You've probably been there. You call three demolition contractors. Two never call you back. The third shows up, walks around your house for ten minutes, scribbles something on a clipboard, and says, "Yeah, we can do that for about $4,500."
"Great," you say. "What's included?"
"Oh, you know… the demo work."
And that's where the problems start.
Vague quotes are the number one reason homeowners in Delaware County, Chester County, Wilmington, and South Jersey end up paying way more than they expected, or worse, dealing with contractors who disappear halfway through the job.
At Narcise Construction Group, we believe in honest, upfront pricing. No games. No surprises. No "Well, actually, that'll be extra" two days into your project.
Here are the seven things your demolition contractor should tell you before you sign anything, and what we always include in every quote.
1. Exactly What's Getting Demolished (and What Stays)
A good quote doesn't just say "kitchen demo." It breaks down what's being removed: cabinets, countertops, flooring, drywall to the studs, appliances, plumbing fixtures.
And just as importantly? It clarifies what's not being touched.
If you're keeping the hardwood floors in the dining room or protecting a vintage tile backsplash, that needs to be spelled out upfront. Otherwise, you're risking a "miscommunication" that costs you time, money, and a whole lot of frustration.
What Narcise does differently: We walk the space with you, create a detailed scope of work, and confirm what's staying and what's going. You get it in writing, and we don't start swinging hammers until you're 100% clear on the plan.
2. Debris Haul-Away (Yes, It Should Be Included)
Here's a classic bait-and-switch: A contractor quotes you $3,000 for a bathroom demo. Sounds great. Then on day three, they mention that hauling away the debris is another $1,200.
Suddenly, your "great deal" isn't looking so great.
Debris removal should be part of every demolition quote. Period. You're not paying for someone to create a pile of rubble in your driveway, you're paying for a complete service that leaves your property clean and ready for the next phase.
What Narcise does differently: Every quote from us includes full debris haul-away. We load it, we remove it, and we dispose of it properly. You won't find a surprise invoice for dumpster fees or extra trips.
3. Dust Containment Plan (AKA "The Narcise Clean")
Demo is messy. That's just physics.
But there's a massive difference between "messy" and "your entire house is coated in drywall dust for three weeks."
A professional contractor should explain exactly how they're controlling dust during the project. We're talking plastic sheeting barriers, HEPA filtration, daily cleanup, and protecting your HVAC system from getting clogged with demolition debris.
At Narcise, we call this "The Narcise Clean." It's our standard protocol for every interior demolition job:
- Heavy-duty plastic sheeting to isolate the work zone
- Sealed HVAC vents to prevent dust migration
- Daily site cleanup (not just at the end of the project)
- Final deep clean before we hand the space back to you
You shouldn't have to live in a construction site. We keep the mess contained so you can still use the rest of your home.
4. Utility Safety Protocols (Water, Gas, Electric)
This is non-negotiable.
Before any demolition starts, your contractor should confirm that all utilities in the work area are properly shut off and capped. That means:
- Water lines are turned off and drained to prevent flooding
- Gas lines are capped by a licensed professional (not just "handled")
- Electrical circuits are de-energized and labeled
Skipping this step isn't just sloppy, it's dangerous. And it can lead to catastrophic (and expensive) damage.
What Narcise does differently: We coordinate with licensed plumbers and electricians as needed to ensure every utility is safely disconnected before demo begins. We don't assume. We verify.
5. Realistic Timeline (With Contingency Planning)
"How long will this take?"
If your contractor says, "Oh, probably a week," without asking follow-up questions, that's a red flag.
A professional quote includes a realistic timeline based on:
- The scope of work
- Access to the property
- Potential hazardous materials (asbestos, lead paint)
- Weather conditions (for exterior work)
- Permit requirements
And here's the kicker: A good contractor also explains what could cause delays and how they'll handle them.
What Narcise does differently: We provide a clear timeline with start and finish dates, plus contingency plans for common issues. If we discover asbestos during demo, we pause, bring in certified remediation, and adjust the schedule. You're never left guessing.
6. Proof of Licensing and Insurance (On the Spot)
This should be automatic, but you'd be surprised how many contractors dodge this question.
Your demolition contractor should provide:
- Proof of general liability insurance (to cover property damage)
- Workers' compensation insurance (so you're not liable if someone gets hurt on your property)
- Valid licensing for your state and county
Don't just take their word for it. Ask to see the documents.
What Narcise does differently: We're fully licensed and insured, and we'll gladly provide proof before you sign anything. No runaround. No "I'll email that to you later."
7. What's NOT Included (So There Are No Surprises)
Transparency goes both ways.
A quality quote doesn't just tell you what's included: it also clearly states what's not covered. For example:
- Permit fees (if required)
- Structural repairs after demo
- Asbestos or lead paint abatement (if discovered)
- Electrical or plumbing disconnects beyond basic shutoffs
This protects both you and the contractor. You know exactly what you're paying for, and there's no confusion when invoices start arriving.
What Narcise does differently: We spell out exclusions in plain English. If something might be an extra cost, we tell you upfront: not after the work is done.
The Bottom Line: You Deserve Better Than a "Ballpark Figure"
Homeowners in Delaware County, Chester County, Wilmington, and South Jersey are done wasting time on vague quotes and shady contractors.
You deserve a demolition partner who shows up on time, communicates clearly, and delivers exactly what they promised: without hidden fees or surprise charges.
At Narcise Construction Group, that's our standard. Not our upgrade.
Whether you're tearing out a kitchen, removing a shed, demolishing a hot tub, or prepping a commercial space for renovation, we provide honest, upfront pricing and a disciplined, professional approach that keeps your project on track.
📞 Ready for a real quote?
Contact Narcise Construction Group today for transparent pricing and a detailed plan for your demolition project.