Demo Contractors in Chicago

Oct 01, 2021

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“It is hopeless for the occasional visitor to try to keep up with Chicago. She outgrows his prophecies faster than he can make them.” – Mark Twain [1]

Chicago is an amazing city, and people travel from all over the world to participate in numerous adventures from business endeavors to shopping and sports. 

As with any city, Chicago has its own culture, and with that comes unique ordinances and requirements.  This is true for the municipal structure, building requirements, and of course, demolition.

In a way, multi-story buildings owe a lot to Chicago, as the first skyscraper in the United States was built in Chicago.  That’s right, the building that started it all found its home in Chicago as a 10-story, steel-framed building built in 1884.  That building was demolished in 1931, which means Chicago has been managing the demolition of high-rise buildings for nearly 100 years. [2]

Another fun fact about skyscrapers in Chicago, the Sears Tower, a 1,451-foot (Willis Tower) was the tallest building in the world from 1974 to 1998. [3]

This is a legacy Chicago natives are proud of, and this unique tie to legendary skyscrapers is a source of pride for construction companies in the area.  Of course, what goes up must come down, so the demolitions teams in Chicago are also proud of the legacy and take the responsibility to treasure the reputation that comes with managing the Chicago skyline.

What do Demo Contractors in Chicago Know and Do?

Chicago is a city rich in history, the landscape of the city is home to businesses, theater, infrastructure, and athletic venues. The Windy City is unlike any city in the world, and because of that, demolition in Chicago must be unique as well.

Alpine Demolition provides services for projects in interior venues, infrastructure, building demolition for high rises, concrete crushing, and railways.

How is Working in City Demolition Different from More Rural Projects?

At Alpine Demolition, we guarantee you accurate and timely estimates. Before your next demolition project, it is important to remember the total demolition cost is affected by several factors:

  • 1. project location (rural vs. city area)
  • 2. project size
  • 3. structural additions or joint buildings
  • 4. the scope of the cleanup  [4]

The scope of cleanup is probably one of the greatest factors that have to be considered when tackling a demolition project in a crowded city.  For example, dust control.  Dust control is substantially more important in the city limits, crowded urban areas, and highly congested neighborhoods.  However, for rural projects, like an isolated, free-standing home or a water tower, there are fewer dust concerns. At Alpine Demolition, we are well aware of all the dust control measures, and we are intentional to keep your site clean and limit dust spreading.

Another consideration is the movement of debris.  Within a city, you may be able to rely on local municipal structures to help carry away your debris.  In rural areas, you may need to plan ahead and organize another team for debris removal.  At Alpine Demolition, we take care of removing debris for you.

What Ordinances Should Demolition Seekers Be Aware Of?

“Demolition work must be performed by a general contractor licensed by the City of Chicago. That contractor must also have a wrecking bond on file with the City of Chicago in the appropriate amount.” [5]

We take pride in being up to date on all the local ordinances and rules.  We provide exceptional services for our clients and work diligently to ensure you are aware of permits and requirements before your project begins.

In Chicago, before a demolition project can begin, the party must apply for a permit.  There are many individuals and entities that can apply for this permit, including the contractor who will perform the demolition, an expediter licensed in Chicago, and of course, the property owner. [6]

At Alpine Demolition, we can walk you through the permit process from start to finish to ensure you have everything you need for your demo project.

How is Alpine Equipped to Handle Projects in the City Over Other Contractors?

Alpine Demolition is exceptional, Alpine’s project management team has more than 30 years of experience in the demolition industry. Our crew is qualified, and our staff is skilled with comprehensive training in OSHA requirements, all demolition practices, and extensive environmental issues.

Demolition is a detail-intensive ordeal and it requires precision, accuracy, ultimate care, and caution. At Alpine Demolition, we promise to complete your demolition jobs on or ahead of schedule.  We promise to provide you and your board with timely and accurate monetary estimates.  We promise to use the most current communication and information technology, and we promise to incorporate sustainable practices in all our demolition projects.

We are proud of our certifications and partnerships as part of the Chicago family.  We are proud members of the Association of Subcontractors and Affiliates (ASA) Chicago, Chicagoland Associated General Contractors, Illinois Road, and Transportation Builders Association.  We also have national partners, as we are proud members of the National Demolition Association and National Safety Council.

Are You Looking for a Demolition Contractor in Chicago?

If so, we implore you to look no further than Alpine Demolition. We know Chicago, and we have been in this business for more than 30 years.  We love Chicago, and we know the local rules and ordinances.  We can guarantee you accurate estimates, cleanliness, and that we will be with you every step of the way.  When it comes to demolition in Chicago, whether it is a high-rise, a single-story building, internal or external, bridges or water towers, we promise excellence.

For more information or any questions you have for your upcoming demolition, click here to contact us or call at 630-761-0700. Fax your question to (630) 761-0777 or email your inquiry to: kelli@knockitdown.com.


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