Does lot preparation include tearing down an existing house?

When there is an existing structure on the lot, that demolition is typically the first stage of the package, followed by clearing and excavation.

Do these contractors also handle tree and stump removal?

Many do, since tree and vegetation clearing is a common step between demolition and excavation on a build lot.

What condition is the lot left in when the work is done?

Most packages leave the site rough-graded to the elevations needed for the new foundation, rather than fully finished landscaping.

How is this different from just hiring an excavation company?

The bundle covers the earlier stages, structure removal and vegetation clearing, that come before excavation, so the lot is fully sequenced rather than requiring separate contractors for each step.

Land clearing and lot preparation for new construction

Getting a lot ready for new construction, whether an infill rebuild or a new-build on raw land, often means combining a few different jobs into one package: removing an existing structure if there is one, clearing trees and vegetation, then excavating and grading to leave a build-ready pad.

Existing structure removal: for infill and rebuild projects, the old house, cottage or outbuilding is torn down first.
Vegetation and tree clearing: brush, stumps and trees are cleared from the building envelope and any access routes.
Excavation and grading: the site is cut and graded to the elevations needed for the new foundation, with excess soil either exported or used elsewhere on the lot.

Bundling these stages with one contractor can simplify scheduling and reduce the handoffs between a demolition crew, a tree removal service, and an excavator, since the site sequencing has to happen in the right order.

What it costs

Cost depends on whether an existing structure needs to come down first, the volume of trees and vegetation to clear, how much cutting and grading the new foundation requires, and whether excess soil has to be trucked off site or fill has to be brought in.

Top 3 by our score

Ranked from our published scoring of public Google reviews for excavation & site clearing.

1. MGI Construction Corp.
4.8★ · 265 reviews

91
2. MAMMOTH DEMOLITION TORONTO
5.0★ · 80 reviews

91
3. CRS Demolition
5.0★ · 64 reviews

89

See the full ranking → · Browse all providers

FAQ

Does lot preparation include tearing down an existing house?: When there is an existing structure on the lot, that demolition is typically the first stage of the package, followed by clearing and excavation.
Do these contractors also handle tree and stump removal?: Many do, since tree and vegetation clearing is a common step between demolition and excavation on a build lot.
What condition is the lot left in when the work is done?: Most packages leave the site rough-graded to the elevations needed for the new foundation, rather than fully finished landscaping.
How is this different from just hiring an excavation company?: The bundle covers the earlier stages, structure removal and vegetation clearing, that come before excavation, so the lot is fully sequenced rather than requiring separate contractors for each step.

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