Excavation and Demolition in Victoria, BC
Every new build, addition, garden suite or drainage job starts with getting the site ready. Cool Construction Ltd provides excavation and demolition across Greater Victoria, including Victoria, Oak Bay, Saanich, Esquimalt, View Royal, Langford and Sidney, from taking down an old house or garage to digging for foundations, drainage and site preparation.
We work with John Deere equipment, and because we also build, our team, which includes a Level 3 Red Seal carpenter, plans the demolition and the dig around what comes next. You get one point of contact from the first site visit to a clean, ready site.
What we do in excavation and demolition
Every site is different, but most of our projects include some combination of the following:
• Full house, garage, shed and outbuilding demolition
• Interior demolition and strip outs before a renovation
• Removing decks, patios, concrete slabs and walkways
• Excavation for foundations, additions and garden suites
• Trenching for perimeter drainage and other drainage work
• Site clearing, grading and preparation for building
• Loading and removing demolition debris, with material sorted for recycling where possible
• Backfill and final grading once the work below ground is done
If you are planning a new home, an addition or a suite, we can take the project from demolition through excavation to construction with the same team.
Our excavation and demolition process
1. Free site visit. We walk the property, look at access, slopes, trees, neighbouring buildings and what needs to come down or be dug, and talk through your plans. No pressure and no obligation.
2. Scope and estimate. We put together a written scope and a clear estimate so you know what is included, including debris removal and any restoration.
3. Permits and hazardous materials. We help coordinate demolition and building permits with your municipality. For older buildings, a hazardous materials survey is completed before demolition, and any hazardous materials are removed safely first.
4. Utilities and locates. Services to the building are disconnected by the utility providers as required, and buried utilities are located and marked before any digging.
5. Demolition. We take the structure down in a controlled way, protect neighbouring property, keep dust down and sort material for recycling where possible.
6. Excavation and site prep. We excavate to the depth and layout set out in your plans, with engineering input where the site or design requires it.
7. Final walkthrough. We review the finished site with you so it is ready for the next stage, whether that is forms, drainage or landscaping.
How long does excavation or demolition take?
The time on site depends on the size of the structure or excavation, access for equipment, soil and rock conditions, any hazardous materials that must be removed first, and the weather. Permits and utility disconnections happen before work starts and add time up front, so it pays to start planning early. Your written estimate includes a project specific schedule.
How much do excavation and demolition cost in Victoria?
Costs depend on the size and type of structure, the materials it is made of, how much debris has to be hauled away, whether hazardous materials are present, how deep and how large the excavation is, what is found in the ground, and how easy it is to get equipment onto the site. The best way to get a real number is a free on site visit, followed by a written estimate for your project.
Excavation and demolition notes for Greater Victoria
Rock and soil. Many lots across Greater Victoria have bedrock close to the surface, while others have clay or fill. What is in the ground affects how a site is excavated, and we look at the conditions during the site visit.
Hazardous materials. Homes built before 1990 can contain asbestos in drywall compound, plaster, flooring, siding, roofing or vermiculite insulation. BC safety rules require a hazardous materials survey before renovation or demolition work in these buildings, and we plan for testing and safe removal before demolition starts.
Permits. The City of Victoria, Saanich, Oak Bay, Esquimalt, View Royal, Langford and Sidney each have their own demolition and building permit requirements, and some also have rules on trees, tree protection and recycling demolition material. We help you understand what applies to your address.
Utilities. Gas, hydro, water and sewer connections must be disconnected or capped properly before a building comes down, and buried utilities must be located before excavation.
Neighbours. On tight urban lots we plan equipment access, protection of fences and neighbouring property, and dust control from the start.
Why homeowners choose Cool Construction
• John Deere equipment and a skilled team
• We build too, so demolition and excavation are planned around what comes next
• A Level 3 Red Seal carpenter on the team
• One point of contact and a clear written scope and estimate
• Local to Greater Victoria
Excavation and demolition FAQs
Do I need a permit to demolish a house or garage?
In most cases, yes. Demolition of a house usually needs a permit from your municipality, and smaller structures may too. We confirm the requirements for your address before work starts.
What is a hazardous materials survey?
It is an inspection of a building, before renovation or demolition, to identify materials such as asbestos or lead paint. It is required for many older buildings in BC so that any hazardous materials can be removed safely before demolition.
Do you remove the debris?
Yes. Debris removal and hauling can be included in your written scope, and we sort material for recycling where possible.
Can you excavate for a new foundation, addition or garden suite?
Yes. We excavate for foundations, additions, garden suites and drainage, following your plans and any engineering for the site.
Do you do interior demolition for renovations?
Yes. We strip out kitchens, bathrooms, basements and other spaces to prepare for a renovation.
Which areas do you serve?
All of Greater Victoria, including Victoria, Oak Bay, Saanich, Esquimalt, View Royal, Langford, Sidney and nearby communities.
Ready to clear the way for your project?
Tell us about your site and we will book a free, no obligation site visit. Call 250-507-0825 or request your estimate online.
