HOME 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:
- 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.
- 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.
Call us today for a free consultation about our professional home demolition services Los Angeles, CA homeowners choose first.
Client Review
"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
