Morgan Services Group Corp

Leaders in the demolition industry in New York City

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Reasons to Have an Exterior Demolition

Exterior demolition is the science and engineering of safely and efficiently removing man-made structures, components and exterior surfaces in portions or in its entirety. More often than not, homes or properties have exterior items that are no longer usable or have become damaged and unsightly, which have led to the need of an exterior demolition service. Read along as we discuss the reasons why you might have an exterior demolition in more detail.

Improve Your Properties Appearance

Home improvements made to the exterior of a home or business often lead to the need for demolition services. For example, if your driveway needs a complete makeover. A driveway demolition is needed to remove the old/cracked concrete. This involves breaking up the concrete, hauling the debris and disposing of it properly. Such projects as this one, call for the help of professional demolition companies that have the tools and knowledge in handling structures and exterior surfaces with precision.

Removal of Items or Structures

External storage and detached structures (garage, shed, etc.) that are not being used and are simply taking up space are great candidates for an exterior demolition. The removal of items or structures may be done by hand or mechanically using heavy equipment. Here at Morgan Services Group, we take pride in our qualified experience to properly dismantle, strip, tear down and remove unwanted structural or non-structural components, while carefully preserving the remaining structure.

Collapsing Structures

Natural disasters, a foundation failure, and faulty construction are some of the factors that can lead to a structure collapse. A collapsing structure is a danger to surrounding structures and require exterior demolition services to have it safely removed. Such a project requires fluency in building codes, an understanding of OSHA rules, and an ability to identify hazardous materials and conditions to ensure safety of the demolition and the integrity of the structure.

As a leading demolition company in New York, we can assure you that our experienced and highly skilled team is more than capable of taking on all sorts of demolition projects. Trust in our professionals to help dismantle and demolish exterior items and structures with ease. To learn more about our services, visit us online.

NYC- Emergency Demolition

When it comes to emergency demolition services in NYC, Morgan Services Group is the go-to problem solver. As a fully licensed contractor, you can rest assured knowing that the best demolition contractors in New York are handling your property rapidly and efficiently. There are many reasons why an emergency demolition is needed, such as a fire, flood, or unsafe structures that can put the safety of others at risk. When a property or building has experienced such an impact, the prescribed remedy is typically a partial or full demolition, or an emergency repair.

Fire / Flood

A fire or flood can be a devastating event, such an emergency can often create situations that make it difficult for other workers to access the building, and if a structure is beyond repair, may need an emergency demolition to prevent bigger damages from occurring. When such a hardship hits, Morgan Services Group will be there to assist in your time of need. We are a team of compassionate and fast-acting demolition experts here to handle such emergencies with ease.

Unsafe Structures

Structural collapses can abruptly happen causing an emergency demolition to take place. This will most commonly happen with older buildings. It is also common that while demolition work is occurring, the presence of hazardous materials such as lead or asbestos might be identified. Such structural issues require an emergency response team such as ours to secure the site and handle any demolition work that is needed in the moment.

How Can We Help?

It all starts with a phone call.

Morgan Services Group is highly skilled and understands the necessity of a swift response to handle emergency demolitions. If you are in need of emergency demolition services in NYC, you can trust in our well-versed team to handle the situation. We will quickly head to your location to assess the situation and coordinate with all city emergency response units. Our expert and detailed team will take all precautions needed to secure the site and carry out the necessary demolition work.

When dealing with emergency demolitions, you can rest assured knowing that we have the equipment, experience, and knowledge of local expedited regulations and codes required to be able to respond quickly to emergencies. Call on our team to properly demolish any affected structure so that the site can quickly turn into a construction site, and lives and property can be rebuilt.

Please contact us if you have any emergency demolition needs. For more information about Morgan Services Group and our services, feel free to visit our website.   

What Happens After a Demolition?

A demolition is a partial or complete removal of a structure. Dramatized scenes of demolitions portrayed in the entertainment industry have led many people to have all types of preconceived ideas about them. To learn more about the common myths and misconceptions about demolition, check out our related blog post here or follow along below as we discuss the work that takes place after a demolition has been completed.

Waste Management

While modern demolition techniques are significantly more controlled than traditional ones, there’s no getting around the huge amounts of debris left behind. The first step after a successful demolition is to properly and appropriately remove the debris from the site and its surrounding environment. Not only does this step prepare the site for excavation, it works to benefit the environment as well. A great waste management service should be able to remove all types of debris from bricks and glass to scrap metal and wood.

Excavation

Excavating a site means removing any unnecessary rocks and dirt in order to prepare for new construction. While it may seem as though excavation is simply superficial work, it is also in fact responsible for carrying out a large number of other vital duties as well. From grading and leveling the site to digging trenches and removing contaminated soil, quality excavation services are an invaluable resource in the construction industry.

Innovation

When it’s officially time to retire a structure, it’s because something better, stronger, and more innovative is on the horizon. Excavation paves the way for future innovation by preparing construction sites for brilliant architects, designers, and construction workers to transform them into something new. Excavation teams work very closely with construction teams to ensure that all necessary adaptations and grading requirements have been adequately satisfied.

Conclusion

Both commercial and residential structures can greatly benefit from full or partial demolition services. When you need a demolition crew that also provides excavation services, the experts at Morgan Services Group Corp have over twenty years of industry experience, are on call 24/7, and are ready to help. Our team is committed to providing reliable and high quality services, and always includes debris removal within our quotes. Contact us here for more information!

How to Choose the Best Demolition Contractor

Demolition requires more skill and precision than most realize. A properly completed demolition is the first step in a successful construction project. Here are a few tips on what you should look for in a demolition contractor.

Fully Licensed and Insured

Any demo contractor worth their salt will have sufficient licensing and insurance. Do your due diligence and verify that all licenses and insurance are current and active. Certain types of demolition jobs require very specific forms of insurance coverage. Knowing exactly what you need demolished on your project will allow you to asses if your demolition company has the correct insurance for the job. Liability insurance is an important financial protection to have for you as well as the company you hire in the event of an accident. You don’t want to have unexpected legal or medical expenses added onto your budget due to a contractor having insufficient insurance coverage.

Experience

Find out how many years your contractor has been in business. Ask them if they are experienced in providing the type of demolition you require. Some contractors may specialize in a very specific type of demolition project and not others. Make sure the contractor you hire has performed the type of work you are seeking. An experienced demolition contractor will also know how to expedite a job if needed. This is a complex process that involves coordinating many different entities from government agencies to other vendors and contractors.

Response Time

How quickly does the contractor get back to you? How often will they provide updates on your project? If a contractor is difficult to get a hold of just to perform an estimate, it’s not a good sign for when the demolition work is actually in progress. You want a demolition contractor that keeps you informed and the lines of communication open. A good demolition contractor will get back to you within 24 hours if you request a quote.

Safety

Your state will have certain regulations for maintaining safety. In New York, a demolition contractor should be DOB (Department of Buildings) and OSHA (Occupational Safety Hazard Association) compliant. Certain demolition jobs may require additional safety requirements, such as a site safety plan with a Site Safety Coordinator or Manager and Construction Superintendent.

Value Engineering

Value engineering is a systematic and organized approach to providing the necessary functions in a project at the lowest cost. Value engineering promotes the substitution of materials and methods with less expensive alternatives, without sacrificing functionality. A true demolition specialist will be able to offer you value engineering methods.

Worksite Environment Standards

Any professional demolition company will know how to complete your demolition in a manner that provides for the most efficient cleanup and disposal of debris. They will also make sure any debris is safely disposed of according to local regulations. Experienced demolition contractors know how to manage noise, dust and cleanup.

At Morgan Services Group we have over 20 years of experience in performing complex demolition projects. Visit our website to find out in depth details about our services and qualifications.

The Demolition Process & Methods of Demolition

If the time ever comes that you’re looking to demolish either a commercial or residential building, it can help to understand the process and methods of demolition which contractors may use. Keep reading to learn more about the process of demolition as well as a few of the techniques demolition contractors will use to demolish your structure.

Demolition team working to demolish a structure.
Demolition team working to demolish a structure.

Demolition Process

Before diving into the methods of demolition commonly used by contractors, it is helpful to consider and understand the process of demolition. The demolition process consists of four steps in order to guarantee a safe and effective completion of the job and work area.

These steps include:

1. Surveying-Considers construction materials used and methods of construction for the building

2. Removal of hazardous materials-Focuses on removing materials carrying asbestos and other hazardous materials

3. Preparation of plan-A very detailed plan that breaks down the entire job from start to finish for the safety of everyone involved

4. Safety measures-Includes a briefing on all potential hazards of this specific demolition job

While this is a minimal look into the demolition process and its steps, it can still help in the understanding of what might be expected in any demolition project.

Demolition crew in the middle of a job.
Demolition crew in the middle of a job.

Non-Explosive Demolition Methods

When pursuing a non-explosive method of demolition the entire process will take place without the use of explosives. Some of the different equipment which can be used in this method of demolition include but aren’t limited to:

1. Sledge hammers

2. Excavators and bulldozers

3. Wrecking balls

4. High reach arms

Explosive Demolition Methods

If non-explosive demolition isn’t what you need for your particular job, your contractor could use explosive methods to see the job done right. These methods include implosion and selective demolition and each are used for different jobs.

1. Implosion-The most dramatic way to demolish a structure. It requires blast crews to consider the structural design of the building in order to determine the exact placement of the explosives and guarantee a clean and safe demolition.

2. Selective demolition-Otherwise known as a “strip-out,” this method has become popular because it allows builders to reuse and recycle building materials.

Final Thoughts As you’re trying to get a demolition project going with your contractor, it can be helpful and useful to understand the process and methods of demolition you may expect to find in that process. When you’re ready to start on your demolition project, reach out to the team at Morgan Services Group Corp to serve as your trusted demolition contractor.

Top 3 Demolished Buildings of New York

1. Singer Building (1907-1968)

The Singer Building was completed in 1908 and served as a new headquarters for the Singer Sewing Machine Company. Constructed at Broadway and Liberty Street, the edifice was not only New York’s first skyscraper, but also the tallest building until 1909. The Singer Building was designed by Ernest Flagg, an architect of the Beaux-Arts School—an American Renaissance movement concerned with heavy ornamentation and classical style. Made up of a steel frame, red bricks, and limestone trim, the landmark structure had 47 stories and was 612 feet high. Until 2019, it was the tallest building to be demolished by human design. (Once 270 Park Avenue is fully demolished, it will be the sole holder of that title.)

The Singer Building.
Wikimedia Commons

2. New York Hippodrome Theater (1905-1939)

Home to circuses, spectacles, vaudeville performances, 500-member choruses, and plays, the Hippodrome Theater was another Beaux-Arts edifice. Modeled after the European hippodromes, the theater also reflected the Moorish Revival style via elements like its corner towers, each of which was topped by an electric-light-covered globe. Other parts like the capitals and entablatures were callbacks to ancient Rome. Complete with hydraulic elevators, 5,200-person-seating, and a water tank usable for both ice skating shows and swimming, the venue was perfect for staging Harry Houdini’s magic shows. In 1918, the illusionist had a 10,000 pound elephant named Jennie disappear from the brightly lit stage. Despite these fantastical acts, the crowd gradually waned as movies dethroned these forms of entertainment from their reign. During the stock market crash, the building’s developer forsook the site. The theater was finally demolished in 1939, when real estate values of the area soared.

The New York Hippodrome Theater.
Wikimedia Commons

3. Lewisohn Stadium (1915-1973)

As epic as the New York Hippodrome Theater was, the Lewisohn Stadium was even more so. With a capacity of 8,000, the semi-oval structure was located between 136th and 138th Streets and Amsterdam and Convent Avenues. Some of the notable productions staged at the stadium included The Trojan Women (1915) and Aida (1917), which suited the amphitheater’s Doric colonnade. The stadium’s namesake is the philanthropic Adolph Lewisohn, a German industrialist who funded its construction. A lover of operas and French Impressionism, Lewisohn was determined to make fine arts available to as many as possible. Thanks to his generosity, the ticket prices for summer symphonic concerts were often as cheap as 25 cents. The stadium was demolished to make room for the City College’s new $90-million academic center.

The Lewisohn Stadium.
Wikimedia Commons

Conclusion

There are so many other old beautiful buildings that went away too soon. Notable mentions include the Samuel Osgood House, 52 Broadway, Savoy-Plaza Hotel. Whether to make room for other buildings, or to manage one’s finances, enlisting the right demolition service is key. Let Morgan Services Group know your demolition needs today!

Signs Your Home Needs a Demolition – Not a Renovation

When you love the location but hate the house, you are forced to make a difficult decision: should you renovate the home, or completely demolish it? Although there are many pros and cons to weigh, there are some circumstances in which tearing down a home is your best option. Read below to find out whether or not you should demolish your home.

The Home Requires Too Many Renovations or Repairs

Be smart with your wallet. If your home needs so many renovations that it ends up costing more than completely rebuilding it, you might as well demolish it and build a new one. Starting fresh can often save you more money than if you tried to salvage the home with renovations.

Likewise, if the cost of repairs exceeds the value of your home, opt for a demolition. The value of a home drops dramatically if it requires extensive repairs, so you may be better off to cut your losses and build a new home entirely; this can save you money and even bring the property’s value back up. Are you not interested in staying? After the demolition, you can also choose to sell the empty lot to buyers who are interested in building their own homes.

The House has Structural Issues Beyond Repair

Just because you can afford repairs doesn’t mean you will be able to do them. Over time, some homes suffer severe damages in the foundation, walls, ceilings, and other structural supports. If these aren’t able to be repaired, you may be forced to tear down the home.

How do you know if your home isn’t repairable? Be on the lookout for cracks or buckling in the foundation, weakened walls or ceilings, mold and mildew damage, and other things that indicate structural problems. If you’re not sure, contact a housing contractor to inspect it for you.

The House is Declared Unsafe

There are many reasons why a home would be deemed “uninhabitable.” Animal or insect infestations, black mold, asbestos, or peeling paint all pose serious health hazards and make a house dangerous to live in. Repairs usually aren’t enough to make an uninhabitable house habitable again, so you will need to demolish it.

Consider the Land

The Vacant Lot is More Marketable: Oftentimes, a home can lower the value of a property. Many people choose to demolish their old home and sell the vacant lot to make a better profit.

You Need the Land to Build a Custom Home: When you’re looking to build your dream home, it can be difficult to find the right plot of land. Oftentimes, people will buy a property with a house already on it, and then demolish it to make room for their own custom home.

You Don’t Have Space for Additions: If a property doesn’t have space to add on another room, many people choose to rebuild a new house to get the layout or space they want. Since it is so expensive, first consider knocking out some walls or installing an attic or basement instead. If you have no other options, you may want to tear down the home and build a new one with your desired additions included.

Other Reasons

HOA Restrictions: Many Home Owners Associations have property restrictions that may prevent you from adding rooms to your home. If you dislike your home’s current layout but can’t change anything due to these restrictions, consider demolishing and rebuilding.

The House is Old: If your house is really old, you may be better off tearing it down and building anew. Old homes generally develop issues that require more substantial repairs over time, but a newer, more modern home will provide many benefits that an old home wouldn’t.

You Want to Fit In: Some neighborhoods feature many unique houses that look different from each other, while other neighborhoods have identical houses all lined up in a row. If your home sticks out from the rest, and not in a good way, it may be time to demolish it and rebuild one that fits in with the others.

Conclusion

If you find yourself in any of these situations listed above, keep your budget, patience, and housing dreams safe by choosing a demolition. If you need to tear down a home safely, efficiently, and affordably, call on Morgan Services Group Corp. Our contractors will let you know if demolishing, rather than renovating, is your best option.

Reasons Why a Professional is Essential During an Interior Demolition Project

The word “demolition” can bring to mind images of a total tear down and complete destruction. Gutting the inside of a property is a hefty job that comes with a lot of responsibility. Instead of taking on these tasks by yourself, hiring a professional is the best way to ensure your project is done right! If you are currently deciding to do a demolition, follow along in this blog to learn about all the different reasons why a professional is best for your interior demolition project!

Planning

In order for interior demolition to work, you must have a plan beforehand. It would be unwise to tear down the inside of your property without having even the slightest idea of what your next steps are. Before you begin with the sledgehammer, meet with a team of professionals who will help you write out the best plan. It’s essential you let the team know what you main goals are; this will help them when it comes to creating reasonable and tangible plans. Perhaps you want a larger closet or bathroom, but there simply isn’t enough building space. If you were to attempt demolition on your own, you may not have enough experience to know you’re going to run out of room. Identify load bearing walls, pipes and electrical work throughout the structure is essential to avoid costly mistakes. An experienced contractor will be able to catch the spacing errors and identify load bearing walls before demolition even begins. Going forward, the team will be able to advise you on what the best options are!

Preparation

Deciding to begin an interior demolition project should never be a spur of the moment action. When deciding to redo the inside of your property, it’s best to be fully committed. After your plans have been written up and approved by a professional, you are going to need to discuss standard procedure practices with the team. Ensure this is really a project you are ready to take on by consulting with your contractor. Together you can come up with safety measures, backup plans, and an appropriate time frame. While the demolition is occurring, you are going to need alternative places to work or reside. Speaking with a professional is a great way to be confident on the planned schedule. 

Proper Expectations

The idea of exterior walls standing strong while the inside is gutted and emptied seems to be an easy enough image to conjure in your mind. During this time, however, it is important to have reasonable expectations. As a spectator or someone who isn’t a professional, you may not have insight to the inner workings of an interior demolition. Staying in touch with your team is imperative in order to keep all your expectations in check. While you may believe the schedule is lagging or going by too fast, the team knows what is best. Should a backup plan need to be implemented, it’s important to understand your team truly only believes it is the best option! Your contractor will help you have reasonable expectations by setting the pace during each check in. Relying on their expertise is the best way to ensure a successful outcome.

Conclusion

An interior demolition project isn’t always what people expect it to be. Hiring a team of professionals is the best way to ensure your project is planned and prepared for correctly, while also keeping you informed and in check during the entire process. If you’re set on tearing out the interior of your property, do it right by getting in touch with our team of experienced professionals here at Morgan Services Group Corp!

Garage Demolition FAQs

Garage Demolition

So, you think you need to remove your garage, but you have no idea where to start. How much is it going to cost? Is there anything you need to do before and after the demolition process? Do you need a permit? This blog post will go over some FAQs regarding garage demolition.

Why Have a Garage Demolished? Do I Need a Permit?

A garage is demolished if it is no longer needed, if it is broken-down beyond repair and needs to be replaced with a new structure, or if the entire house is being demolished.

As for permits, you will typically need one prior to demolishing your garage. However, each city has different rules and regulations, so check with your local building department before starting the demolition. Your demolition contractor usually handles this for you.

How Much Will it Cost?

Garage Demolition

Garage demolitions typically range from $3,000 in a rural area to $18,000 in a densely populated city. However, many factors affect the overall cost, such as the size and material of the garage, the foundation and location of the garage, and whether the garage is attached or detached. It may also depend on if the garage contains utility lines (such as electrical or plumbing systems) or hazardous materials (like asbestos or lead paint).

What Should I Do Before the Demolition?

Your garage should be completely emptied of all items, tools, and automobiles. The gas, electricity, and plumbing lines need to be completely cut and capped. Hazardous materials, such as lead paint and asbestos, need to be removed by a professional in order to comply with environmental guidelines, ensure safe removal, and to obtain an asbestos report in order to get the permit from the city.

How Should I Dispose of the Debris?

Demolition Debris

Some states and cities have certain ordinances that dictate how debris should be disposed of, so be sure to check before starting the demolition project. Most of the debris will be recycled, and things that can’t be recycled will be taken away with a dumpster rental. Your demolition contractor should handle the dumpster rental process, so don’t forget to discuss this with them.

What is the Garage Demolition Process?

1. An asbestos inspection must be conducted in order to get an asbestos report.

2. The demolition contractor obtains a permit from your city.

3. Garage utilities such as water, gas, and electricity are shut off, so that pipes and wires can be safely removed and recycled.

4. The roof, trim, and siding are plied off. With these out of the way, the inner drywall can now be removed.

5. Garage doors and windows are removed. If they are in good condition, they will be placed aside to use later or to sell. If they are in poor condition, they will be recycled.

6. The framing is taken apart with a pry bar and hammer, rather than destroyed with heavy equipment. This saves time and money and allows these materials to be reused.

7. If you don’t wish to leave the foundation in place, the concrete slab is broken up and removed. Otherwise, the remaining slab must be cracked for drainage.

8. A final inspection is conducted by the city in order to close the open permit.

Can I Do the Garage Removal Myself?

Demolition Site with Construction Materials and Wheelbarrow

Though you could potentially do it yourself, it’s best to rely on a professional demolition team to handle it for you. An inexperienced homeowner may end up doing it improperly, which could cause costly damages and complications later down the line, to not only your property, but to your neighbors. A DIY demolition job can also result in serious injuries.

At Morgan Services Group Corp, we have the many years of training and hands-on experience it takes to safely and effectively tear down structures. Call on us for your next garage demolition project!

Hydraulic Excavator 101

An excavator is often seen on demolition sites throughout NYC. Upon a cursory look, the hydraulic excavator resembles something out of a fantastical dream; with a slow speed, twisty movements, and a sauropod-esque stature, this beast of a machine can seem like an eccentric jumble of parts. However, this very combination is what enables the whole structure to work and achieve great feats. Below are some of the highlights this structure has to offer.

Boom and Bucket

If the excavator were a long-necked dinosaur, the bucket would be akin to the “head” of the beast, and the rest of this part the “neck.” The bucket is prominently bulky, and perfectly suited for scooping up heavy objects. Famous for being a popularizer of the bucket wrist and its rotational movement, the Gradall excavator was one of the earliest excavators to attempt to make the bucket’s rotation simulate the movements of a human hand. In various cases, the bucket may be switched out with an auger, grapple, or a breaker.

Cab

Connected to the boom via the boom cylinder, the cab is the centerpiece of the excavator. The cab allows a driver to hop into the driver’s seat and operate the machine. Protected by a windshield and a door, the driver then only needs to move his or her fingers dexterously to achieve the desired excavation. The first excavator to feature the 360-degree continuous swing emerged at the German firm Demag in 1954. This hydraulic, crawler-mounted machine served as the model for years to come. Today, it’s standard practice for all machines!

Shoe

The shoe is the foundational platform of an excavator. Located below the cab, this part is crucial for helping the machine roam smoothly across rugged terrain. Often, the shoe covers a track chain, which is prompted by top rollers and bottom rollers, which are in turn put to motion by the sprocket and the idlers. An oval track drive allows the track to loosen when moving in reverse, whereas a high-drive track drive (introduced in the 1970s) allows the track to tighten between the two idlers, making for sleeker contact between the ground and the track. The credit goes to the elevated sprocket, which is what makes the high-drive track drive form a triangular shape instead of an oval.

Conclusion

The parts of an excavator are numerous. Reflecting on those other parts of the beast can help us better appreciate the fascinating technology that is excavation. After all, over history, these nerd-outs are how many made improvements to their methods. To see an excavator in action and learn more about our excavation services, simply reach out to Morgan Services Group Corp!

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