Demolition bidding requires thorough site assessment, understanding of disposal costs, and careful attention to safety requirements. This guide helps demolition contractors win profitable commercial projects.
Understanding Demolition Bid Documents
Project Documents
Key Documents
- Demolition plans
- Structural drawings (existing)
- Hazmat survey reports
- Site surveys
- Specifications
Information to Extract
- Scope of demolition
- Hazardous materials
- Salvage requirements
- Site constraints
- Disposal requirements
Specifications
Division 02 Sections
- 02 41 00 - Demolition
- 02 42 00 - Removal and Salvage
- 02 82 00 - Asbestos Remediation
- 02 83 00 - Lead Remediation
Critical Details
- Demolition methods
- Salvage requirements
- Hazmat procedures
- Disposal requirements
- Protection requirements
Types of Demolition
Complete Demolition
Scope
- Total building removal
- Foundation removal
- Site clearance
- Utility disconnection
Considerations
- Building size and type
- Construction methods
- Hazardous materials
- Adjacent structures
Selective Demolition
Scope
- Interior removal
- Partial structure removal
- Existing condition preservation
- System removal
Challenges
- Protection requirements
- Precision work
- Occupied buildings
- Access limitations
Interior Demolition
Typical Items
- Partition walls
- Ceilings
- Flooring
- MEP systems
- Finishes
Considerations
- Building occupancy
- Dust and noise control
- Work hour restrictions
- Debris removal access
Site Assessment
Pre-Bid Survey
Essential Items
- Building construction type
- Structural system
- Material quantities
- Access conditions
- Utility locations
Documentation
- Photographs
- Measurements
- Condition notes
- Hazard identification
Hazardous Materials
Common Hazards
- Asbestos
- Lead paint
- PCBs
- Mercury
- Mold
Survey Requirements
- Professional assessment
- Laboratory testing
- Documentation
- Abatement planning
Structural Assessment
Evaluate
- Construction type
- Condition
- Stability
- Connection methods
- Foundation type
Takeoff Methods
Quantity Estimation
Common Units
- Square footage (floors, walls)
- Cubic yards (debris volume)
- Linear feet (pipe, conduit)
- Unit counts (fixtures, equipment)
Conversion Factors
- Building to debris ratio
- Compaction factors
- Truck capacities
- Weight calculations
Debris Calculations
Typical Factors
- Concrete: 150 lbs/CF
- Steel: 490 lbs/CF
- Wood framing: 35 lbs/CF
- Drywall: 35 lbs/CF
- Mixed debris: 500-600 lbs/CY
Truck Loads
- 20 CY dumpster: 4-5 tons
- 30 CY dumpster: 6-7 tons
- 40 CY dumpster: 8-10 tons
Pricing Components
Labor
Activities
- Pre-demolition prep
- Demolition work
- Debris loading
- Site cleanup
- Traffic control
Productivity Factors
- Building type
- Equipment access
- Work hour restrictions
- Safety requirements
- Hazmat presence
Equipment
Common Equipment
- Excavators with attachments
- Skid steers
- Dump trucks
- Cranes
- Hand tools
Cost Factors
- Rental rates
- Operator costs
- Mobilization
- Fuel
- Attachments
Disposal Costs
Categories
- Clean fill
- Mixed C&D debris
- Recyclables
- Hazardous waste
- Special waste
Cost Ranges
- Clean fill: $10-30/ton
- Mixed debris: $40-80/ton
- Hazardous: $100-500/ton
Hazmat Abatement
Scope Items
- Containment setup
- Removal work
- Air monitoring
- Disposal
- Clearance testing
Cost Impact
- Often major cost component
- Licensed contractors required
- Disposal expensive
- Documentation extensive
Common Bidding Mistakes
Scope Gaps
Frequently Missed
- Hazmat abatement
- Temporary protection
- Traffic control
- Utility disconnection
- Permit fees
- Testing and monitoring
Underestimation
Watch For
- Debris quantities
- Hidden conditions
- Access limitations
- Disposal costs
- Safety requirements
Site Condition Errors
Common Issues
- Undisclosed hazmat
- Structural surprises
- Utility conflicts
- Access problems
Safety Requirements
OSHA Compliance
Key Standards
- Demolition standard (1926.850-860)
- Fall protection
- Respiratory protection
- Lead standard
- Asbestos standard
Documentation
- Engineering survey
- Safety plans
- Training records
- Monitoring results
Site Safety
Requirements
- Perimeter security
- Dust control
- Noise mitigation
- Public protection
- Emergency procedures
Environmental Compliance
Air Quality
Requirements
- Dust control measures
- Air monitoring
- Permits
- Documentation
Methods
- Water suppression
- Barriers
- HEPA filtration
- Air monitoring
Disposal Regulations
Compliance
- Proper characterization
- Licensed haulers
- Permitted facilities
- Manifests and tracking
Recycling
Common Materials
- Concrete
- Metal
- Wood
- Asphalt
- Cardboard
Benefits
- Lower disposal costs
- Environmental compliance
- LEED credits
- Public relations
Insurance and Bonding
Insurance Requirements
Typical Coverage
- General liability
- Pollution liability
- Workers' compensation
- Equipment coverage
- Professional liability
Special Considerations
- Adjacent property damage
- Environmental incidents
- Completed operations
Bonding
Requirements
- Performance bonds
- Payment bonds
- Permit bonds
Public Project Requirements
Prevailing Wage
Classifications
- Operating engineers
- Laborers
- Truck drivers
- Hazmat workers
Compliance
- Certified payroll
- Proper classifications
- Fringe benefits
Permits
Common Permits
- Demolition permit
- Building permit
- Air quality permit
- Street use permit
- Hazmat permits
Documentation
Required Records
- Disposal manifests
- Recycling receipts
- Hazmat documentation
- Air monitoring reports
- Daily logs
Technology in Demolition Bidding
Estimating Tools
Software
- HCSS HeavyBid
- B2W Estimate
- ProEst
- Custom databases
Features
- Quantity takeoff
- Equipment databases
- Disposal pricing
- Report generation
Site Documentation
Tools
- Drones
- 3D scanning
- Photo documentation
- GPS tracking
Competitive Strategies
Differentiation
Beyond Price
- Safety record
- Environmental compliance
- Equipment capabilities
- Schedule reliability
Value Engineering
Options
- Demolition methods
- Recycling optimization
- Phasing options
- Equipment selection
Conclusion
Successful demolition bidding requires thorough site assessment, accurate quantity estimation, and comprehensive safety planning. Survey the site carefully. Account for hazmat costs. Plan disposal properly. Include all safety requirements.
The demolition contractors who win profitable work combine estimating accuracy with safety excellence and environmental compliance.
ConstructionBids.ai helps demolition contractors find commercial opportunities and track bid deadlines for renovation, redevelopment, and site clearance projects.
