be required, and greater care must be taken, which can increase the overall cost.
DEBRIS MANAGEMENT
Demolishing a stone house generates a large amount of debris. If you can remove the debris yourself, that’s great! You’ll save some money.
But in most cases, it’s the demolition contractor who will handle the proper removal of the debris, and they will charge you accordingly.
Therefore, don’t overlook waste management when setting your budget.
CHOOSING A DEMOLITION CONTRACTOR
Choosing a competent demolition contractor is crucial to ensuring your project runs smoothly. After all, they will oversee the work and ensure the final result meets your expectations. Here are some points to consider when selecting yours.
EXPERTISE AND CREDENTIALS
The demolition contractor you hire should have all the necessary licenses and credentials to work in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. For example, they should have a license from the Régie du bâtiment du Québec (RBQ).
Also, try to choose a company that has completed similar projects to the one you plan to entrust to them. To do this, ask former clients or check out the work of several demolition companies.
SPECIALIZED EQUIPMENT
You should also choose a demolition company that has well-maintained specialized equipment. A contractor who can rely on high-quality and efficient tools is much more likely to offer a service that meets your expectations.
While renting heavy equipment is possible, it’s better to prioritize a well-equipped company rather than one that has to find the machinery required for your project.
ADDITIONAL SERVICES OFFERED
Depending on what you want to do with your land after the demolition, it may be worth choosing a contractor who specializes in more than just demolition.
If your goal is to build a new house on the same site as the one being torn down, why not hire a company that also offers residential excavation services? They will adequately prepare the site for the next phase of the project, making project coordination easier and reducing the number of contractors involved.
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FOR THE DEMOLITION OF A STONE HOUSE, CONTACT EXCAVATION CHANTHIER
In conclusion, demolishing a stone house is a project with many important aspects that can cause it to fail if not taken seriously.
That’s why it’s so important to surround yourself with professionals when you have such a project in mind.
To discuss demolition with experts in the field, do not hesitate to contact our team. Our expertise and the quality of our work are recognized on the North Shore, South Shore, and in Montreal.