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You've scheduled your demolition project, permits are approved, and the crew arrives tomorrow. Understanding what typically happens in these final hours before work begins can help you feel prepared and ensure the actual start of your project goes as smoothly as possible.

Final Property Walkthrough

Many experienced contractors conduct a final walkthrough the day before or the morning of the project begins, confirming access points, reviewing the scope of work one last time, and identifying any last-minute considerations that might affect the day's plan. This is a good opportunity to raise any final questions or concerns before equipment arrives.

Clearing the Work Area

If you haven't already, this is your last chance to remove any personal items, furniture, or belongings from the immediate work area. For pool demolition, this means clearing furniture, decorations, and equipment from around the pool. For structure demolition, this means ensuring the interior is fully cleared of belongings.

Securing Pets

As discussed in planning your project, the day before demolition begins is when you should finalize your plan for pets, whether that's arranging boarding, confirming a safe indoor space away from the work area, or coordinating with a friend or family member to keep animals elsewhere during the most disruptive phases.

Notifying Neighbors

If you haven't already given neighbors a heads-up about your project, the day before is a good final opportunity to do so, letting them know work will begin the next day and roughly what to expect in terms of noise and equipment activity.

Confirming Utility Disconnections

For projects requiring utility disconnection, electrical, gas, water, or sewer, confirm that this has been properly completed and documented before work begins, particularly if separate utility providers or licensed professionals were involved in this step.

Equipment and Vehicle Access

Make sure any vehicles, your own or otherwise, are moved to allow clear access for demolition equipment and hauling trucks. If equipment needs to pass through a specific gate or access point, confirm this remains clear and functional.

Reviewing the Schedule

Ask your contractor for a general expectation of the day's timeline, when the crew plans to arrive, roughly what work will be completed, and whether the project is expected to span multiple days. This helps you plan your own schedule around the project's start.

What to Expect on the Actual First Day

Depending on your specific project, the first day typically involves initial setup, staging equipment, and beginning the demolition process itself. For larger projects, don't expect everything to be completed in a single day, most substantial demolition and land preparation projects unfold over several days.

Staying Available for Questions

While you don't need to be present for the entire project, being reachable, particularly on the first day, helps your contractor address any unexpected questions or site-specific decisions that come up once work is actively underway.

A Final Checklist Before Day One

• Confirm all personal belongings and furniture are cleared from the work area.
• Finalize your plan for pets during active work hours.
• Ensure vehicles and any obstacles are cleared from equipment access points.
• Confirm utility disconnections are complete, if applicable to your project.
• Have your contractor's contact information handy in case questions arise.

Tips for the Day Before Your Project

• Do a final walkthrough of your property to catch anything you may have overlooked.
• Confirm your contractor's expected arrival time and general daily schedule.
• Make sure neighbors have been given a heads-up if you haven't already communicated your timeline.
• Get a good night's sleep, demolition day tends to move faster once it's actually underway than the anticipation beforehand suggests.