Whether you’re preparing to tear down an aging home, clearing a site for new construction, or removing a commercial structure, the demolition process is much more than just bringing in heavy equipment and knocking things down. It involves planning, permits, inspections, and a whole lot of coordination.
At D2 Demo & Dirt + Utilities, we help property owners, developers, and contractors throughout Colorado navigate this process from start to finish. If you’re new to demolition or just want to understand what’s involved, this guide will walk you through the steps so you know what to expect before, during, and after the job.
Step 1: Initial Site Visit and Review of Plans
The first step in any demolition project is simple but critical. We need to see the site and review your plans. This is how we understand what’s being removed, how accessible the structure is, and what challenges we might be dealing with.
If you have architectural plans, a site survey, or any engineering documents, we’ll ask to review them. These help us identify utility lines, foundation details, and other important features. During the site visit, we’ll also evaluate the location of the structure, surrounding buildings, potential hazards, and equipment access points.
Even if your plans are still in development, we can provide input early to help avoid delays later.
Step 2: Asbestos Inspection
Before demolition can move forward, state regulations require an asbestos inspection. This is not just a box to check. It’s a serious health and environmental consideration that must be handled professionally.
Asbestos can be found in insulation, flooring, ceiling tiles, and even roofing materials, especially in structures built before the 1980s. If an inspection hasn’t been completed yet, we’ll help you arrange one with a certified inspector.
If asbestos is found, it must be properly abated before any demolition begins. This step adds time to the project, but it’s essential for safety and compliance with state law.
Step 3: Utility Evaluation
Next, we’ll need to determine what utilities exist on-site and whether they are being reused, relocated, or removed. This includes water, sewer, gas, electricity, and telecommunications.
This step helps us plan for a safe disconnection and prevents potential hazards during demolition. For example, a live gas line or electrical service can be dangerous if not dealt with properly.
Some clients plan to reuse existing water or sewer lines for new construction. If that’s the case, we’ll protect those lines during demo. If utilities need to be removed entirely, we’ll coordinate with the appropriate providers and make sure everything is disconnected before work begins.
Step 4: Identify Basement or Crawl Space
Does the structure have a basement or crawl space? If so, we need to know.
Basements often require additional planning for backfill, compaction, and site grading after demolition. If the basement walls are concrete, they may need to be broken down and removed or crushed in place. Sometimes, basements also contain sump pumps, foundation drains, or other infrastructure that must be handled during demolition.
We’ll evaluate the foundation type and talk through your options, especially if the space is going to be reused, filled, or left open for new construction.
Step 5: Permit Applications
Demolition requires permits, and in Colorado, it’s not just a local issue.
You’ll need a permit from the State of Colorado and a separate permit from your local building department. Each jurisdiction has different rules, and in many areas, demo permits won’t be issued until proof of asbestos inspection and utility disconnection is provided.
The good news is that you don’t have to navigate this alone. D2 handles this process for you. We know the local municipalities, the right contacts, and the paperwork requirements. We’ll take care of submitting the applications, gathering the documentation, and coordinating approvals to keep your project on track.
Depending on your location, permit approval can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. Planning ahead is key to avoiding delays.
Step 6: Insurance and Contractor Requirements
Not all demolition contractors are created equal, and the paperwork side of things is just as important as the equipment.
Before work begins, your contractor should carry the following:
- A valid Wrecking Contractor’s License
- Workers’ Compensation Insurance
- General Liability Insurance
- Auto Insurance (especially for roll-off trucks and equipment transport)
D2 Demo & Dirt + Utilities is fully licensed and insured for all the above, so you can trust that your project is protected from start to finish. We also stay current on all local licensing requirements, including those specific to demolition and site work.
If you’re comparing contractors, this is one of the most important places to ask questions. Choosing a provider without proper coverage or credentials can leave you exposed to unnecessary risk.
Step 7: Onboarding and Planning Timeline
A lot happens behind the scenes before the first machine ever hits the ground. The full onboarding and planning process can take a couple of weeks for a smaller project, or up to 60 days, depending on project complexity and how quickly the early steps are completed.
Factors that can affect your timeline include:
- The presence of asbestos
- Utility disconnection requirements
- Permit processing times
- Project size and scope
- Whether the structure has a basement or crawl space
- Site accessibility and conditions
For smaller residential tear-downs, the timeline might be on the shorter side. Larger commercial projects or complex multi-structure demolitions can take longer. During our onboarding process, we’ll keep you updated every step of the way so you know what’s next and when to expect it.
If you’re on a tight deadline, let us know early. We can often coordinate steps in parallel to save time, but only if we have full visibility into your project goals and constraints.
Step 8: Pre-Demo Site Prep
Once the paperwork is in order, we’ll begin prepping the site for demolition. This includes a few critical steps:
- Confirming all utilities are shut off or protected
- Installing erosion control or fencing, if required
- Bringing in equipment and staging materials
- Coordinating any required inspections
Depending on the structure, we may also begin some selective deconstruction to remove salvageable materials or prep for safe structural breakdown.
This stage typically takes a few days but can vary based on site complexity. Our team works closely with your builder or general contractor to make sure the site is ready for the next phase.
Step 9: Demolition Day
With everything in place, it’s time for the main event. Demolition day looks different for every job, but you can expect our crew to arrive early, walk the site, and begin work with a clear plan.
We use a mix of heavy equipment including excavators, skid steers, and roll-off trucks to safely and efficiently dismantle the structure. Safety is our top priority, not just for our crew, but for neighboring properties, pedestrians, and the surrounding environment.
If your structure is in a tight urban area or close to adjacent buildings, we’ll take extra precautions to reduce impact. Dust control, debris containment, and noise management are all part of our approach.
Step 10: Cleanup and Material Removal
Demolition isn’t complete until the site is cleared and cleaned up.
We haul off debris using our own roll-off containers, sorting materials for recycling when possible. Concrete, metal, and clean wood often get separated from general debris to minimize landfill use.
If there was a basement, we’ll either remove the foundation walls or crush them in place and begin backfilling. Our team, if requested, will properly compact to prepare for future construction.
Once the site is clear, we’ll do a final walk-through with you or your project manager to confirm completion.
Step 11: Final Inspections and Closeout
Some jurisdictions require a final inspection to confirm the site has been properly cleared and no debris remains. If this applies to your project, we’ll coordinate with the local building department to schedule and complete the inspection.
Once we get the all-clear, we’ll provide a project closeout package including permit documentation and any additional reports you may need for your records.
Why Choose D2 Demo & Dirt + Utilities for Your Demolition Project?
At D2 Demo & Dirt + Utilities, we’re more than just an equipment operator. We’re a full-service demolition partner with the experience, licensing, and communication skills to manage your project from the ground up.
Clients choose us because we:
- Handle all permitting and compliance with state and local regulations
- Maintain current licenses and insurance across all categories
- Offer full transparency and scheduling support during the planning phase
- Communicate clearly and consistently before, during, and after the job
- Provide integrated services including utility removal, dirt work, and site prep
Whether you’re planning a single-family tear-down or a multi-structure commercial project, our team has the tools and knowledge to make it happen smoothly.
Final Thoughts
Demolition might look like the easy part from the outside, but there’s a lot that goes into doing it right. From asbestos inspections and permits to utility planning and debris removal, the details matter.
Working with a licensed, experienced contractor like D2 Demo & Dirt + Utilities, helps you avoid costly mistakes, stay compliant with state regulations, and keep your project moving forward on schedule. We believe in doing things the right way, every time, and that starts with making sure you know exactly what to expect.
If you have questions or need help planning your demolition project, contact us today. We’re happy to talk through your site, walk you through the steps, and provide a detailed estimate based on your timeline and goals.