Los Angeles Home Demolition Services

Home Demolition Services Los Angeles CAHOME DEMOLITION SERVICES LOS ANGELES CA

Homeowners searching for the most complete and thorough home demolition services Los Angeles, CA has to offer should look no further than Nielsen Environmental. We are a small contracting operation that specializes in demolition, as well as a variety of other services, including asbestos abatement, mold remediation, and house bolting/soft-story retrofit. Experienced in both the private and public sectors, we can provide you with a wide range of demolition services and proceed in a way that meets your unique needs.

With an organized and highly professional approach to the sort of home demolition services Los Angeles, CA homeowners want, we pride ourselves on being attuned to each client’s personal desires. Get in touch with us at Nielsen Environmental today to start discussing how we can best serve you with your home demolition project.

Structural Demolition

Just because a structure goes up, it does not mean it is finished or cannot be modified. Demolition is more than just the dismantling of a building or structure and goes beyond its destruction. Demolition is defined as any time the load-supporting portion of a structure is removed and encompasses all other operations related to handling that removal. The kind of home demolition services that Los Angeles, CA residents tends to look for involves taking a residential building apart, either manually or mechanically, and doing so in a strategic manner.

Building owners frequently use contained structural demolition services when they want to address deficiencies in a standing structure or open up the premise for expansion or renovation. If there are weak points in the building that are repairable, a structural demolition may be required to remove these areas and create a new surface for fresh concrete.

A structural demolition is a complex undertaking and only a qualified company should do the job. The challenges can be even greater when the building will be in use during the structural demolition. At Nielsen Environmental, we have completed many structural demolition projects and we bring a high level of unmatched experience to the table. When it comes to getting the structural demolition job done right, the first time, Nielsen Environmental is the clear answer. Our past structural demolition experience includes, but is not limited to:

  • High rise buildings
  • Condominiums
  • Apartments
  • Office buildings
  • Restaurants
  • Small businesses
  • Hospitals
  • Schools
  • Shopping outlets
  • Homes
  • Parking garages
  • Marine docks
  • Warehouses

Structures we have demolished include:

  • Failed concrete columns
  • Termite infested wood
  • Materials and building areas with asbestos, mold, or lead
  • Spalled sections of a building
  • Flood damaged areas
  • Fire damaged areas
  • Earthquake damaged areas

Our Approaches to Demolition

Done in a professional, precise, and timely manner, you can count on Nielsen Environmental for your structural demolition needs. No matter what type of environmental setting your premise is in, our trained and certified crew will be able to draw upon our experience in many areas of demolition to develop a plan to carry out selective demolition — without causing any interruption or unnecessary damage to the rest of the building structure. Our services include:

  • Planning
  • Engineering
  • Permitting
  • Abatement
  • Remediation
  • Structural demolition
  • Selective demolition
  • Salvage and material segregation
  • Asset recovery

There are a few specific methods that we use at Nielsen Environmental when serving clients in search of home demolition services in Los Angeles, CA. These include:

  1. Selective Demolition. This procedure involves a careful removal of parts of a house while leaving its primary structure intact. Typically, performing selective demolition means using a combination of manual labor and specialized tools and techniques. This process is generally more cost-effective and is considered one of the faster home demolition solutions.
  2. Deconstruction. This demolition procedure is considered more environmentally friendly than others and involves manually stripping and deconstructing the house while attempting to salvage as many materials as possible while doing so. The EPA has reported that using the deconstruction process can mean recycling or reusing up to 70% of a home’s original building materials. Because of the labor involved, this procedure can be more expensive, but more meticulous as well.

Both of these approaches are excellent solutions for anyone looking for the most complete home demolition services in Los Angeles, CA. The decision as to which of these solutions is the best fit largely depends on your personal preferences as well as your project’s budget and timeline. Whichever method you choose to pursue, know that working with Nielsen Environmental is a great way to have your home demolition project completed effectively and efficiently.

7 Common Myths About Home Demolition

1. Anyone Can Tear Down a Building

If the goal is merely destroying a house without regard for the effects it could have, then theoretically, anyone could do that. However, tearing down a building without causing any injuries, harming nearby buildings, or having any negative effects on the environment requires specific techniques and finely honed skills. Demolishing a building correctly requires professional home demolition services in Los Angeles, CA, such as those available from Nielsen Environmental. 

2. Demolition Is Expensive

Sometimes people attempt to retain an old structure that has outlived its usefulness when the replacement would be more satisfactory by demolishing the existing structure first because they believe that home demolitions services in Los Angeles, CA, will add significantly to the cost. The truth is that demolition accounts for less than 2% of the entire replacement costs. 

3. Demolition Is Dangerous

Amateur attempts at demolition can be dangerous, both to those attempting the demolition and to bystanders. However, demolition by professionals such as those at Nielsen Environmental, that make use of the correct equipment and techniques, is extremely safe for everyone involved. 

4. Demolition Is All About Blowing Stuff up

Most professional demolition techniques do not involve explosives. In fact, explosives are used in only 1% of all demolitions, and those are typically large commercial buildings rather than single-family homes. Using explosives in a residential neighborhood could be unreasonably dangerous. 

5. Equipment and Techniques Used in Demolition Are Old-Fashioned

Most industries see constant development, innovation, and improvement. Demolition is no exception. There is constant research into ways to improve equipment and make current techniques safer and more efficient. 

6. Historic Buildings Are Destroyed by Demolition

Demolition is never ordered for a historic building without reason. In fact, partial demolition is often performed as part of historic preservation efforts. Demolishing part of the building sometimes makes refurbishing the remaining portion easier. 

7. Demolition Is Harmful to the Environment

There are legitimate concerns about exposure to asbestos and other toxic materials as a result of demolition. It is because of the risks of toxic exposure that it is preferable to hire home demolition services in Los Angeles, CA, rather than attempting DIY demolition. Professionals are able to remove such elements safely using approved methods. 

At one point, much of the debris from demolition may have ended up in landfills. However, today the debris is recycled to the extent possible, and only a fraction of it is disposed of. For reasons such as these, it is actually better for the environment to have the building demolished by professionals than it would be to attempt an amateur demolition. 

 Reasons for Home Demolition

Homeownership is one of life's greatest pleasures. Unfortunately, your residence can also be an endless source of trouble. Repairs are sometimes incredibly costly. Building from scratch may be preferable to rehabilitation. Consider some scenarios where it makes better sense to hire home demolition services in Los Angeles, CA than it does to repair what's gone wrong.

Your Home Is Structurally Unsound

Fundamentally compromised houses should never be inhabited. When there's the possibility that walls might topple or a staircase could collapse, merely being in these structures poses an imminent threat. Whether the cause is a fire, flood, earthquake, tornado, or another form of catastrophe does not matter. Safety always takes precedence over your attachment to a building. Eliminating the danger may be impossible. Hire the demolition experts of Nielson Environmental to prevent your home from harming you or someone you love.

Your Home Is Infested

Animals can be extremely disruptive. Woodland creatures in search of food and shelter are amazingly resourceful. Once they find their way in, they begin causing havoc. Raccoons, opossums, and badgers are known to squirm into basements and attics. Exterminators can get rid of these invaders. Even if you act fast, it may not be enough; the price of fixing chewed-up walls and wires becomes too much. It could be time to look into home demolition services in Los Angeles, CA.

Insects are potentially even more devastating. They breed so fast that total elimination might become an impossible challenge. Once they're inside your walls, chewing away at wood and electrical components, starting over may be the wisest decision. Call the demolition specialists at Nielsen Environmental. 

Your Home Is Outdated

Older homes have a charm that's often difficult to match. Despite this, they come without modern amenities. Their closets tend to be much smaller than those in newer homes, and they're less effective at retaining heat, making the cost of staying warm during the winter much higher. Older buildings can be expensive to maintain. Windows and roofs often need to be replaced. Rather than undergoing the hassle of retrofitting your current abode, starting over could be best. Design your dream residence and then have home demolition services in Los Angeles, CA clear a plot where you can start building.

The disadvantages inherent in correcting what's wrong with your home may outweigh the cons that come with starting anew. If this describes your situation, hire a professional to tear down what's become unsalvageable.

Demolition FAQ: Should I demolition my house or renovate it?

When you're getting ready to make big changes to your home, one of the first things you might wonder is whether you renovate or knock down and rebuild from the ground up. In fact, this is one of the most common questions we received. In truth, your budget and time frame are two important considerations. However, there may even be larger factors to consider; which we cover here.

Can you even demolish your house in your area?

Some areas prohibit home demolitions. This is particularly common in historical areas or when homes are of a certain age. If you're unsure about how old your home might be, you can review the drainage plan which should have been given to you when you purchased the home. If not, ask your local city council for the home's records. A home demolition services company can also help determine whether demolition is possible.

Are your renovations significant?

Do you want to add a significant area to your home, or make big, structural changes? If your planned renovation is going to leave very little of the current home, then a renovation may not be cost-effective or viable.  

Can you work your renovations into the current home?

Ideally, you will want your home in a certain position. For example, north-easterly sunlight can be welcoming in living areas of the home; however, if your current home is in the wrong position, and there is not enough room to add onto the area needed to get this sun exposure, you may face a challenge. This would include the need to make huge modifications in the structure so that you open your current home to the north-easterly light, and then begin to renovate. This is likely to be very expensive.  

Do you understand that renovating usually costs more than a demolition?

Renovating a home is expensive, labor intensive, and time-consuming. This is largely due to the bespoke design and needs of the current home and the related renovations. A new home can be built in a timely manner and with modern systems that are both cost-effective and practical. This is not to say that you should not renovate your home, but rather to think about how to capitalize on this if you are adamant about a renovation and also on a budget.

Have you checked on the current market value of your home?

What type of homes sell well in your area and what is their estimated selling value? Is your current home close to this value or is it one of the smaller, less attractive homes in the area? You might even talk to some local real estate agents who can advise you on what a renovated home might sell for versus a brand new home of the same size. Try to work out the numbers to ensure you set a budget that doesn't end up putting you in a financial hole.

Does your home have asbestos, mold, or other hazardous materials in it?

Many older homes have at least one form of hazardous material. Choosing to remodel a home with anything hazardous will likely require abatement, remediation, or removal of some sort. This can be a very costly add-on to an already costly remodeling. Sometimes a full demolition is more practical. You will want to make sure you consult with home demolition services in Los Angeles, CA who are experienced in dealing with these types of hazards.

Safety is Our Priority

When you choose Nielsen Environmental to be your structural demolition company, you can feel peace of mind in knowing that the safety of everyone is being well looked after. Regardless of the type of project, every demolition is insured to covered any injuries or loss. Our workforce is certified, trained, and implement the strictest safety measures at all times.

Contact Us for Los Angeles Home Demolition Services

A structural demolition is more than a routine renovation. It has the potential to involve environmental hazards or unexpected complications. Before you choose any company to dismantle a part of a building premise, you should consider an experienced structural demolition contractor to do the job.

When you’re ready to start discussing the specifics of your project, get in touch with us at Nielsen Environmental. We are well-prepared to work with you through every step of your home demolition to give you the results you’ve envisioned. Our team can provide the services you need, competitive pricing, and full regulatory compliance under state and federal laws.

The Do's and Don'ts of Home Demolition

Although the sound of DIY demolition may appeal to some people, most residential areas in California will require that certain protocols be followed. These rules ensure that a project of this nature does not endanger homeowners, other residents, or the environment. Nielsen Environmental provides home demolition services in Los Angeles, CA, and surrounding areas. We can help you complete your project quickly and safely. Keep reading to learn about some of the do's and don'ts of home demolition. 

Don't DIY

Although homeowners love a good DIY project, a home demo is not that project. There are many layers to a safe demolition. There are also many rules and regulations that must be followed. The fastest, easiest way to get this done, will be to work with a team of professionals in your area.

Don't Cut Corners 

It may be tempting to cut some corners when facing a project of this size. Cutting corners on a home demolition is not wise. It may seem as if demolishing a house doesn't require precision or attention to detail, but nothing could be further from the truth. In the same way that much care must go into the building of a structure, much care must also go into taking it down. This is why home demolition services, in Los Angeles, CA are available to help you navigate this project. 

Do Call A Home Inspector 

It is very important to have your home checked for hazardous materials before a demolition project can start. Home inspectors which specialize in hazardous materials will examine your home and conduct the necessary tests to determine if your home is a risk. These professionals will check for materials such as asbestos, black mold, and lead. This is a very important step as the health of the demo team, your community and your family could be affected. 

Do Call Demo Professionals

Home demolitions services in Los Angeles, CA will be able to inspect your home and create a demolition plan that is both safe and legal for your area. Our team at Nielsen Environmental will deal with the planning of the demo as well as obtaining the necessary permits. In addition to this, our team of professionals will also be able to help with asset recovery, material salvaging, and disposal. Professional demo services are the fastest and safest way to take down structures in California. If you are planning a demo project, we can help. 

  FAQ: The Demolition Industry

By definition, demolition is the process of destroying at least partial or the entirety of a building. Demolition is a general term that refers to a long list of services, including dismantling of structures, clearing sites, recycling of materials, salvage, industrial recovery, and environmental remediation. Companies providing home demolition services for Los Angeles, CA may be hired to take down various types of properties, including industrial, interior, or commercial.

Anyone who wants more information about the costs and steps of demolition jobs, can reach out to Nielsen Environmental. Those who do not work in the demolition industry but need to hire professionals in Los Angeles, CA to provide home demolition services, such as destroy a property or site, may have plenty of questions similar to the following:

Q: What happens to materials after destruction?

A: It may come as a surprise to find out that a successful demolition job is one that actually results in a very small amount of waste, because building materials often have value in recycling and salvage. Only around 10% of materials from a demolition job are considered unusable trash. Materials that can be salvaged, recycled or reused commonly include flooring, carpet, plasterboard, ceiling tiles, wood, brass, bronze, steel, copper, iron, porcelain, brick, concrete and roofing materials.

Q: Are all demolitions jobs the same?

A: Every demolition is unique, as not all properties are the same. But, there are general classifications that can be used to describe the majority of demolition jobs. Interior demolition refers to when the whole structure is not being torn down, but instead only some interior walls or spaces indoors. For home demolition services, this type of demolition is common for Los Angeles, CA home upgrades and renovations.

Industrial demolition entails taking down facilities that produce goods. Examples of properties that would be considered industrial demolition are oil refineries, chemical plants, or manufacturing facilities. Along with demolition, industrial demolition jobs can involve environmental evaluations employees working with dangerous materials. As you can imagine, those who do such demolition must be trained in safety and special rigging.

Commercial demolition is perhaps the more prevalent type of dismantling, where office buildings, malls, stores or hotels are torn down. These projects tend to be straightforward and do not entail as many risks as with industrial demolition. But, Los Angeles, CA home demolition services still require working safely around materials like asbestos, which can have a serious impact on health overtime.

Q: Is there a difference between deconstruction and demolition?

A: Yes, deconstruction is a word more often used to describe jobs that include sorting materials, hand demolition, and salvaging as much as possible. Demolition and deconstruction are quite similar in theory, but demolition overall takes less time.

Q: Is the environment ever taken into consideration for demolition jobs?

A: A demolition contractor that strives to improve the community and environment through their work, like Nielsen Environmental, is showing environmental stewardship. When a demolition job is requested, it is frequently due to the building structure becoming outdated and possibly even unsafe for occupants. Instead of just tearing down the facility haphazardly without diligence, professional home demolition services for Los Angeles, CA ensure that materials are carefully and thoughtfully removed from buildings with consideration for potential environmental impacts.

What is the process of demolishing a house?

Reviewing Your Demolition Needs

When it comes to a house demolition, or any kind of demolition for that matter, there will be a number of factors to consider. Before a demolition can begin, Nielsen Environmental must assess the site and your needs so we may develop a custom plan that works.

Developing the Plan

Once everything has been assessed, the demolition company will create an in depth plan. This will include how the demolition will be carried out, and what equipment may be used. The objective will be to complete the demolition as safely as possible, and within the budget. These discretions could reflect of various factors including the location and size of the building, materials that make up the building, whether or not asbestos is in the building, and the reason for the demolition. Depending on these things, the demolition company may choose a method such as:

  • Deconstruction
  • Selective demolition
  • Implosion
  • Excavation
  • + More

Once this plan is in place, the demolition company may discuss with you the cost, equipment to be used, clean up, recycling, and the timeframe. A backup plan might also be developed just in case something goes wrong.

If you or the demolition company believes there to be any type of hazardous waste/material in the building, you may need to have it inspected before the demolition process goes any further. Should these materials be confirmed, there may be a completely separate process involved in their safe removal. At Nielsen Environmental, we’re experienced with handling hazardous materials like asbestos and lead.

Obtaining Permits

In general, you cannot demolish any building without getting a permit. This is because in doing so the landscape could be changed, and the Los Angeles property value and taxes could be affected. A demolition company will likely organize the permits with your local government.

Preparing the Demolition Site

Before the demolition can begin, the site must be prepared. This could include cleaning out the building, turning off all the utilities, stripping out any gas and water tanks, and removing hazardous or recyclable materials.

The Demolition Begins

Once everything has been carefully planned, the demolition will be scheduled and carried out. This can take anywhere from one to several days depending on the type of demolition. Once the demolition has been completed, the company will remove all the debris from the site. Typically this means "down to the dirt."

Choose a Home Demolition Services Company in Los Angeles

Demolishing a building signifies that a new beginning is about to take hold. Once everything has been completed, you can prepare for whatever comes next.

Deconstruction Versus Demolition

The Difference

If you own a property and have decided that any existing structure needs to be removed or changed so that you can create something new, you will have to figure out if deconstruction or demolition is the best option for you. There are many home demolition services in LA that offer deconstruction as an option as well. Nielsen Environmental can help you distinguish which service might be best for you. The main difference between the two is that in deconstruction different parts of any structure can be saved or salvaged and used in the creation of your new building, but demolition usually means removing everything.

Cost Savings

Both demolition and deconstruction have varying cost variables to consider. Some might believe that home demolition services in LA will always be the cheaper option because of the use of mainly mechanical power to quickly demolish any structure. That can sometimes be true, but on occasion, it might cost more to completely demolish something because of any safety or other risk factors that have to be considered during the demolition.

It's tempting to believe that deconstruction could offer considerable cost savings because you are able to reuse different building materials. However, saving those older materials could end up costing you more because of the amount of manual labor needed to keep them intact during the deconstruction. Nielsen Environmental can walk you through all the different costs associated with demolition and deconstruction to help you determine which overall price best suits your budget needs.

Environmental Impact

Another point to consider between demolition and deconstruction is the overall environmental impact. You may deeply care about the amount of waste involved with your new property. You may also have a situation where some things that need to be discarded have more environmental risk. If you are eager to conserve as much as possible then deconstruction might be the best moral choice for you.

The End Goal

Perhaps the biggest point to help you determine if deconstruction or demolition is right for you is to consider the end goal. Look for some experienced home demolition services in LA to help walk you through what is feasible for your new construction ideas. An accomplished company will understand your vision and the best path to get you there. There are some instances that to truly make what you want, you have to completely start over and demolish an older structure completely.

Do I Need to Hire a Demolition Company For My Next Project?

Many people have a preconceived notion about demolition, that is just involves destroying a building aimlessly and then disposing of the crumbled piles that are left. However, LA home demolition services are much more than simply taking down walls without thought, and throwing the remnants in the trash. In fact, most building materials can be reused, recycled, or salvaged. Home demolition services in LA often include several detailed steps, building evaluations, careful planning, safety precautions, and employees who are trained to work around hazardous materials.

Q: Why may I need demolition services?

A: Demolition is not something the average person wants to take on themselves without any prior experience. Demolition crews often have received education on demolition techniques, and someone who is not trained could end up seriously hurting themselves or others by trying to do it alone. Certain projects may require equipment like wrecking balls and cranes, in addition to an environmental impact evaluation if hazardous materials are involved.

Q: What if I don’t want my entire property demolished?

A: Home demolition services can include helping to remove only part of the LA property, such as floors, walls or a fireplace. Those who are thinking about doing internal home redecorating, making room additions or upgrading, may want to talk with a demolition company before starting. There may be materials in the walls of your home that are hazardous to occupants once exposed. It may be best to consult with a professional before jumping head first into an at-home projects solo.

Q: What if I don’t want the materials to be thrown out?

A: In general, a LA demolishing company not only offer home demolition services to remove materials from the destroyed property, but can send them out based on whether they are recyclable, reusable or savagable. Items that can be converted for a second use are wood, roof materials, plasterboard, insulation, ceiling tiles, carpets, brick, porcelain, soil, concrete, and more. If recycling materials means something to you, inquire about these services before hiring a demolition company to assist with your project.

Q: Are demolitions bad for the environment?

A: When people witness demolition happening right before their eyes, they may think it is severely harming the environment or ecosystem. But, many demolishing companies understand the importance of safeguarding the natural world, and act with environmental stewardship. This means working on projects in such a way that local wildlife, residents, families and business owners are not negatively impacted.

Q: I have also heard of deconstruction, what is that exactly?

A: While deconstruction and demolition are similar in essence, the former entails a more thorough process with the goal to recycle or reuse as much of the materials as possible. Deconstruction is commonly done by hand and takes longer, while demolition can involve heavy machinery and less precise strategies. Depending on the type of property being taken down, either deconstruction or demolishing may be better suited. Nielsen Environmental can answer any additional questions you have about the difference between these two approaches or any other questions you may have about home demolition services in LA.

Choosing to demolish a building is a big decision that involves many considerations. To learn more about hiring home demolition services LA residents trust, call Nielsen Environmental today.

Call us today for a free consultation about our professional home demolition services Los Angeles, CA homeowners choose first.

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"Kevin Nielsen is amazing!! I called him to remove an asbestos pipe in my attic and he was here and had the job done within 2 hours of my call. He is so professional, so nice, and did the job for a great price. I highly recommend him!!"
Lori Shelton
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