The Difference Between Light Demolition and Full Structural Demolition

Sheds • Decks • Playsets • vs. • Houses • Buildings • Foundations

Two Worlds, One Name: Understanding the Scale
1-4

Hours: light demolition

2-10+

Days: structural demolition

$500-5K

Light demo cost range

$5K-50K+

Structural demo cost range

🏗️ "Demolition" can describe removing a backyard playset—or leveling an entire house.

The scale, equipment, permits, safety protocols, and debris streams are fundamentally different. For homeowners and property managers, understanding this distinction is essential when planning projects, obtaining permits, and hiring contractors. This guide clearly defines light demolition (sheds, decks, playsets, fencing) versus full structural demolition, detailing the processes, safety considerations, and waste types for each.

Two Types, Two Approaches

Light Demolition

Selective removal of standalone structures.

  • Decks, porches, gazebos
  • Sheds, playhouses, dog houses
  • Playsets, swing sets, jungle gyms
  • Fencing, gates, trellises
  • Hot tubs, above-ground pools
  • Patio covers, awnings
🔨 Manual tools 📦 Clean wood debris 📋 Minimal permits
Full Structural Demolition

Complete removal of buildings.

  • Single-family homes, townhouses
  • Garages, carports (attached)
  • Commercial buildings, warehouses
  • Mobile homes, modular buildings
  • Foundations, slabs, footings
  • Additions, room tear-offs
🚜 Heavy equipment 🏗️ Engineered plans 📑 Multiple permits

Contrasting Processes

🔨 Light Demolition

  • 1. Assessment: Identify attachment points, utilities (electrical for decks/hot tubs).
  • 2. Disassembly: Reverse construction—remove boards, railings, fasteners.
  • 3. Cutting: Saws, reciprocating saws, pry bars; no heavy equipment.
  • 4. Removal: Hand-carry debris to truck; sort wood, metal, concrete.
  • 5. Cleanup: Sweep, magnet for nails, grade leveling.

🏗️ Structural Demolition

  • 1. Engineering: Structural analysis, utility disconnects, asbestos survey.
  • 2. Permitting: Demolition permit, traffic control, environmental review.
  • 3. Mechanical: Excavators, skid steers, wrecking balls, hydraulic shears.
  • 4. Sorting: On-site separation of concrete, metal, wood, mixed debris.
  • 5. Hauling: Multiple dumpsters, 10-100+ tons of debris.

Debris Streams: What's Left Behind

Light Demo Debris

  • • Pressure-treated lumber
  • • Composite decking
  • • Railings, balusters
  • • Hardware (nails, screws)
  • • Concrete footings (small)

Volume: 1-5 tons typical

Structural Demo Debris

  • • Mixed C&D: drywall, wood, siding
  • • Concrete, block, brick, stone
  • • Asphalt roofing, felt
  • • Insulation, wiring, piping
  • • Hazardous: asbestos, lead paint

Volume: 20-200+ tons typical

Asbestos: Common in homes built before 1980. Structural demolition requires licensed abatement. Light demolition structures (decks, sheds) generally do not contain asbestos.

Safety Considerations

Light Demolition

  • ✓ PPE: Gloves, eye protection
  • ✓ Watch for rot/structural weakness
  • ✓ Electrical disconnects (deck lights, hot tubs)
  • ✓ Falling debris zone

🛡️ Moderate risk

Structural Demolition

  • ✓ Engineered demolition plan
  • ✓ Utility locates, disconnects
  • ✓ Asbestos/lead remediation
  • ✓ Heavy equipment exclusion zone
  • ✓ Air monitoring, dust control

⚠️ High risk

Permits & Regulations

📋 Light Demolition

Typically: Permit required for attached structures (decks attached to house). Freestanding sheds/playsets often no permit.

Wake County, NC: Decks >200 sq ft require permit.

📋 Structural Demolition

Always: Demolition permit required. Must notify utilities, adjoining property owners, and file asbestos survey.

NC General Statute 153A-351: Counties may regulate demolition; permits mandatory.

🔄 When Light Demolition Becomes Structural

🔸 Attached decks → house structural connection

Requires engineering assessment if ledger board is load-bearing.

🔸 Detached garage → may exceed light demo threshold

Typically requires structural permit and equipment.

🔸 Concrete slab removal → heavy equipment needed

Classified as site work, not light demo.

Choosing the Right Contractor

Light demolition specialists are often junk removal companies with demolition crews. Full structural demolition requires licensed, bonded, and insured demolition contractors. Ensure your contractor's capabilities match your project's scale.

Demolition GMB Netlify App
Raleigh-area tip: Junkahaulics specializes in light demolition—decks, sheds, playsets, and fencing. For full structural demolition, they can refer you to licensed general contractors. Always verify insurance and permits before work begins.