Selective & Structural Demolition in the GTA
Not every project calls for knocking a building down. Many renovations, additions and repositionings need part of a structure removed while the rest stays standing and in use. Demstos provides selective and structural demolition for commercial, industrial and institutional buildings across the GTA and southern Ontario. Our crews remove exactly what the drawings call for and protect what stays, drawing on more than 16 years of experience in the trade.
What Is Selective Demolition?
Selective demolition is the controlled removal of specific building elements: a wall, a section of slab, a mezzanine, a canopy or an entire floor’s worth of components, without damaging the surrounding structure. It takes careful planning, the right tools and crews who understand how buildings carry loads.
Our Selective and Structural Demolition Services
- Removal of load-bearing and non-load-bearing walls, following engineer direction and shoring plans
- Slab and floor section removal for stairs, elevators, shafts and new openings
- Mezzanine, platform and canopy removal
- Removal of building sections ahead of additions or expansions
- Equipment pad, footing and foundation element removal
- Façade and storefront removal for retail and commercial upgrades
Engineering and Shoring Come First
Structural demolition must follow the design of a structural engineer. Before we remove anything that carries load, the engineer’s drawings set out what comes out, in what order and what temporary shoring is required. We work to those drawings and coordinate with the engineer and the general contractor throughout. This is what keeps the remaining structure, the crew and the building’s occupants safe.
The Right Methods for Controlled Removal
Inside an existing building, brute force is rarely the answer. Depending on the element and the site, we combine:
- Concrete saw cutting and core drilling to separate elements cleanly
- Compact equipment that can work indoors and on suspended slabs within load limits
- Hand demolition where precision matters most
- Staged removal and debris handling suited to tight access
Hazardous Materials and Interior Work
Older buildings may contain designated substances such as asbestos in insulation, plaster or floor finishes. These must be identified before work begins, and our asbestos abatement crews can deal with them before structural work starts. Most structural scopes also include an interior strip-out, which we handle too.
Working Around Occupied Spaces
Selective demolition often happens next to tenants who are still working. We plan protection, noise and vibration control, dust barriers and work schedules with the property manager and GC so the rest of the building can keep operating.
Serving the Whole GTA
We complete selective and structural demolition across Toronto and the GTA, including Mississauga, Vaughan and Brampton, and throughout southern Ontario.
Selective & Structural Demolition FAQ
Do I need an engineer for structural demolition?
Yes. Removing any load-bearing element needs a structural engineer’s design, including any temporary shoring. We work to the engineer’s drawings.
Can the rest of the building stay open during the work?
In many cases yes, with protection, dust and noise control and careful scheduling planned with property management.
What’s the difference between selective and full demolition?
Full demolition removes an entire structure. Selective demolition removes specific parts and protects the rest, which is common in renovations, additions and repositioning projects.
Plan Your Selective Demolition
Have engineered drawings or a renovation in planning? Call 1-833-696-3808 or email info@demstos.com to book a site walk and get a free quote. Our office is at 146 Thirtieth Street, Suite 252, Etobicoke, ON M8W 3C4.