Tearing down the building is only the first step. Before a new foundation can go in, the lot has to be cleared below grade, graded to the plans and compacted to what the soils engineer requires.
The usual order of work
- Debris load out. Demolition debris is loaded into trucks and containers and hauled off, with material recycled where possible.
- Slab, footing and hardscape removal. Old foundations, driveways, patios and pools come out, usually into a low boy or dump truck because the material is heavy.
- Utility lines capped. Old service lines are capped or removed as the utilities and city require.
- Clearing. Trees, roots, brush and loose topsoil are cleared so grading starts on clean ground.
- Rough grading. The lot is cut and filled to the elevations on the grading plan.
- Overexcavation and recompaction when the soils report calls for it, so the pad can carry the new building.
- Compaction testing. The soils engineer tests the pad and signs off before foundations.
- Soil export or import. Extra soil is hauled out, or fill is brought in, to hit the final grades.
What sets the exact steps
Your grading plan and soils report decide how deep to dig, how the pad must be compacted and where the soil goes. The city inspects along the way. Every lot is different, so the steps above are the common path, not a fixed recipe.
Why it pays to use one crew
When the same company handles demolition, hauling and grading, there is no waiting between trades, no finger pointing over leftover concrete, and one schedule to manage. That is how A2Z works, with our own excavators, skid steers, dump trucks and containers.
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Common questions
How long does site prep take after demolition?
It depends on the lot size, how much concrete and soil has to come out, and what the soils report requires. A typical residential lot can move from cleared to graded quickly once permits and testing are lined up.
Do I need a soils report before grading?
Most new construction does. The soils (geotechnical) report sets how the pad must be graded and compacted, and the city usually requires it with your grading permit.
Can one company handle demolition and grading?
Yes. A2Z handles demolition, hauling and grading with one crew, so there is no gap between trades.
Serving Orange County and the South Bay
Based in Irvine, A2Z provides demolition for residential and commercial clients throughout Orange County and surrounding areas, including:
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