Morgan Services Group Corp

Leaders in the demolition industry in New York City

Tag: demolition planning (page 3 of 4)

How to Reduce Waste in a Demolition Project

When it comes to demolition, the goal is to get rid of a building or structure that is far too old and damaged or inhabitable due to fire and flood disasters, health concerns, and so on. However, for demolition projects that involve a partial or total removal of a structure to accommodate a new building, most materials can be salvaged as long as they aren’t too old or damaged. By properly stripping down a building for materials and components, it can greatly reduce waste from ending up in landfills. In this month’s blog, we will discuss steps on how to successfully salvage materials and make a demolition project more environmentally friendly.

Identify Salvageable Materials

The first step is to identify any materials that can be sold or are recyclable and reusable. Most salvageable materials include:

  • Timber
  • Concrete
  • Bricks
  • Roof tiles
  • Steel and metal parts
  • Gravel and sand
  • Plants and greenery

As long as these components are mostly intact and not damaged, they can be repurposed for a different project. For example, large pieces of timber can be cut down for smaller constructs. Scrapped wood can also be chipped and used as mulch. Another example would be reusing concrete to greatly minimize waste and prevent it from being dumped into landfills. It has great versatility and can be pulverized through processing equipment to a more refined state. It can then be used as an effective material for drainage systems, gravel driveways, and even new concrete. These are great environmentally friendly efforts that will help the overall reduction in production waste. After identifying and noting what materials are able to be saved, you can then begin focusing on inspection and planning out your demolition. 

Full Inspection

Before executing any demolition plans, make sure to do a full and thorough inspection around the job site. During this evaluation, you can let your team know which parts and material components can be salvaged. Even though not everything can be saved, this is a good opportunity to try to salvage as much as possible and plan your demolition around it.

Deconstruction before Demolition

Orchestrating a deconstruction tear down in applicable areas will make salvaging materials much easier while keeping them intact. This includes plumbing fixtures, tiles, large pieces of lumber, and metal. Not only will this reduce waste but it can also save money if you end up reselling these materials for reuse. Even though deconstruction may take longer, it is more environmentally friendly because it reduces the amount of dust and debris released. After you and your team have successfully deconstructed and salvaged as much as possible, you can proceed with demolishing areas that are unsalvageable.

If you are unable to deconstruct due to time restraints, demolishing buildings in sections instead of all at once will help prevent the salvageable materials from being completely destroyed.

Reuse and Recycle

After deconstructing and demolishing, your materials should be sorted out. The more organized you are in sorting will make it easier to handle and transport the materials towards the end of the project. Remember to properly store your materials to prevent damage and deterioration. For example, it’s beneficial to protect them from the rain so you can prevent wood from rotting and metal from rusting.

Try to reuse what you can or resell it to an organization that can make use of it in another project. If any of the resources can’t be reused, recycling them is always a great option that works for most materials, such as wood, metal, brick, plastic, and much more. We should always be conscious on what we can do to help reduce waste from entering and destroying our environment. Not to mention, putting effort into salvaging materials is a good money-saving method where you can profit from reselling and not spending money on transporting and getting rid of the waste.

Conclusion

When you want a reliable demolition service, it’s best to put your trust in a company that has an amazing track record of getting things done in an efficient manner. At Morgan Services Group, we specialize in residential and commercial demolition as well as both interior and exterior demolition. We also have the necessary manpower and equipment needed for any excavation services. Learn more by visiting our website or contacting us at 1-855-800-DEMO (3366).

Stairwell Demolitions

Reasons for demolishing existing staircases and stairwells can vary from cosmetic to safety and ensuring the building is up to code. Property owners considering a stairwell demolition should ensure it’s worth the work, know how to prepare the space, and know who to hire for professional help along the way. Follow along this month as we dive into the ins and outs of stairwell demolitions for residential and commercial buildings.

Is it Worth It?

Oftentimes the bottom line in deciding if investing in a new staircase is worth it comes down to health and safety reasons. If the staircase is structurally unsafe, contains asbestos, or was not built to code there’s no avoiding a demolition or major renovation. If the reason for demolition is for aesthetic or cosmetic reasons the major factors to then consider are your budget, timeline, and level of understanding about construction and demolition; or lack thereof.

Prepping the Space

You can save yourself valuable time and money in the long haul by thoroughly preparing your space for demolition ahead of time. Prepping the space can involve removing the non-weight bearing parts such as the posts, railings, carpeting, tackless strips, and treads. This will ensure that when your demolition team arrives they will be able to get the job done in no time.

Hire a Demolition Contractor

There are many complex tasks and factors associated with interior demolitions such as identifying load baring structures, methods of removing material, proper ventilation, noise pollution and infection control. Unfortunately, unless you’re a certified demolition contractor you are going to need to hire additional professional help to legally complete this process. When you hire a professional demolition team you are investing in their industry experience and fully licensed and insured services too.

Final Thoughts

Whether your unsafe or unsightly staircase is located in a home or commercial business, the demolition experts at Morgan Services Group are here to help you. For many years we have provided countless NYC residents with safe, affordable, and reliable interior and exterior demolition services twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. Visit our website or call us at (855) 800-DEMO for your free estimate!

Demolition Facts You May Not Know About

The general public has some knowledge about the demolition industry, but they do not know everything that demolition entails. If you were to speak to a professional contractor, they would tell you that there are many factors to consider, such a minimizing waste during and after a project or the careful preservation of a historical building. Learn more about the real facts of demolition in our blog.

Minimize Waste

There is the misconception that landfills are full of materials and waste from a demolition. However, a lot of the focus during a demo project is recycling those materials. This is to prevent waste of materials and landfill usage. Behind the scenes, the average person doesn’t see the meticulous thought and detail that goes into planning a demolition, including minimizing waste.

Preservation

Knocking down a building isn’t always the goal in a demolition. Many demolition companies are called to handle historical preservation, which involves extensive planning and preparation. This type of project may require walls, floors, and other materials to be removed. However, the outside of the building must stay intact. Contractors must look at the physical condition, mandated code requirements, and other factors.

Cost-Effective

Some may think that demolishing a building is an expensive part of a construction project, but that’s not actually true. With the demolition phase, many owners are able to break even on demolition costs or even turn a profit on a project. Also, depending on the size of the structure and the condition it’s in, demoing a building can be more cost-efficient than making major upgrades.

Conclusion

Morgan Services Group is a leading demolition company in NYC that handles demolition and excavation projects for a commercial clientele. With over 20 years in the industry, we have what it takes to complete your project on time, every time. Contact us at 1-855-800-DEMO (3366) for a free quote today!

A Pre-Demolition Check List

Demolition is a crucial element to rebuilding and refurbishing existing structures. The demolition process itself is incredibly complex which is why proper preparation needs to be a top priority every single time. Below we discuss five steps that need to be taken before a demolition can safely begin.

Surveying

Site surveying is an early process that will take into consideration the desired construction materials, methods for construction, any potential obstacles, and many other components of the upcoming build.

Dangerous Chemicals

Many older structures were initially constructed using harmful substances and chemicals such as lead and asbestos. An expert must inspect the building prior to demolition to ensure that necessary safety protocols will be taken if dangerous chemicals are indeed detected.

Rodents

Many counties across the country require a rodent inspection prior to beginning the demolition process. This is to ensure that there is not an infestation present that could potentially flee to neighboring properties following the demolition. An active pest infestation needs to be treated with the necessary chemicals and traps before demolition can continue.

Acquire Permits

Any project requiring a demolition will also require the acquisition of necessary permits but the exact processes and permits needed will vary by county and state. Those in the state of New York will need to submit their requests and payment to the DOB (Department of Buildings) who offers both online and in-person services.

Utilities

Before a safe demolition can begin, all utilities on the property that are still in service must be disconnected. These include the water, electricity, and most importantly gas. Turning these utilities off prior to demolition is absolutely crucial when it comes to preventing injury and fire.

Final Thoughts

While the demolition process itself can be astonishingly intricate, a great demolition team will have the knowledge and skills needed to ensure every property is prepped properly. Whether you need a complete, partial, interior, or exterior demolition, the experts at Morgan Services Group are the leading provider of demolition and excavation services in the NYC community. Visit our website or call us at +1 855 800 DEMO (3366) to get started or for more information!

Home Extension Projects: Who to Hire for Help

There are countless reasons why homeowners choose to invest in extending their homes. A successful addition to any type of building requires help from a highly experienced and knowledgeable team of industry experts. In this month’s blog post we discuss the four professionals that are crucial to have on your team when beginning a home extension project.

Expeditor

A demolition expeditor, also known as the filing representative, has many responsibilities involving the steady flow of progress on a home extension project. From advising the correct type of filing, working with various city agencies to submitting drawings and applications, an expeditor is an asset you will not want to build without.

Great expediting services will ensure your build is completed on time, to code, and for less money. Morgan Services Group offers expediting services to streamline your project!

Interior Demolition Service

Once you’ve acquired the appropriate permits you can finally move forward to the most exciting step, the interior demolition. An interior demolition ultimately works to remove all non-structural components within the area of the home you wish to extend.

Interior demolition services are cost effective, quick, and perfect for removing unnecessary walls, flooring, ceilings, stairs or any other items in the way of your build. Morgan Services Group offers debris cleanup and daily removal from all our sites.

Excavator

Once the old and unwanted components of your home are hauled away, an excavator will come in to ensure that the foundation below where your new structure will be built is structurally sound. This will include digging trenches, ensuring the ground is level, removing contaminated soil, and many other tasks to prepare the site for construction.

Building Contractor

Your building contractor will work with you through your entire home extension project from helping you acquire your desired materials to ensuring that the extension is built to health, safety, and legal standards.

A building contractor should also make sure that the entire project complies with all the specifications outlined in the contract established at the beginning of the project.

Conclusion

A home extension that’s built and managed properly can add an incredible amount of value and joy to any home. In big cities especially such as New York City, property owners are finding that building home extensions is the best way to affordably acquire significantly more living space and add property value.

Morgan Services Group Corp is NYC’s one stop shop for residential and commercial expediting, excavation, and demolition services. Visit our website here for more information.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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