Maintaining customer satisfaction is a crucial aspect of any business, but it’s even more important for demolition contractors that have earned the prestigious Diamond Certified award. For Dave C. Dunn Company Inc., the key to keeping clients happy is simple: take a detail-oriented approach to every phase of their projects to ensure the best possible results. “We’re good at brainstorming and strategizing, which is really important for managing all the intricacies of a demolition job,” says owner Dave Dunn. “We’re very aware of what needs to happen at each stage of the process in order to move forward, and our clients definitely appreciate that attention to detail.”

Dave C. Dunn Company has been providing demolition and hauling services for residential and commercial clients in Contra Costa and Alameda Counties since 1996. The company mainly focuses on tearing down structures, preparing sites for remodeling projects and removing structural concrete, but it’s also qualified to perform specialized work like drainage and excavation, foundation pier drilling, and more.

Unlike less experienced contractors that only focus on one type of demolition work, Dave C. Dunn Company utilizes its wide ranging skills and experience to give its clients a better value and a more cohesive process. “We’re able to step into other roles easier than some companies,” shares Mr. Dunn. “We could be doing a metal building demolition one day and a wood building demolition the next day. We’re also well-versed in excavation, so after the demolition is complete, we can go right into the site work.”

Another distinguishing attribute of Dave C. Dunn Company is its dedication to providing its clients with detailed estimates and consistent communication. “We want every client to know what to expect, so we take the time to go through their plans and figure out what they really need,” explains Mr. Dunn. “We also determine which communication method they prefer so we can send them details and clarifications throughout the job. There are a lot of unexpected things in this industry, so it’s important for us to constantly communicate with everyone involved.”

If you’re taking on a demolition project, make sure you hire a contractor that can handle a variety of work.

There are a lot of jobs for which you might hire a demolition contractor, like internal home demolition, swimming pool removal and demolition of metal buildings or commercial spaces. In many cases, demolition is just the first part of the job—if you’re rebuilding or returning the area to greenspace, you may also need grading or earthmoving services.

Because demolition is more involved than simply knocking down and removing the old building material, it’s important to hire a qualified demolition contractor that can handle your specific job and provide additional services to get you started on the next phase of your project.

“Your contractor should be able to step into other roles,” affirms Dave Dunn, owner of Dave C. Dunn Company Inc. in Orinda. “For example, they should be qualified to do a metal building demolition one day and a wood building demolition the next day. They should also be well-versed in excavation, which means they can go right into site work after the demolition is complete.”

Choosing a company that has well-rounded experience and the ability to tackle more than one aspect of the job can limit the number of contractors you have to work with in order to finish. In addition to making planning, scheduling and communication easier, this can even speed up the entire project.

Of course, along with being skilled in a variety of demolition services, the right contractor should always be properly licensed and insured for the work you’re hiring them to do. “There are a lot of unlicensed people out there,” warns Mr. Dunn. “If they aren’t licensed and insured, they can bid lower, but that can cause big problems for owners of residential and commercial properties.”

Mr. Dunn says protecting yourself can be as simple as asking a few questions and verifying the answers. “You should always ask your contractor for proof of license and insurance. Also, ask to see some photos of past projects and call a few of their references.”

Q: How long will it take to complete my demolition project?

A: It depends on a variety of factors, but we’ll give you an estimate once we figure out the details of your job. We’ll also put that in the notes section of our estimate so you have it in writing.

Q: How much will it cost?

A: The price of your project can vary based on several factors. With some work, the price is black and white, but as soon as we dig into the ground, we might have to deal with groundwater, rocks and other unexpected things that we have no way of knowing about ahead of time. We’ll attach a RAID sheet to your proposal so if you authorize any extra work, you’ll know the rates and what type of equipment will be used.

Q: Who is responsible for getting permits?

A: Most of the time, the general contractor or homeowner is responsible for getting the permits, but we can handle it if you’d prefer. We’ll work with you on allowances for permit processing fees and other costs.

Q: How often will the company owner be on the jobsite?

A: You’ll see our owner, Dave Dunn, a couple of times every day. He may be there in the morning and again in the afternoon, or he may stay on the jobsite all day, depending on his schedule.

Q: Should I get an engineer for my project?

A: We think it’s always better to have an engineer, especially if it’s a significant project. That way, we can all follow the same game plan and guidelines.