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Proper preparation before a demolition project can make the difference between a smooth, on-schedule job and one that runs into costly delays. Whether you're tearing down a garage, gutting a kitchen, or demolishing an entire structure, there are important steps every homeowner should take before the crew arrives.
At APES Demolitions, we've completed over 140 projects throughout Montgomery County, PA. We've seen what happens when properties aren't properly prepared — and we've seen how much smoother jobs go when homeowners follow the right steps. This guide covers everything you need to do before demo day.
What Are the First Steps Before Any Demolition Project?
Before any physical work begins, there are administrative and safety steps that must be completed. Skipping these can result in fines, project delays, or dangerous working conditions.
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Get Your Permit
Most structural demolition in Montgomery County requires a permit from your local municipality. This includes garage teardowns, shed removals over 120 square feet, and any work affecting the building envelope. Interior demolition that doesn't affect structural elements typically doesn't require a permit, but confirm with your township before starting. See our full guide on demolition permits in Montgomery County.
Demolition permit guide → - 2
Test for Hazardous Materials
If your home was built before 1980, have a certified inspector test for asbestos and lead paint before demolition begins. Asbestos is commonly found in floor tiles, pipe insulation, ceiling tiles, and siding on older homes. Lead paint is present in most pre-1978 homes. Disturbing these materials without proper abatement is illegal and dangerous.
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Disconnect Utilities
All utilities serving the structure being demolished must be disconnected before work begins. This includes electricity, gas, water, and sewer. Contact your utility companies in advance — disconnection can take several days to schedule.
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Notify Your Neighbors
Demolition is loud and generates dust. Giving your neighbors advance notice is a courtesy that prevents complaints and keeps the project running smoothly. In dense neighborhoods, this is especially important.
How Do You Prepare the Interior Before Demolition?
If you're doing an interior gut-out — kitchen, bathroom, basement, or full home — there are specific steps to take inside the structure before the demo crew arrives:
Remove all personal belongings
Clear out furniture, appliances, clothing, and any items you want to keep. The demo crew will not sort through belongings — everything left behind is treated as debris.
Disconnect and remove appliances
Refrigerators, stoves, dishwashers, and washing machines should be disconnected and removed before demo day. If you want us to haul them away, let us know in advance — we can include appliance removal in the scope.
Cap water lines
If you're doing a kitchen or bathroom gut-out, have a plumber cap the water supply lines before demolition begins. This prevents flooding if a line is accidentally cut during demo.
Protect adjacent areas
If you're doing a partial gut-out, protect adjacent rooms with plastic sheeting to contain dust. Your contractor or the demo crew can advise on the best approach for your specific project.
Mark what stays
If there are specific elements you want preserved — a window, a door, a fixture — mark them clearly with tape and communicate this to the crew before work begins.
What Should You Know About Asbestos Before Demolition in PA?
Important: Homes Built Before 1980
If your home was built before 1980, asbestos-containing materials may be present. Pennsylvania law requires proper testing and abatement before demolition. APES Demolitions does not perform asbestos abatement — we will not start demolition on a property with known or suspected asbestos until abatement is complete.
Asbestos was commonly used in building materials from the 1940s through the late 1970s. In older homes throughout Montgomery County, asbestos may be found in:
- •Floor tiles (9x9 inch vinyl tiles are a common indicator)
- •Pipe and duct insulation
- •Ceiling tiles and textured ceilings (popcorn ceilings)
- •Exterior siding (cement board panels)
- •Roofing shingles and felt
- •Drywall joint compound (pre-1977)
If you suspect asbestos in your home, hire a certified asbestos inspector before scheduling demolition. Montgomery County has several licensed abatement contractors who can test and remove asbestos safely.
Do You Need a Dumpster for Your Demolition Project?
For most demolition projects, debris removal is included in the contractor's price. At APES Demolitions, we load and haul all debris as part of our standard service — you don't need to arrange a separate dumpster.
However, if you're managing your own renovation and generating debris over multiple days or weeks, a 15-yard roll-off dumpster rental may be the right solution. Our dumpsters are delivered throughout Montgomery County and can be kept on-site for up to 14 days.
Frequently Asked Questions: Preparing for Demolition
How far in advance should I prepare for a demolition project?
Start the preparation process at least 2-4 weeks before your scheduled demo date. Permit applications can take 1-2 weeks to process. Utility disconnections need to be scheduled in advance. Asbestos testing and abatement can add additional time if required.
Do I need to be home during the demolition?
You don't need to be present for the entire project, but we recommend being on-site at the start of the job to walk through the scope with the crew and answer any questions. After that, you can leave — we'll contact you if anything unexpected comes up.
What happens to the debris after demolition?
APES Demolitions loads all debris and hauls it to licensed construction and demolition (C&D) disposal facilities. We sort materials when possible to maximize recycling. Concrete, metal, and clean wood are typically recycled or repurposed.
Can I save materials before demolition — cabinets, fixtures, doors?
Yes. If you want to salvage specific items — cabinets, doors, windows, fixtures — let us know before demo day. We can work around items you want to keep, or you can remove them yourself in advance. Just make sure the items are clearly marked or removed before the crew arrives.
What if my neighbor complains about the demolition noise?
We work within normal business hours (typically 7 AM to 5 PM) and comply with local noise ordinances. Notifying your neighbors in advance is the best way to prevent complaints. If a neighbor has a concern during the job, we're happy to speak with them directly.