How we deliver it
Most of the photos in our bank are house teardowns, and they show the same pattern. An excavator works from one side of the house, pulling the roof and upper walls in toward the footprint. A track loader or second machine keeps the debris moving, and a dump trailer or roll-off bin sits close so material leaves the lot as the work goes.
Before any of that, the house has to be ready. The City of Vaughan demolition permit has to be issued. Gas, electricity and water are disconnected and the disconnections confirmed. The designated substance survey, which is the owner's responsibility under section 30 of Ontario's Occupational Health and Safety Act, tells everyone what's in the building, and any asbestos is removed under O. Reg. 278/05 first.
Neighbours matter on a residential job. Many of our photos show houses close to fences, driveways and mature trees. We set the machine where it can pull material away from the property lines, protect shared fences where needed, and keep the street and sidewalk clear at the end of each day.
Material is separated as the house comes down. Metal goes to scrap, clean concrete and brick are kept apart, and wood and mixed debris are loaded separately.
Whether the foundation comes out with the house depends on your builder's plans, and we'll confirm it in the scope. When it does, the excavation is backfilled or left open as the next trade needs it.
Trees that are staying are fenced off before the machine arrives so the roots and trunk aren't damaged, and the driveway apron and City boulevard are protected where trucks cross them.
What to expect
- 01
Site visit
We look at the house, lot, trees, neighbours and access for machines and trailers.
- 02
Written scope
The scope covers the house, the foundation, what stays and how the lot is left.
- 03
Permit and disconnects
The permit is issued, utilities are disconnected and the survey is reviewed.
- 04
Teardown
The house comes down in sequence, with material sorted on the ground.
- 05
Foundation and grade
The foundation is removed if it's in scope, and the lot is graded.
- 06
Handover
The lot, street and sidewalk are left clean for your builder.
Photos from this work
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need a permit to demolish a house in Vaughan for a rebuild?
- Yes. Obtain Cultural Heritage clearance before applying for a City of Vaughan demolition permit. Designated or listed properties may need additional heritage review. Confirm the current application checklist with Building Standards and arrange utility disconnections before demolition starts.
- Who arranges the utility disconnections?
- The property owner requests disconnections from the gas, electricity and water providers, and the City asks for confirmation with the permit application. We'll tell you at the site visit what needs to be in place before we start.
- Will you protect my neighbours' fences and driveways?
- Yes. We set up so the machine pulls material away from property lines, and we protect shared fences and driveways where the lot is tight.
- Do you remove the foundation as well?
- We can. Whether it comes out depends on your builder's plans, so we confirm it in the written scope.
Related services
Questions to resolve before this work
- Which building does your Vaughan demolition application cover?
- Thornhill demolition: identify the municipality before applying
- Maple infill planning: compare old and proposed building footprints
- Owner or agent: who can resolve a Vaughan demolition application?
- Why neighbouring foundation levels matter to a teardown enquiry
Choose your project area
Start with Vaughan communities and planning, browse the GTA and surrounding area directory, or check a postal reference. Access, occupancy and the retained structure determine how this scope is assessed.
Planning this work?
Book a site visit and get a written scope for your project.