Frequently asked questions
Straight answers.
Permits, prices, the contract and who shows up. If your question isn’t here, call Jason.
Cost & estimates
How much does it cost to demolish a house?
It depends on the house and the lot. The size of the house, what has to happen before it comes down (the asbestos survey and anything it finds, utility disconnects, the permit), how much debris is hauled away and how easy the lot is to reach all move the price. Jason walks the job and gives you a free estimate that says what is known and what isn’t.
Is the estimate really free?
Yes. Jason looks at the job and tells you what is known and what isn’t. Call or send the estimate form.
Will the scope and price be in writing?
Yes. Every job has a written contract before work starts.
Will the payment schedule be in writing?
Yes. Scope, price and a staged payment schedule are in the written contract before work starts.
Permits & timing
Do I need a permit to demolish a house?
Usually, yes. In Nassau County the town or village issues the demolition permit, and it asks for an asbestos survey, a rodent-free certificate, utility disconnect letters and an 811 mark-out notice first. We explain each step before anything comes down.
How long does it take to demolish a house?
The teardown itself is the short part. Most of the time goes into what has to happen first: the asbestos survey, the rodent-free certificate, the utility disconnects, the 811 mark-out and the town or village permit. Jason walks you through the order for your town or village at the estimate.
Does my retaining wall need a permit?
It depends on the height and on your town or village. Taller walls usually need engineering and a permit, and some villages set a lower limit. We check before building.
Do you call 811 before digging?
Yes. Buried utilities are marked out before any digging starts.
The work
Can one company do the teardown and the new house?
Yes. ZDE takes the old house down, digs and pours the foundation and builds the new one, under one contract. Knockdown & Rebuild
Can you remove just a garage or a pool?
Yes. Partial jobs like a detached garage, a deck, a shed or an in-ground pool are part of the work.
What happens to the debris?
It is loaded and hauled away, and the lot is left clear for what comes next.
Do you own your equipment?
Yes. The machines are ours, so the schedule is ours too.
Do you remodel kitchens and bathrooms?
Yes. Kitchens, bathrooms, basements and full-floor remodels. Interior Remodeling
Do you pour driveways and patios?
Yes, along with walkways, steps and slabs. Concrete · Hardscaping
Can you do my boiler or HVAC?
Only as part of a full rebuild. For a stand-alone boiler or HVAC job, Jason will point you elsewhere.
Working with ZDE
Who will I talk to?
Jason, the owner. He answers the phone and runs the job.
Do you work outside Nassau County?
No. ZDE works in Nassau County only. Service area
Do you take commercial jobs?
Yes. Call Jason with what the property needs and he will tell you what ZDE can take on.
When can I reach you?
Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM. Call 516-506-3928 or send the estimate form any time.
