Last week, we provided a quotation on structural repairs for a tribal housing authority. Yesterday, I spoke with the procurement manager. I wanted an update on the project status and offered my assistance on that project or other projects they might have.

I was taken up on my offer. He asked if we perform building removal or could recommend a company that does. I was tempted to respond, “We can do that for you.” But demolition is not our expertise. I declined, and recommended Coronado Wrecking.

Why? Coronado Wrecking is a second-generation company that I have worked with for more than 30 years. I’ve found them to be honest and fair. They do not “cut corners.” In building demolition, not cutting corners is just as important for the demolition contractor as for the property owners.

Before any demolition work can begin, a site survey must be performed to determine if there are any hazardous materials present. Lead and asbestos are the major concerns, but also PCBs (from electrical transformers) and mercury (switches). If hazardous material is discovered, a qualified contractor must remove it. Failure to do so could result in having to haul the complete building to a hazardous waste landfill, which could add hundreds of thousands of dollars to the demolition cost.

Just because the building demolition has left your property does not mean you as landowner are no longer responsible. If construction debris has been illegally dumped (in an arroyo, for example), the contractor would be responsible for cleaning up the illegal dumping. But what if the contractor is gone? The building owner becomes responsible for the remediation.

In sum: with demolition, know who you’re dealing with. If you are not sure who to contract for your project, contact me, and I will ensure your project is handled in a professional way.

And the structural repairs with the tribal housing authority? We are meeting with the client to sign the contract on Friday. We had the best qualifications and a competitive price. That was enough to win the bid, without trying to get our foot in the door on a project that isn’t our expertise.