Teardowns are a big part of construction in Fort Lauderdale. Older single-story homes on waterfront and near-downtown lots are regularly removed to make room for larger houses built to current flood and wind codes. We take down houses, garages, pools, driveways, slabs and sheds, separate concrete and metal for recycling where possible, and leave the lot graded and ready for the next step.
Paperwork comes before the excavator. A demolition permit is needed from the city, utilities have to be disconnected and capped by the providers, and structures are normally surveyed for asbestos before removal, which matters for the many mid-century homes here. If the property ever had a septic tank, it has to be pumped and properly abandoned. We coordinate these steps with you and your general contractor so the machine is not sitting idle.
Tight lots change how demolition is done. Houses in the older neighborhoods can be a few feet from a neighbor's wall, a seawall or a street tree, so we take structures apart in sections and control dust with water. Pool demolition needs special care in high groundwater: an empty shell can lift out of the ground, so we break through the bottom to relieve pressure before filling it in compacted layers.
Demolition in Fort Lauderdale: common questions
Can I just fill in my old pool with dirt?
Not safely. With groundwater this high, an intact empty shell can float or trap water. The usual method is to break up the bottom so water drains through, remove the top of the walls, then backfill in compacted layers. The city requires a permit for pool removal.
How long does a house demolition take in Fort Lauderdale?
The machine work on a typical single-family house is usually a matter of days. The lead time is in the steps before it: utility disconnects, any required surveys and the city permit. Start those early, because we cannot begin until they are done.
How it works
- Free estimate: Call, text or book online. We walk the site with you.
- Written quote: Scope, equipment and price in writing.
- Utility locate & plan: We have utilities marked and plan access, haul-off and erosion control.
- Dig, grade & clean up: We complete the work, grade the site and haul away spoil.