Rushing demolition and debris removal is the fastest way to blow your new-build budget. “Rip-and-haul” sounds straightforward until a buried concrete slab breaks your excavator tooth, an unmarked septic tank collapses, or the fill beneath your future foundation settles because trash got buried alongside soil.

Our 4-Day Demolition & Debris Management Workflow

Pre-Demo Week — Site Preparation

• We conduct land clearing, mass grading, and utility trenching to set the stage for demolition.
• We confirm utility disconnections and secure permits, ensuring that once the green light is given, our crews can proceed without delay.

Day 1 — Soft Strip & Hazard Identification

• We remove trees, stumps, old driveways, and building materials to expose underlying hazards.
• Our land-clearing process emphasizes erosion control and a stable work area.

Day 2 — Controlled Structure Demolition & Debris Sorting

• We conduct tear-down operations in accordance with strict safety protocols.
• Debris is sorted on-site: recyclable materials are placed in the appropriate dumpsters, and non-recyclables are hauled away, preventing mixed-load fees and site clutter.

Day 3 — Excavation to Clean Base

• We over-excavate to remove old footings, buried debris, and unsuitable fill.
• We backfill with engineer-approved soil, compacted in lifts to achieve optimal density and support for your foundation.

Day 4 — Final Grading & Stabilization

• Using GPS-guided equipment, we finish-grade the pad to precise elevations, directing water flow away from structures.
• We apply temporary erosion controls—such as seeding with straw or turf blankets—to meet EGLE and township regulations.

Why Our Sequence Saves You Time and Money

• Foundation Integrity: Clearing buried debris and poor fill prevents future settlement, cracks, and structural issues.
• Reduced Disposal Costs: Onsite sorting for recycling minimizes tipping fees and ensures compliance with local ordinances.
• Smooth Inspections: A well-documented, tidy site speeds town and township approvals, avoiding stop-work orders.

What Sets Thomas Excavation Apart

• Comprehensive Project Management: We handle permits, utility coordination, demolition, haul-off, backfill, compaction, and final grading under one roof.
• State-of-the-Art Technology: GPS and laser systems guarantee excavation and grading accuracy.
• Local Knowledge: We understand the unique soil conditions, weather patterns, and regulatory requirements of Southeast Michigan to plan effectively.

Bottom Line: Demolition isn’t just about tearing things down; it’s the critical first step in building something that lasts. Work with a team that treats what’s under the surface as seriously as what goes on top. Contact Thomas Excavation before swinging the first hammer, and set your project up for a smooth and successful foundation phase.

Post-Demo Considerations & Best Practices

Site Inspection & Verification
After demolition, we conduct a thorough site inspection to confirm that all debris has been cleared and the subgrade is stable. We verify compaction test results and confirm that underground utilities remain intact and correctly marked.

Environmental & Regulatory Compliance
We manage demolition waste in accordance with Michigan’s environmental regulations, ensuring that hazardous materials (e.g., asbestos, treated wood) are identified and handled by licensed specialists. Our documentation includes waste manifests and disposal receipts, supporting your project’s audit trail.

Coordination with Builders & Subcontractors
A clean, graded site simplifies the handover to builders. We provide detailed site plans, elevation reports, and as-built surveys to ensure your concrete contractors, framers, and landscape teams have the accurate information they need.

Cost Control & Scheduling
By combining demolition, debris sorting, and site prep under one contract, you avoid multiple mobilization charges and minimize equipment rental days. Clear scheduling data helps synchronize all trades, reducing idle time and preventing costly delays.

Long-Term Site Health
Proper soil management during backfill reduces future settlement risks and protects landscaping investments. We recommend soil amendments or geosynthetic reinforcement in areas with poor native soils to enhance drainage and load-bearing capacity.

With these additional steps, your demolition phase transitions seamlessly into construction, keeping your project on budget and timeline.”