Contrary to popular belief, demolition isn’t just chaos and destruction. It is a carefully planned process that begins well before any building comes collapsing down.
The first step always entails preparing the land that the structure stands on. Soil needs to be shaped, and old systems like buried cables and broken lines must be exposed and dealt with.
This early phase belongs to the excavation services, which consist of digging and the creation of a clear way for everything that follows. Without them, your entire construction demolition can stall before it even begins.
This blog explains the concept of excavation services, including what happens first, why it matters, and what to expect before anything gets torn apart.
What Happens Before Demolition
Before any demolition starts, there is a process. It is not fast and never random. Everything starts with permits, and you can’t legally begin without them. These documents approve the demolition and outline what is allowed on-site. They also help prevent fines and unnecessary hold-ups.
Next comes the planning phase. This includes reviewing the structure, identifying nearby risks, and working out how the demolition will be done. Crews need to know what is being removed, what needs to stay, and how to protect surrounding areas.
The Excavation Services Effect
After that, attention shifts to the ground. This is where excavation services begin. At this stage, crews remove anything left behind, such as old concrete, buried junk, and debris.
Here are the key tasks that excavation contractors handle before demolition begins:
- Removing underground utilities and tanks: Crews locate old gas lines, water pipes, electrical cables, and storage tanks. These are either mapped, disconnected, or safely rerouted. One missed line could put the lives of demolition contractors at risk.
- Stabilizing and grading the soil: The land of the site gets tested. The top layers are stripped. Uneven ground is graded and leveled, while loose soil is compacted. This creates a stable base for machines and site workers.
- Creating clear access for machinery: Heavy demolition equipment needs space to move without getting stuck. Experienced excavation contractors carve paths, flatten entry points, and remove blockages.
- Identifying hidden hazards: Soft spots, buried waste, weak foundations, or anything dangerous gets flagged and addressed immediately before demolition contractors commence operation.
Excavation services are not just physical, but also strategic. It is how a messy site becomes a safe work zone. Site excavation also reduces risk, like unstable ground, and eliminates unknowns before the machines roll in.
When excavation is done the right way, demolition contractors can proceed to work faster and safer. There will be no surprises underfoot, equipment breakdowns, or mid-project setbacks.
In a broad view, excavation services are more than digging. They are the backbone of smart construction demolition, as this ensures the site is clean, stable, and ready for action.
So, when people say demolition starts with a big bang, they are wrong. It starts with preparing the ground, and the team that knows how to treat it right.
How to Choose the Right Excavation Contractor
Calgary is Alberta’s largest city and the third biggest in Canada. Thus, it is no surprise that the city has plenty of excavation contractors. However, don’t let the many options play a trick on you. More doesn’t always mean better.
Some contractors show up ready. They bring the right tools, follow proper steps, and get the job right the first time. Others show up late, rush through important stages, and leave behind the problems you will have to fix later.
Here is what to look for during the search:
- Proven experience: Look for a crew with a strong record. Experienced teams know how to handle surprises and deliver better results during site excavation.
- Strong safety history: Safety should never be a guess. The right contractor sticks to tested systems and takes full responsibility for everyone.
- Reliable equipment: Outdated machines can break down or slow things to a crawl. Well-maintained tools keep excavation services moving smoothly.
- Local knowledge: Calgary has tough soil and unpredictable weather. A skilled team knows how to work with both.
Take the time to vet your excavation contractors properly. It could be the difference between a seamless project and one full of stress and delay.
Understanding Calgary’s Permits and Regulations in Pre-demolition Excavation
Pre-demolition works are heavily regulated in Calgary, and for good reason. Mistakes during the site excavation can lead to injuries, fines, or even full project shutdowns.
Permits are mandatory. You will need a demolition permit, environmental approval, and permission from Utility Safety Partners (formerly known as Alberta One-Call) to locate underground utilities.
Calgary also enforces the Alberta Occupational Health and Safety Code, which covers trench safety, air quality, noise levels, and safe machinery use. No construction demolition can move forward until every rule is followed, the map is checked, and the risks are removed.
We Are Calgary’s Go-To for Safe and Compliant Excavation Services and Demolition
When it comes to tearing down or digging in, Makki Demolition gets it right. We are not just one of Calgary’s licensed demolition contractors, but a team that people call when safety, speed, and compliance matter. Our crew handles both residential and commercial projects, from small teardowns to complex construction demolition.
Before anything gets demolished, though, we focus on what is beneath. Our excavation services are built around experience, attention to detail, and full coordination with city rules. We follow every regulation, meet every deadline, and respect every square foot of the property.
Makki Demolition’s experts also have local knowledge of Calgary’s soil, weather, and permit system inside and out. Sites are prepared, crews are protected, and clean, hazard-free work zones are created.
We do the digging and heavy lifting, and do it right with professional excavation services and demolition solutions that work. Give us a call today at +1 (403) 392-2803, or contact us online to start your project with the right foundation, from dig to final teardown.
