Hands On Demolition is a Vancouver-based demolition company serving homeowners, builders, and developers across Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley. We handle the full range of demolition work, from single-family teardowns to commercial buildings and selective interior projects, and we manage every step from permit applications through final site cleanup.
We've been family-owned and operating since 2012. Because we run our own equipment fleet (low beds, dump trucks, and excavators), we don't depend on third-party rentals. That means tighter scheduling, fewer delays, and lower costs passed on to you.
01 · What We Demolish
What We Demolish
Our team handles every common type of demolition project in the Lower Mainland.
Residential demolition.
Full house teardowns for new construction, garage and outbuilding removal, and selective interior demolition during renovations.
Commercial demolition.
Office buildings, retail spaces, and warehouses, with phased planning to minimize disruption to surrounding businesses.
Industrial demolition.
Larger facilities, structural steel, and concrete slab removal with on-site recycling where possible.
Interior and selective demolition.
Targeted removal of walls, fixtures, or sections during renovation work, with dust containment and finish protection.
Concrete and asphalt removal.
Driveways, foundations, sidewalks, patios, and parking lots, with on-site concrete crushing when site conditions allow.
02 · Planning
Pre-Demolition Planning and Consulting
Complex projects benefit from planning before crews show up on site. For developers, builders, and property owners managing their own projects, we offer pre-demolition consulting services to head off the surprises that drive up cost mid-job.
BC requires hazardous material surveys for any structure built before 1990. Asbestos, lead, and mould must be identified and safely removed by qualified abatement contractors before general demolition. We coordinate this process with certified firms as part of our standard pre-demolition scope.
Most demolition delays come from permit issues, hazmat surprises, or utility conflicts. All of these are predictable if you look for them early.
- Project planning & strategy Scope definition, sequencing, schedule, and equipment requirements
- Permit assistance Applications and coordination with Vancouver, Burnaby, Surrey, and other Lower Mainland municipalities
- Structural assessment Pre-demolition review of load-bearing concerns and adjacent structures
- Hazardous material coordination Asbestos, lead, and mould assessment with certified abatement firms
- Waste management strategy Diversion planning for LEED-targeted projects, with documentation
03 · Our process
Our Demolition Process
Every project follows the same proven process.
Site assessment and quote
We visit your site, review conditions, and provide a written estimate.
Permits and pre-demolition surveys
We apply for permits and complete any required hazardous material assessment.
Utility disconnections
We coordinate with utility providers to safely disconnect services.
Demolition
Crews mobilize and demolish according to plan.
Debris removal and recycling
Material is sorted on-site and recycled wherever possible.
Site cleanup
You receive a clean, level site ready for the next trade.
04 · Service Areas
Lower Mainland & Fraser Valley.
We provide demolition services across Vancouver, Burnaby, Surrey, Richmond, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Langley, Maple Ridge, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, New Westminster, Delta, and surrounding Lower Mainland communities.
05 · FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to demolish a house in Vancouver?
A typical single-family demolition varies. The final cost depends on house size, foundation type, any hazardous materials present, and disposal logistics. We provide free written quotes after a site visit.
Do I need a demolition permit in BC?
Yes. Every Lower Mainland municipality requires a demolition permit before work can begin. We include the permit application and coordination as part of our standard scope.
How long does demolition take?
Most residential demolitions take 2 to 5 days on site, plus 2 to 6 weeks of pre-work for permits and assessments. Commercial timelines vary based on size and complexity.