Demolition & Abatement Proposal Checklist

Demolition and abatement projects are some of the most complex stages of a construction lifecycle. They involve safety hazards, regulatory compliance, environmental considerations, and logistical sequencing. Whether you’re preparing a proposal for selective demolition, structural teardown, or hazardous materials abatement, having a structured checklist ensures accuracy, efficiency, and compliance.

This guide breaks down every key component to include in a demolition abatement proposal checklist, from scope definition to compliance records.

1. Defining Project Scope

Selective vs. Structural Demolition

Clarify whether the work involves selective demolition (removing interior finishes, non-structural walls, ceilings, or mechanical systems) or structural demolition (entire building or load-bearing elements).

Hazardous Materials Abatement

Identify known or suspected hazards—such as asbestos, lead paint, PCBs, or mold. Include testing protocols and removal methods in the proposal.

Temporary Bracing & Shoring

If structural components are being removed, include engineering plans for temporary bracing, shoring, or underpinning to protect adjacent areas.

2. Sequencing of Work

Step-by-Step Demolition Plan

Lay out the order of operations—from utility shutoff and negative air setup to material separation and disposal.

Coordination With Other Trades

Note dependencies with mechanical, electrical, plumbing, or roofing contractors. Abatement often needs to precede demolition.

Safety Milestones

Include checkpoints such as hazard clearance, interim air monitoring results, and pre-backfill inspections.

3. Noise, Dust & Vibration Control

Noise Mitigation

Specify work hours, acoustic barriers, and notifications to tenants or neighbors.

Dust Suppression

Document methods such as misting, negative air machines, and poly sheeting.

Vibration Monitoring

If near sensitive structures or lab facilities, include vibration threshold plans and monitoring equipment.

4. Utility & Service Shutoffs

Water & Sewer

List cutoff procedures and coordination with local utilities.

Gas & Electric

Document lockout/tagout protocols, meter removals, and disconnection certificates.

Communications Lines

Account for low-voltage systems: fire alarms, data cabling, and telecoms.

5. Salvage & Recycling Plans

Material Salvage

Note opportunities for reuse (doors, fixtures, metal piping).

Recycling Streams

Separate waste into concrete, metals, wood, drywall, and mixed debris.

Landfill Diversion Goals

Many proposals now include diversion rate targets aligned with LEED or sustainability programs.

6. Waste Disposal & Documentation

Chain of Custody

Track materials from removal to final destination.

Manifests & Scale Tickets

Require hauler and landfill documentation for every load.

Hazardous Waste Tracking

Follow federal, state, and provincial hazardous waste documentation standards.

7. Permitting & Notifications

Permit Windows

List demolition, abatement, and street use permits, along with lead times.

Neighbor Notifications

Include copies of standardized neighbor notification letters or community outreach plans.

Traffic & Access Control

Detail lane closures, flagging operations, and sidewalk diversions.

8. Air Monitoring & Clearance

Air Sampling Plan

Outline frequency, sampling methods, and lab turnaround times.

Clearance Requirements

Specify thresholds (e.g., asbestos clearance at <0.01 f/cc).

Reporting Procedures

Include how results will be shared with owners, regulators, and third parties.

9. Site Safety Planning

Worker Protection

List PPE requirements—respirators, Tyvek suits, eye and hearing protection.

Decontamination Procedures

Detail decon units, showers, and bag-out procedures for abatement zones.

Emergency Preparedness

Cover fire watch, medical emergencies, and spill response.

10. Records & Compliance

Daily Logs

Maintain site diaries, visitor logs, and subcontractor check-ins.

Training Certifications

Attach proof of worker and supervisor certifications (asbestos, lead, confined space).

Regulatory References

Cite OSHA, EPA, provincial/state, and municipal requirements applicable to the project.

11. Insurance & Liability

Coverage Verification

Document general liability, pollution liability, and workers’ compensation.

Subcontractor Insurance

Ensure all subcontractors provide certificates before mobilization.

Indemnification Clauses

Proposals should note contractual indemnities for owner and GC.

12. Schedule & Milestones

Project Timeline

Include Gantt charts or milestone charts for owner review.

Critical Path Items

Highlight dependencies such as asbestos clearance before structural demo.

Buffer Days

Account for weather delays, lab result turnaround, or unexpected finds.

13. Cost Structure

Lump Sum vs. Unit Pricing

Indicate whether the bid is fixed or based on measured quantities.

Allowances

Include allowances for hidden materials (asbestos behind walls, unexpected utilities).

Contingency

Standard contingency ranges from 5–15%, depending on project type.

14. Quality Control Measures

Pre-Work Meetings

Include kickoff and coordination meetings in your schedule.

Mock-Ups

Sometimes dust barriers or abatement enclosures should be mocked up for inspection.

Third-Party Verification

Consider hiring independent industrial hygienists or inspectors.

15. Communication Protocols

Point of Contact

Designate a single responsible project manager.

Reporting Frequency

Establish weekly or biweekly reporting schedules.

Owner Updates

Include formats for progress reports, change orders, and RFIs.

16. Contingency Planning

Hidden Conditions

Plan for asbestos behind multiple finish layers or unknown tanks.

Structural Surprises

Account for weakened framing, unexpected voids, or slab thickness variations.

Dispute Resolution

Include steps for handling scope disagreements.

17. Environmental Considerations

Erosion & Sediment Control

Plan for stormwater runoff controls during exterior demo.

Wildlife & Habitat

If applicable, note surveys for protected species.

Green Standards

Align with LEED, WELL, or local green building standards.

18. Security & Access

Site Fencing

Show fencing layouts, locked gates, and signage.

Access Control

Document badge or log systems for all workers.

After-Hours Security

Consider camera systems or security patrols.

19. Equipment & Methods

Machinery

Specify excavators, skid steers, shears, and negative air machines.

Specialized Tools

Include HEPA vacuums, glove bags, and core drills.

Staging & Logistics

Plan for laydown areas, debris chutes, and truck routes.

20. Subcontractor Coordination

Roles & Responsibilities

Clarify which firms handle abatement vs. demolition vs. hauling.

Prequalification

Include subcontractor prequalification forms and safety records.

Communication Lines

Ensure subs understand reporting expectations.

21. Proposal Attachments

Drawings & Mark-Ups

Attach site plans, phasing drawings, and barrier layouts.

Certifications

Include lab reports, licensing, and worker training proof.

References

List relevant project references or case studies.

22. Final Review Checklist

Before submitting, confirm that the proposal:

• Defines scope and sequencing clearly.
• Addresses compliance, safety, and environmental protection.
• Provides supporting permits, notifications, and records.
• Includes a transparent cost structure and schedule.
• Demonstrates experience and qualifications.

Conclusion

A well-structured demolition abatement proposal checklist not only protects contractors and owners but also ensures that the project runs safely, legally, and efficiently. By covering scope, sequencing, compliance, air monitoring, and documentation, your proposal demonstrates professionalism and preparedness—helping you win more projects and avoid costly disputes.