Free Estimates
OLD: backhoe loading a demolished concrete - Big Easy Concrete
Home > Services > Demolition

Concrete Demolition Contractor in New Orleans – Affordable Services for Any Home or Business

When it comes to demolition projects, Big Easy Concrete has been applauded for exemplifying particular skillful use of demolition tools.

Their work as a trusted concrete demolition contractor in New Orleans is evident in their successful demolition projects.

They have accomplished different levels of demolition project difficulty with their exemplary innovation, pre-planning, and quality performance—extreme precision even on a tight deadline.

We have extensive experience in New Orleans demolitions, so we’re familiar with the area.

With the right tools and focus to reach the end zone of each and every demolition project, we’re here to make your demolitions a reality.

What is Demolition and Do I Really Need It?

Demolition is the process of tearing down or removing structures, typically done to make way for new construction or to address safety concerns. Essentially, if you are planning to replace existing buildings or structures, demolition becomes a crucial step. You may need demolition if your structure has deep cracks, sunken slabs, frost heave signs, spalling or pitting on the surface, faulty construction, obstruction for building additions, or if the structure is old and needs replacement. At Big Easy Concrete, we understand the critical nature of this process. Our team offers precise and safe demolition services for residential, commercial, and industrial applications. We ensure the safety, scalability, and precision of the demolition process, tailoring our approach to meet the unique needs of each project and client. Whether it’s making space for new developments or ensuring that deteriorating structures are safely dismantled, demolition is not just about tearing down — it’s about strategic removal and making way for the future.

Methods of Concrete Demolition

man demolishing a concrete using jackhammer - Big Easy ConcreteNew Orleans will always have something unique to offer its locals and visitors— from a myriad of delicious cuisine to exciting parades and festivals and even mystifying and adventurous swamps. There’s too much to enjoy in this beautiful state.

When you want to stay on top of all the excitement that New Orleans has to offer, contact our premier concrete demolition contractor in the area. We provide top-notch concrete demolition services for all your demolition needs.

Here are the methods we use for concrete demolitions to get the job done for you:

  • Pressure Burst

    When you need a quiet and dust-free demolition anywhere in New Orleans, this method is ideally suited for you. We drill holes into concrete and apply force.

    We use hydraulic machines for mechanical pressure bursting and a slurry that expands for chemical bursting.

  • Pneumatic/Hydraulic Breakers

    If you have a pavement or foundation that needs to be demolished, this is the method we use.

    Our machine-mounted remote-controlled breakers are used to demolish the concrete before finishing with manual demolition.

  • Ball and Crane

    This is the classic “wrecking ball” method of demolition that we use.

    We have high-skilled and experienced crane operators who do it with exact precision to avoid unexpected damages.

    Not all structures are demolished in this method, so we follow up with added demolition to cut down the steel reinforcement of the concrete structure.

    While this is recommended for larger structures, it creates a lot of noise, vibration, and dust. But our crew will execute the demolition with utmost care to minimize these.

  • Dismantling

    We use this concrete demolition method to break down pieces of concrete by using saws, thermal lances, and high-speed water jets.

    As concrete demolition contractors, we are committed to demolishing a structure with minimal dust, noise, and environmental impact, hence we offer this method of demolition.

  • Explosives

    Our trained and skilled demolition crew uses explosives to remove large amounts of concrete.

    They insert the explosives inside defined boreholes to break a heavy and massive concrete structure apart into smaller components.

    We understand the safety precautions and risks that accompany this demolition method and our crew has been sufficiently trained in those aspects.

Conditions That Call for Concrete Demolition Services

We do not just jump in and demolish your concrete structures in New Orleans, we assess the condition of your structure thoroughly. After careful assessment and we find the conditions unsafe, we suggest the removal and replacement of the concrete structure. These are the conditions where we plan a demolition service project with you:

  1. Deep, widespread cracks anywhere on the concrete structure that may have been caused by extreme weight, improper preparation of subgrade, erosion of sub grace, or any other reason. If a settlement has occurred, trust our demolition crew to remove the damaged concrete for a new replacement.
  2. Sunken concrete slabs were caused by improper preparation of subgrade and loose material used for the subgrade. Unsupported concrete slabs would usually sink when loose material used becomes susceptible to sinking when water goes under the concrete.
  3. Frost heave signs on concrete are very common in cold climates and the moisture in the ground that freezes can push the concrete upward, necessitating the demolition process.
  4. So much spalling or pitting on the surface of concrete makes it more economical to replace the concrete rather than prepare the entire surface.
  5. Concrete structures that are in the way of an addition to residential or commercial buildings will require their removal through demolition process.
  6. Faulty concrete construction needs to be torn out and replaced.
  7. Old curbing needs to be removed for street improvements, road whining, or other purposes.
  8. An entire structure needs to be removed where concrete is part of the structure or is the entire structure itself.

Precise and Safe Demolition Services from Big Easy Concrete

We are a concrete demolition contractor in New Orleans committed to offering safe, scalable, and precise demolition services for residential, commercial, and industrial applications. We implement partial or demolition projects for all structure types such as:men demolishing a reinforced concrete - Big Easy Demolition

  • Houses
  • Apartments
  • Industrial facilities
  • Commercial buildings
  • Hospitals
  • Schools
  • Public arenas
  • Heavy Highway
  • Bridges
  • Runways

Our team of experts and skilled demolition professionals perform these concrete demolition services all over New Orleans:

  • Structural Demolition

    We do selective demolitions that involve concrete and steel materials. If you have an existing structure that needs an upgrade to conform to the existing building code or to simply strengthen the structure, we do structural demolitions.

  • Selective Concrete Demolition

    Our experienced demolition crew uses specialized methods and tools to safely and precisely remove concrete while preserving the structural integrity of elements that you need to stay in place.

    Our precise methods include concrete wire saw cutting, track or wall sawing, line drilling, and other mechanical means. We make sure that your required elements will stay in place and will not be impacted by the concrete removal.

  • Building Demolition

    You can trust our expertise in the success of your demolition project for any type of structure including single-story, low-rise, and high-rise buildings. We have an extensive list of successful demolition project completions in the private and public sectors as concrete demolition contractors in New Orleans.

Concrete Pavement Removal

We can remove pavements without disturbing the subgrade through a slab crab removal method that allows the lifting of sections from the subgrade without disturbing the subgrade and below-grade utilities.

Understanding Interior Demolition Costs

Interior demolition costs vary widely based on the extent and specifics of the project. The average price range for interior demolition is between $2 and $7 per square foot, according to HomeAdvisor. However, the total cost can differ greatly depending on what exactly is being demolished—whether it’s an entire house, a single room, or just specific parts like walls.

Breakdown of Costs by Demolition Type

  • Tile Removal: The cost to demolish tile ranges from $2 to $4 per square foot. If you plan on recycling the tiles, you may be able to recover some of the costs.
  • Flooring Removal: This varies significantly based on the type of flooring:
    • Carpet: $0.50 to $1.50 per square foot
    • Hardwood: $4 to $8 per square foot
    • Tiles: $2 to $5 per square on the many types of flooring
    • Vinyl and Linoleum: $0.25 to $0.50 per square foot Add to these costs an additional $200 to $500 for disposal.
  • Kitchen Cabinet Removal: Depending on the complexity and size, removing kitchen cabinets can cost from $150 to $1,000. If the cabinets are in good condition, selling them could offset some of the demolition costs.
  • Bathroom Fixtures: Removing a bathtub or shower typically costs between $50 and $500, but can exceed this range depending on the fixture and installation complexity.
  • Drywall Removal: You can expect to pay about $0.50 to $1.00 per square foot. For taking out an entire wall, the costs typically range from $300 to $1,000.

Additional Considerations

The costs mentioned do not include potential savings from selling or recycling demolished materials, nor do they account for variations in local rates or the need for specialized services. Additionally, factors such as accessibility, hazardous materials, and the need to adhere to regulations can all influence the final price.

By taking into account the various aspects of your interior demolition project, you can better estimate the expected costs and prepare accordingly.

How Long Does It Take to Demolish a House?

When considering house demolition, the timeframe can vary based on several factors. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

  1. Project Scope: The size and complexity of the house play crucial roles. A smaller house may be brought down in a matter of days, whereas a larger structure might require several weeks.
  2. Permit Processing: Before demolition begins, obtaining the necessary permits is essential. This process can sometimes extend the timeline, especially if it involves removing hazardous materials like asbestos. The permit application and approval process itself often takes longer than the demolition.
  3. Asbestos Removal: If asbestos is present, it must be safely removed before the demolition can proceed. This is a meticulous process that must adhere to safety regulations, adding to the overall timeline.
  4. Demolition Process: Once all permits are approved and any asbestos is removed, the physical process of tearing down the house can be relatively quick. For example, a small house might be demolished in as little as 20 minutes.
  5. Debris Removal: After the house is dismantled, clearing away the debris is the final step. The time required for this can vary based on the volume of materials and the efficiency of the removal process.

To ensure a smooth demolition process, it’s advisable to discuss all these aspects with your contractor. They can provide a more accurate timeline based on your specific situation and any potential delays that might arise.

What Will Happen to Materials After Demolition?

When a building is demolished, it’s a common misconception that the resulting debris is simply left behind or disposed of indiscriminately. In reality, demolition entails a responsible process for handling materials. Here’s what typically happens to materials after a building is demolished:

Material Disposal and Recycling

  1. Sorting of Materials: After the structure is dismantled, the various materials such as concrete, bricks, carpets, tiles, wood, and roofing are carefully sorted.
  2. Recycling and Reuse: Many of these materials can be recycled. For instance, concrete and bricks might be reused in other construction projects, which helps reduce environmental impact and can also lower costs.
  3. Contractor Responsibilities: Demolition contractors are generally responsible for the cleanup and proper disposal of demolition waste. They ensure that materials unsuitable for recycling are disposed of according to local regulations.
  4. Regulatory Compliance: It’s important to note that the management of demolition materials is subject to local laws and regulations. Demolition companies must adhere to these rules to ensure environmental safety and compliance.
  5. Economic Efficiency: Often, contractors offer discounts on the recycled materials they retrieve from the demolition site, providing economic benefits to those purchasing the recycled materials.

Understanding the lifecycle of demolition materials highlights the importance of responsible demolition practices that contribute positively both economically and environmentally.

Step-by-Step Guide to Demolishing a Wall in Your Home

When you’re planning to revamp your living space by demolishing a wall, it’s important to approach the task with careful planning and the right tools. Here’s a straightforward guide to help you through this key phase of remodeling.

Step 1: Assess the Structure

  • Identify load-bearing walls: Determine whether the wall you want to demolish is load-bearing or not. Load-bearing walls are crucial to your house’s structure and should not be taken down without professional advice.
  • Check for utilities: Ensure there are no electrical wires, plumbing, or gas lines running through the wall. Consulting with an electrician or plumber can be a wise precaution.

Step 2: Prepare the Area

  • Clear the surrounding area: Remove any furniture and cover the floor with a sturdy tarp to protect it from debris.
  • Safety gear: Equip yourself with safety goggles, gloves, a dust mask, and sturdy boots.

Step 3: Demolition Process

  • Start with a sledgehammer: For non-load-bearing walls, use a sledgehammer to create a starting point. Be cautious of the force you apply to avoid unnecessary damage to surrounding structures.
  • Use the right tools: Depending on the wall material, you might need different tools. For drywall, a utility knife might suffice to cut through, whereas for tougher materials like brick, you might need a chisel and hammer or even a power drill.

Step 4: Cleaning Up

  • Remove debris: Carefully take away broken materials and place them in a dumpster or designated disposal area.
  • Final checks: Once the wall is removed, do a thorough check for any damaged electrical wires or pipes.

Demolishing a wall can significantly change the feel and space within your home, but it must be done methodically and safely to ensure the best outcome for your remodeling project. Always consider consulting a professional if the task appears beyond your DIY skills, especially in complex scenarios involving load-bearing walls or hidden utilities.

Providing Solutions for Any Demolition Project in New Orleans

If you are one who would dive into an incredibly unique experience in New Orleans like immersing in music, arts, culture, nature, and food, there is no place you would rather go to.

In the only state where you would experience Mardi Gras as you’ve never seen it, you will get the best demolition services from Big Easy Concrete, the best concrete demolition contractor who offers extreme precision and safety for all your demolition needs. Contact us now for a free estimate.

What Our Clients Say

“Most professional concrete work I have ever experienced. The contractors were honest and timely with clean up. The job was performed efficiently and as contracted. I would highly recommend this company!”

– Katie Dyer

“Big Easy Concrete did an amazing job! I needed repairs and concrete work done on my new driveway, and they were on time. Reasonable price and everything looks great. Will definitely recommend this company to my neighbors and friends.”

– Darnell Mason

“For any concrete and construction needs, don’t hesitate to call Big Easy Concrete. I had them for a concrete concrete service for our garage, and I am pleased with the result. Their team is reliable, organized and very pleasant to deal with. Thanks for the great job!”

– Antonio Anderson