Selective Demolition in Vaughan

Our photos show two exterior wall openings. In one, the siding has been cut back cleanly around a window to expose the studs. In the other, a large opening has been cut through the wall and framed, ready for a new door. In both, the siding around the opening is left intact for the finishing trade.

The key to selective work is the line. We mark where demolition stops before we start and cut to it rather than pulling material away, so the edge left behind is ready for new work. Siding, sheathing and trim are cut, not torn.

Anything that carries load is supported before it's removed. For a new opening in a bearing wall, that means temporary shoring and a header sized by an engineer or to the Ontario Building Code, as the job requires. We leave the new framing to your contractor, or coordinate with them on site.

Wiring and plumbing in the wall are identified before cutting. Our photo shows an electrical box and cables left in place at the edge of the opening, ready for the electrician to reroute.

Where continued use is agreed in the project plan, we keep the debris route separate from occupants, protect floors and nearby finishes, and arrange temporary closure of exposed openings as the assessed conditions require.

Selective work is also used to take off an addition, a sunroom or a porch while the main house stays. The joint between the two parts is cut cleanly, the exposed wall is closed up with temporary protection, and the footings of the removed part are taken out so the ground can be finished.