Pittsburgh Demolition Contractor

The Blight Problem in Pittsburgh If you've ever driven through certain Pittsburgh neighborhoods and noticed boarded-up homes, crumbling facades, or entire structures abandoned and overgrown, you're not alone. These condemned buildings are more than just eyesores—they're signs of urban blight, a problem that affects residents, property owners, businesses, and entire communities. But what exactly is a condemned building? In simple terms, a condemned building is a property that the local government has deemed unfit or unsafe for occupancy, often due to severe structural issues, long-term neglect, or persistent code violations. Pittsburgh, like many Rust Belt cities, faces a significant challenge with vacant and condemned properties—particularly in neighborhoods impacted by economic shifts, population decline, or historic disinvestment. According to the City of Pittsburgh, thousands of abandoned or blighted structures are scattered throughout the city, posing safety hazards, dragging down property values, and contributing to crime and environmental hazards. If you're a homeowner, business owner, community organizer, or simply a concerned neighbor, you might wonder: What can be done? This guide explains everything you need to know about condemned buildings in Pittsburgh, why they matter, and how you can take action—whether by reporting unsafe conditions, organizing community efforts, or advocating for lasting solutions. How and Why Buildings Get Condemned Understanding how a building reaches the point of condemnation is crucial for Pittsburgh residents, property owners, and community groups. It not only helps identify potential warning signs but also opens up opportunities for prevention, intervention, and revitalization. Condemnation is never an overnight process. It results from a combination of neglect, regulatory violations, and, sometimes, external factors beyond the property owner's control. Let's break down the most common causes and how they contribute to blight in Pittsburgh's neighborhoods. Common Causes of Condemnation 1. Structural Instability At the heart of most condemnation cases is the physical deterioration of a building's structural components. Over time, neglect, natural wear, and environmental factors such as severe weather or flooding can compromise: Foundations: Cracks, shifting, or complete collapse of the foundation can make a building unsafe to inhabit. Roof Systems: Severe roof collapse or long-term water infiltration weakens the entire structure, leading to mold, rot, and eventual structural failure. Load-bearing Walls & Support Beams: Failing walls or beams can cause a partial or full building collapse, posing immediate dangers to occupants and the public. Structural instability often starts small—cracks in the walls, sagging floors—but left unaddressed, these issues escalate quickly. Property owners are responsible for regular maintenance, but when these red flags are ignored, inspectors may determine the building to be beyond repair. 2. Persistent Code Violations The City of Pittsburgh enforces strict building and safety codes to ensure properties are safe, livable, and not hazardous to neighbors. Repeated or severe violations, particularly in critical systems, can trigger condemnation orders: Electrical Hazards: Outdated or improperly installed wiring can pose serious fire risks. Plumbing Failures: Leaking pipes, sewage backups, or lack of functional sanitation facilities make buildings uninhabitable. HVAC System Deficiencies: Lack of heat in the winter months or dangerous venting systems may violate occupancy laws. Sanitation and Health Violations: Mold infestations, pest infestations, hoarding situations, or accumulation of debris and garbage can also contribute. Once the Department of Permits, Licenses, and Inspections (PLI) issues violation notices, owners are given a timeline to fix the problems. If they fail to act, the city escalates enforcement, which may result in the building being condemned. 3. Tax Delinquency & Property Liens Financial neglect is another leading cause of condemnation. Property owners who don't pay property taxes, utility bills, or fines from repeated code violations often lose control of the property. Over time: Tax liens accumulate, making it financially unfeasible for owners to regain ownership without significant financial burden. Foreclosure proceedings or sheriff's sales may transfer ownership to absentee landlords or speculative investors who continue the cycle of neglect. Without an engaged, responsible owner, the property deteriorates, eventually prompting city action to declare it unfit. 4. Long-term Vacancy and Abandonment Vacancy alone doesn't immediately condemn a property—but the longer a building sits empty, the faster it deteriorates. Unoccupied buildings face numerous challenges: Weather exposure: Without regular maintenance, roofs leak, windows break, and moisture seeps into the walls. Vandalism & Theft: Vacant homes are prime targets for scrappers, squatters, and vandals, accelerating decay. Deferred Maintenance: Small issues like leaks, minor structural damage, or infestations go unaddressed and worsen. In Pittsburgh, some properties have been vacant for decades, particularly in post-industrial neighborhoods affected by economic decline. Eventually, these buildings degrade to the point of condemnation, creating health and safety hazards for entire blocks. If you have a property next to yours that has a building that is was condemned and being demolished, learn what your options are, to protect the building on your property by reading on our blog: The Neighboring Row House Is Being Demolished. Will My Home Take Damage? Why Choose Schaaf Excavating Contractors? Experience & Safety: With years of experience serving the Pittsburgh area, safety is our top priority. Our experienced demolition team is trained to handle the challenges posed by unstable structures and hazardous conditions. Compliance & Permits: We understand the city's codes and regulations inside and out. We handle all necessary permits and paperwork, so you don't have to. Community Commitment: Schaaf Excavating Contractors is proud to contribute to Pittsburgh's ongoing revitalization efforts. By removing dangerous buildings, we can create safer, stronger, and more vibrant communities. Blight isn’t inevitable. With informed residents, proactive property owners, and collaborative community efforts, Pittsburgh’s neighborhoods can be revitalized—one property at a time. If you're facing a condemned property, tackling a dangerous structure, or ready to contribute to your neighborhood’s renewal, Schaaf Excavating Contractors is here to help. Our experienced team specializes in safe, efficient demolition services for commercial buildings , homes and vacant properties throughout Pittsburgh. Take the first step toward a safer, stronger community—call Schaaf Excavating Contractors today to schedule a consultation and learn more about our commercial demolition services.

Private demolition in Pittsburgh refers to the removal of a structure at the private owners request rather than the city stepping in to instigate or fund the demolition of a building that is in the way, or has been deemed unsafe. The city of Pittsburgh understands the processes involved in obtaining these permits, and Schaaf can obtain the permits on your behalf as a private owner, but it is important to understand what is required when obtaining these permits. Changes to this process were also made in April of 2021, so if you have obtained a demolition permit prior to this time, your understanding could use a refresher! Private Demolition Requirements If you intend to demolish a commercial or residential structure in the city of Pittsburgh, or any of the annexed areas, be sure to check out their definitions for commercial and residential structures, and take note the following requirements: Demolition Permit Cost The cost of the demolition permit is now determined by the value of the demolition project. This would be the quote provided to you by the demolition contractor. If this number increases or decreases during the permit process this can cause the cost of the permit to change. For a residential demolition permit, the base fee is $6.00 per $1000 of the construction value with a minimum of $130 and a maximum of $8,000 dollars. 40% of this is due when you submit your permit application, and the remaining 60% is paid when the permit is issued. For example, if you were quoted $10,000 to demolish a two story single family dwelling, this would amount to $60, but with the minimum at $130, that would be your adjusted cost. Be sure to note, in using this tool that this fee has fees of its own including a tech fee, SETF fee, and a digital retention fee which would add $11.50 onto our previously established $130. The city of Pittsburgh has made its 2025 permit fee schedule available online, along with the permits licenses and inspections calculator Contract Prior to April 27, 2021 a copy of the contract between the permit holder, and the property owner was required to obtain the permit. Now this is no longer the case. It is still good to get a written contract, but the city of Pittsburgh no longer needs to review it. Certificate of Insurance The permit holder, usually the demolition contractor, was previously required to have proof of insurance during the application process, however updates in 2021 require this after the permit has been issued instead. Insurance is crucial so that any damages that occur are covered. The minimum requirements for insurance are $500,000 general liability coverage and $250,000 property damage coverage. Residential Accessory Structure A residential accessory structure refers to a shed, detached garage, or any smaller building that is not the main residence. If the intended demolition project is solely for an accessory structure, a building permit will suffice instead. Additionally, the demolition is permitted to be carried out by the property owner if the residence on the property is their primary dwelling. It can also be performed by a general contractor licensed in the state of Pennsylvania. If the main home is the subject to be demolished these items do not apply. Demolition Narrative A demolition narrative is required for all demolition permits submitted after May 14th, 2021. This applies to commercial and residential structures. A demolition narrative is a mandatory breakdown of: The equipment and methods used during demolition Where equipment will be staged when not in operation Assessment of where the building may fall Safety measures in place for buildings, properties, pedestrians and vehicles present in proximity to an area where the building may fall. For commercial structures, this demolition narrative must be performed by an engineer or architect that is licensed by the state of Pennsylvania. If the structure is residential, this document does not need to be produced by a Pennsylvania licensed architect or engineer. Special Conditions There are special conditions that cannot be ignored and do require a report from a licensed engineer or architect. These pertain to attached structures, compton walls, basement walls, site conditions with a higher risk of landslides, steep slopes, or property under which mining has occurred. Attached Structure: In the event that partial or selective demolition is required to preserve part of the structure, a plan needs to be in place so that this structure is protected, and weather proofed. Common Walls: If two structures share a wall, the engineer or architect will need to recommend solutions that will preserve the parts of the structure that will remain, similar to the attached structure mentioned above. Weatherization must occur after demolition has been performed on the other structure. Basement Walls: The engineer or architect in this scenario will need to provide a plan if a shared basement wall or an abutted basement wall is present. This ensures that the remaining wall remains load bearing, and no moisture moves to the adjacent or abutted basement wall. Demolition Site Conditions Demolition of any structure in Pittsburgh requires a further look by an engineer if the land is: Given To Landslides If the demolition site has a history of, or an increased risk of landslide, the engineer will need to evaluate the situation for a path forward that retains stability during and after the demolition has been completed. They will also need to take into account the preservation of any additional structures or vegetation present on the lot. Sharp Inclines If the demolition site includes a steep hill that could impact the intended demolition project an engineer or architect will need to provide a report with recommendations on how to preserve any other structures or vegetation that is present. Residual Mines There has been extensive mining done in Pennsylvania in the Pittsburgh area over the years. There are several ways of discovering whether you have a mine underneath your property that could affect demolition. Mine maps from Penn State University is one such way. If the area has been mined under, an engineer or architect licensed in the state of Pennsylvania will need to provide recommendations on how to maintain demolition site stability during and after demolition is complete. This could include mine grouting; which involves filling the mine with a material like cement to fill the void caused by the mine. The application requires a coal status report from the department of environmental protection. Permissions and Inspections Required Of Demolition Permit Holder Touched on briefly above, these inspections are required with no exception to be present where in addition to an approved demolition narrative and engineer/architect reports where they apply: Pre-construction Inspection Pre construction establishes existing conditions of the structure, the presence of a basement, and ensures protective measures are in place with the inspector before any demolition operations commence. Void Inspection For a void inspection, and permission to backfill any structure basement, documentation of The Allegheny Health Department and water utility’s approval of water and sewer line termination is required along with the requirement that concrete slabs and basement building materials are broken into pieces that are 24 inches or less and waterproofing of basement walls if required. Final Inspection The final inspection requires that copies of receipts from the entity disposing of the rubble identify the site location and the locations where the materials were disposed of with the dates included The voids or the holes in the ground left over from demolition of the structure are required to be filled with contaminant free material that is safe for landscaping projects. Clean fill does not include: wood roots grass coal shale with carbon The top level grade requires no less than four inches of topsoil. The area of disturbed ground is required to have grass seed and straw after the project is completed and all work required by the permit must be completed. This includes restoration to other buildings that are near the demolished structure that may have received collateral damage, and safety measures put in place such as retaining walls, guards, or fences if these are deemed necessary by the permit. Contact Schaaf For Private Demolition Services Today! Schaaf Excavating contractors provide demolition services for private and public entities in the city of Pittsburgh and the surrounding areas. We are well versed in the full process of demolition from permits to final inspection. With safety and customer satisfaction at the forefront of every operation, Schaaf Excavating Contractors is poised to make your demolition project as seamless as possible. Contact us for a quote today!

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