Let's talk about the elephant in the room.
Most contractors in Chester County, Delaware County, and Wilmington don't want you asking too many questions before the work starts. They bank on homeowners being uninformed about their rights, proper prep work, and what a legitimate contract actually looks like.
But you're about to know exactly what to demand.
Whether you're planning interior demolition, shed removal, hot tub demolition, or concrete sawing, this guide arms you with the insider knowledge that separates professional contractors from fly-by-night crews.
The Contract Red Flags Most Homeowners Miss
Here's something that should make you pause: if a contractor asks for 50% upfront and 50% upon completion with no written contract, they're violating Pennsylvania law.
Specifically, the Pennsylvania Home Improvement Consumer Protection Law (Act 132) exists to protect you from exactly this scenario.
A legitimate contract isn't a handshake deal or a one-page estimate scribbled on company letterhead. It should be approximately 8 pages and include:
- Your name, the contractor's name, and the work address
- Earliest possible start date (not a vague "we'll start soon")
- Full detailed description of work and materials to be used
- Payment terms and schedule that comply with state law
- How change orders will be handled
- Information about keeping pets safe during work
- Notes on permit handling and jobsite emergencies
- Details about frequently fluctuating material prices
If a contractor balks at providing this level of detail, walk away. Fast.
What "Demolition Prep" Actually Means (Spoiler: It's Not Just Showing Up with a Sledgehammer)
Let's say you're hiring someone for interior demolition in Chester County or hot tub removal in Delaware County. You might think "prep" means they show up and start smashing things.
Wrong.
Professional renovation prep includes:
Utility location and shut-off protocols. Before any wall comes down or concrete gets cut, a qualified contractor identifies electrical lines, plumbing, gas lines, and HVAC systems. One wrong swing and you've got a flooded basement or worse.
Lead paint and asbestos testing. In 2026, Pennsylvania's lead standards are stricter than ever. If your home was built before 1978, you need EPA-certified contractors who follow Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) rules. No exceptions.
Dust containment systems. This is where you separate the pros from the amateurs. Professional crews use plastic sheeting barriers, negative air machines, and HEPA filters to keep demolition dust where it belongs: not in your HVAC system or your kids' bedrooms.
Debris staging and haul-away planning. Where does the material go? How often are dumpsters emptied? Who's responsible for disposal fees? These questions should be answered before work starts, not when your driveway is buried under construction debris.
At Narcise Construction Group, we treat every job site like it's our own home. That means drop cloths, floor protection, daily cleanup, and a clear plan for every phase of work.
The "Permit Question" Nobody Wants to Answer
Ask any contractor about permits and watch them squirm.
Here's the truth: if your project requires a permit and your contractor says "don't worry about it," you should worry about it.
In Chester County and Delaware County, permits are required for:
- Structural demolition (removing load-bearing walls)
- Concrete cutting that affects foundations or driveways
- Shed removal on properties with specific zoning restrictions
- Hot tub demolition that involves electrical or plumbing work
Skipping permits might save money upfront, but it costs you when:
- You try to sell your home and the unpermitted work surfaces during inspection
- Insurance denies a claim because work wasn't done to code
- A neighbor reports the violation and the township issues fines
We handle permit applications, inspections, and compliance documentation. It's part of doing the job right the first time.
Why "Cheap" Demolition Costs More in the Long Run
You're getting three quotes for shed removal or concrete sawing. One contractor comes in 30% cheaper than everyone else.
Sounds great, right?
Here's what that "cheap" price usually means:
No insurance. If a worker gets hurt on your property or damages your neighbor's fence, guess who's liable? You are.
Incomplete debris removal. They'll demo the structure but leave you with piles of concrete, wood, or metal that you'll pay someone else to haul away.
Damage to surrounding areas. Concrete sawing without proper water suppression creates silica dust hazards. Interior demolition without protective barriers damages floors, fixtures, and finishes you wanted to keep.
No cleanup. The job site looks like a tornado hit it, and suddenly you're spending your weekend renting dumpsters and scrubbing dust off everything.
At Narcise Construction Group, our pricing is honest and upfront. We don't lowball bids to win work, then nickel-and-dime you with change orders. What we quote is what you pay: and the job site is left clean, safe, and ready for the next phase.
The Questions You Should Ask (That Most Contractors Hope You Won't)
Before you hire anyone for demolition, shed removal, hot tub demo, or concrete sawing in Delaware County, Chester County, or Wilmington, ask these questions:
"Can I see your liability and workers' compensation insurance certificates?"
If they hesitate or promise to "send it later," that's a no. Legitimate contractors carry insurance and can prove it immediately.
"How do you handle dust containment and lead paint compliance?"
The answer should include specific products, protocols, and certifications. Vague responses like "we'll be careful" don't cut it.
"What's included in your cleanup?"
Daily cleanup? Final cleanup? Debris haul-away? Get it in writing.
"Who's responsible if you damage something you weren't supposed to touch?"
The answer should be clear: the contractor's insurance covers it, and they'll repair or replace it at no cost to you.
"Can you provide references from recent jobs in my area?"
If they can't (or won't), that's a massive red flag.
What the 2026 Lead Standards Mean for Your Renovation
If your home was built before 1978, any renovation work that disturbs painted surfaces triggers EPA lead-safe practices.
As of 2026, Pennsylvania enforcement is tighter than ever. Contractors who ignore these rules face serious fines: and you face serious health risks.
What you need to know:
- Contractors must be EPA RRP-certified
- Work areas must be contained with plastic sheeting
- HEPA vacuums are required for cleanup
- You must receive the EPA lead pamphlet before work starts
- Dust testing may be required after work is complete
Narcise Construction Group maintains all required certifications and follows lead-safe protocols on every pre-1978 home. We don't cut corners when your family's health is on the line.
The Narcise Difference: What Transparency Actually Looks Like
Here's what sets us apart from the contractors who hope you won't ask questions:
We provide detailed, written contracts that comply with Pennsylvania law. Every scope item, every material, every timeline: documented and agreed upon before work starts.
We're fully licensed and insured. And we'll prove it before you sign anything.
We handle permits, inspections, and compliance. You shouldn't have to chase down township offices or worry about code violations.
We clean as we go. Daily debris removal, dust control, and job site organization aren't "extras": they're standard procedure.
We specialize in demolition and concrete work. We're not a junk hauler or a handyman crew. We're professional demolition contractors who understand structural systems, safety protocols, and how to prep your home for the next phase of renovation.
Ready to Start Your Project the Right Way?
Whether you're planning interior demolition in Chester County, shed removal in Delaware County, hot tub demo in Wilmington, or concrete sawing in South Jersey, you deserve a contractor who treats your home with respect and your project with professionalism.
📞 Call or text us photos of your project for fast, honest pricing.
📩 No hidden fees. No runaround. Just straight answers and quality work.
We serve Chester County, Delaware County, Wilmington DE, and South Jersey with the same commitment: clean job sites, safety-first protocols, and the kind of transparency that makes renovation prep stress-free.
Visit narciseconstructiongroup.com to learn more about our services, see past projects, and get in touch.
Because the best renovation starts with demolition done right.