North Texas • Residential Project Guides
A pre-demolition survey and utility shutdown plan should be resolved before a shed, detached structure or site feature comes down. Unknown construction, stored materials and connected services can change the scope and the safe sequence.
Start with an engineering survey and scope
OSHA demolition requirements call for an engineering survey by a competent person before demolition operations begin. The survey addresses structural condition and the possibility of unplanned collapse. Property owners should provide access to available plans and history rather than trying to perform the safety evaluation themselves.
Define the structure, slab, footings, attachments and nearby features included in the proposal. Describe the next use so the removal crew knows what condition must remain.
Verify utility shutdowns
Identify electrical, gas, water, sewer, communications and other services connected to or crossing the structure. OSHA requires affected utilities to be shut off, capped or otherwise controlled before demolition, subject to the standard’s conditions.
Use qualified service providers and keep written confirmation. Texas811 helps coordinate participating underground utilities, but private or non-member facilities require separate attention. A switched-off light is not proof that wiring is safe.
Remove contents and flag special materials
Make an inventory from safe areas. Tell the contractor about fuel, chemicals, tanks, batteries, compressed cylinders or unknown containers. Do not enter an unstable structure to clear the last items.
Material hazards and disposal rules can require specialized handling. The demolition estimate should exclude or identify items that need another professional instead of assuming everything belongs in one debris load.
Plan access and controlled areas
Show the route from the street, overhead lines, turns, gates, surfaces and neighboring structures. Identify where people, pets and vehicles will stay during work.
Ask how the crew establishes the work zone and loading area. Temporary fencing or access restrictions should be assigned in writing when the removal leaves the property open.
Define debris and site handoff
Ask whether the price includes sorting, loading, hauling, receiving charges, slab or footing removal, final grading and cleanup. EPA describes recovery options for some construction materials, but the actual load and facility determine what is practical.
Set a hold point before backfill or grading if another professional needs to inspect the site. Photograph the completed condition and retain shutdown or disposal records that matter to the next phase.
Read Detached Garage Demolition and Shed Removal Planning for related scope decisions.
Questions about pre-demolition surveys and utility shutdowns
Who performs the demolition engineering survey?
OSHA identifies a competent person for the required survey. The demolition contractor manages that safety responsibility.
Can I turn off the breaker myself?
Do not treat a breaker position as verified disconnection. Use the appropriate qualified professional and documented handoff.
Does Texas811 cover private lines?
Not always. Private and non-member facilities may need separate locating.
Should the structure be emptied first?
Discuss contents with the contractor and enter only if the structure is safe. Flag hazardous or unknown materials.
Does demolition include the slab?
Only when the written scope includes it, along with footings and the required finished condition.
What should I send Iron Earth?
Send the address, outside photos, available plans, utility information, contents concerns, access route and intended next use.
Sources: OSHA 29 CFR 1926.850 demolition preparation; Texas811 locate guidance; U.S. EPA C&D materials guidance.
Let’s plan your next step.
Send your North Texas property location, current photos, access details and intended finished condition. Iron Earth will assess the scope and explain what information is needed for an estimate.