You own a commercial building that has to come down, and you're looking for a commercial demolition contractor in Akron who will deal with you directly. Maybe it's an old gas station on a corner lot, a shop that's been empty for years, a small office or a steel building the next buyer doesn't want. You're not a general contractor with a project manager and a bid package. You're the owner, and you want somebody to look at it and give you a straight number.
Fully insured, $2 million general liability and workers comp
That's who I set Zenith Excavating up for. Most of the big demo companies around Akron and Canton work for general contractors, and they're built for big jobs. I'm Vental Waggoner, I'm the one on the machine, and we're a two-man operation. That makes us a good fit for small commercial buildings and a bad fit for big ones, and I'll be straight with you about which one you've got.
Commercial buildings we take down
The commercial work that fits us is the small stuff: a single-story shop or garage building, a small retail or office building, a closed restaurant, an old service station, a steel or pole building on a commercial lot. A full structural teardown on that size of building is the same kind of work as a house teardown, with more paperwork around it.
We work for property owners, landlords, investors and businesses that need a building gone so the lot can be sold, paved or built on.
Jobs that are not a fit
Factories, plants, hospitals, schools, malls, multi-story office towers, power stations: that's work for the big wrecking companies with full crews, cranes and safety departments. We're not that, and I won't pretend to be. If your building is in that range, I'll tell you on the phone and save you the wait.
We also don't build. Some commercial outfits carry the demolition and the new construction under one contract. We tear down, haul, backfill and grade, and then the lot is ready for your builder.
Selective and partial demolition
Sometimes the building stays and only part of it goes: an addition, a canopy, a loading dock, a rotted section at the back. Partial demolition takes more care than a full teardown, because whatever stays has to stay sound.
Then there's the job next to an open business. If the building shares a lot with a store that's still running, the work zone has to be closed off and kept away from customers and staff, and that changes how the job gets scheduled.
For inside tear-outs where the building stays and the walls, ceilings or floors go, see interior demolition.
Working with general contractors
Most commercial demolition gets sold to general contractors, and that's the part of the market the big outfits fight over. I'd rather work for the owner directly. If you're a general contractor with a small building that needs to come down ahead of your project, call anyway and we can talk about whether the scope fits.
How a commercial job runs
It starts with a free site visit. I walk the building, the lot, the neighbors and the access, and then you get a written estimate. If an asbestos survey finds anything, the abatement contractor goes first. Then the permit and the utility shut-offs get lined up, and we tear down, sort and haul, backfill and grade.
The person who quotes your job is the person who runs the machine. That means fewer handoffs, and when you have a question during the job, you're asking the person who's actually doing it. The machine gets sized to the building, not to what looks impressive on a trailer.
Permits and utility shut-offs
Expect commercial demolition to need a permit, and the city may want proof that the gas, electric, water and sewer are disconnected before it'll issue one.
The rules and paperwork change between Akron, Canton and every city and township around them. Check with your city or township on the commercial demolition permit and the utility release paperwork before you set a date.
Asbestos, fuel tanks and other hazards
Older commercial buildings can have asbestos in the roofing, the siding and other building materials. Taking asbestos out is not our work. That belongs to a licensed abatement contractor, who goes in before we do, and I line up our schedule with theirs so the machine doesn't start until they've cleared the building. Whether your building needs an asbestos inspection or advance notice before demolition is something to check with your city or township and the county.
Fuel tanks are the other big one. A lot that used to be a gas station, a garage or a shop may have an old underground tank. Underground tank closure has its own rules and its own paperwork, and it isn't something to dig up on a guess. If a tank is known or suspected, it needs to be dealt with by people qualified for that work, so check with the county and your city or township on who to call. If one turns up mid-job, the right move is to stop on that spot and sort it out before going further.
Protecting neighbors, shared walls and sidewalks
Commercial buildings in older parts of Akron and Canton often sit right on the sidewalk and sometimes share a wall with the building next door. That shared wall is the first question. When one building comes down, the neighbor's side of that wall is suddenly outside, and someone has to seal it. That needs to be settled with the neighbor before the job starts, not after.
The second question is the sidewalk, the curb and the driveway apron that the trucks cross. Sidewalks and curbs are often city property, and work in the right of way may need its own permit, so check with your city or township. Who fixes any damage there should be in writing before the job.
Dust and noise matter too, especially with neighbors close. Check with your city or township on the hours they allow for noisy work.
Slabs, footers and parking lots
A lot of commercial lots end up as parking. If that's the plan, a fair question is whether the slab and footers can stay so the new lot gets paved over them. Sometimes that works, if the slab sits at the right height and drains, and sometimes it doesn't, and the paving contractor should weigh in.
If the plan is a new building, the old footers usually have to come out so they don't fight the new foundation.
Haul-off, recycling and final grade
Debris haul-off is in the price, and so are backfill and finish grading. On a commercial job the debris is mostly concrete, block, steel and roofing. Steel and other metals go to scrap, and concrete and masonry can go to recycling instead of a landfill.
When we leave, the lot is backfilled where the building stood and finish graded. What surface it's left with, bare graded dirt, gravel or seed, depends on what comes next.
What drives the price
Commercial prices swing more than house prices, because commercial buildings vary more. The size of the building and how it's built, wood, block or steel, come first. Then come the slab and footers, asbestos and anything else that needs abatement, underground tanks, shared walls, how close the neighbors and the sidewalk are, and the utility disconnects. Scrap value on a steel building can bring the number down.
The site visit and the written estimate are free, and I'd rather walk a commercial building than guess at it.
Insurance and paperwork
Zenith's policy is $2 million in general liability, and we have workers compensation on top of it.
On a commercial job, your lender, your insurer or the buyer of the lot may want paperwork from the demolition contractor before work starts or before they release money. Typically that's a certificate of insurance, and sometimes a W-9 and a lien waiver once the job is paid. Ask your lender what they need before you sign, so nobody is waiting on paper at the end.
Who does the work
Zenith has been mine since I founded it in 2022. We're two people, and I'm on the machine on every job. Zenith runs out of 3397 E Waterloo Rd in Akron. Commercial work takes us anywhere in Summit, Stark, Portage, Wayne, Tuscarawas, Mahoning or Columbiana County, so an empty shop building in Massillon, Canton or Youngstown is as much in range as one in Akron.
Questions People Ask
Is my building too small or too big for you?
Too small, almost never. A single-story shop or a small steel building is right in our lane. Too big is the real question, and if your building is past what a two-man operation should take on, I'll say so instead of stretching.
How long does a small commercial teardown take?
Longer than a house, mostly because of the permit, the utility releases and any abatement that has to happen first. The days on site depend on the building.
Is the site visit and estimate free on commercial jobs too?
Yes. Same as any other job: a free site visit and a free written estimate.
Do I get anything back for the scrap on a steel building?
Steel has scrap value, and on a steel building that value can be real money. How it's handled should be spelled out in the estimate.
Will I get a written plan before you start?
You get a written estimate that spells out what comes down, what stays and what's included.
If you've got a commercial building that needs to come down, Request a Free Estimate for a free site visit and written estimate, or call (330) 690-6842, Monday to Friday 7 to 5. For houses, garages and everything else we tear down, go back to the Zenith homepage.
Extremely satisfied! Great communication and they did it in a very timely manner! Above and beyond what i expected! Highly reccomend.
Jason Dye
If you’re looking for an honest and respectable company for your excavation needs you found it!!! Vental and his crew were hired to trench a...
If you’re looking for an honest and respectable company for your excavation needs you found it!!! Vental and his crew were hired to trench and install new downspout drain from house to street. I’ve worked in and around construction all my life and could tell from the start this company knows their stuff! Professional, courteous, knowledgeable and fair pricing. They even showed up to do the job in the rain rather than reschedule!
Christopher Hickin
I had a large crimson maple tree with roots invading my sewer lines. It was bad and causing a back up in my sewage. Thankfully Zenith Excava...
I had a large crimson maple tree with roots invading my sewer lines. It was bad and causing a back up in my sewage. Thankfully Zenith Excavating came to the rescue! I couldn’t believe the quality and timeliness of the service! He carefully dropped the tree and removed it off my property in 1 day. On the next visit he came to dig a trench to remove and replace my sewage lines all in 1 day! Everything was totally painless! I’ll be using Zenith for all future projects!
stevan keiper
Organized and orderly. Detailed and thorough.
Hannah Riter
We had a main sewer line backed up and it was scary trying to figure out how to get it taken care of. So thankful that we got to work with Z...
We had a main sewer line backed up and it was scary trying to figure out how to get it taken care of. So thankful that we got to work with Zenith Excavating! He was extremely knowledgeable, kind, considerate willing to work with our needs/preferences. Not to mention that the job went so smoothly, and was really well done!! Such a great experience, overall. Highly recommend.
AidanG
I can't say enough good things about Vental. He does fantastic work and works very diligently. I will definitely be hiring him for future pr...
I can't say enough good things about Vental. He does fantastic work and works very diligently. I will definitely be hiring him for future projects!
Tim Young
Absolutely Awesome experience. Vental and crew were great to work with, I understand why they have all 5 star reviews. Imagine there is stil...
Absolutely Awesome experience. Vental and crew were great to work with, I understand why they have all 5 star reviews. Imagine there is still a company out there that does what they say, when they say, for the price they say. Thanks again!!
Theresa Krantz
Quote process was fast & easy. We were able to get on the schedule quick, and the work was great! Couldn’t be happier. Thank you!!
Eben Selby
Vental and team do great work, and are reasonably priced. They just completed a downspout job for me with over 300ln ft of pipe, 12+ connect...
Vental and team do great work, and are reasonably priced. They just completed a downspout job for me with over 300ln ft of pipe, 12+ connections, tied into city storm, and also regraded the lot.
Justin Suttmiller
Zenith does amazing work. Very trustworthy. Great communication throughout the entire process.
Bill Loudermilk
These guys were fantastic! They did the job very well and finished in one day. They were also the best price of the three we had. Highly rec...
These guys were fantastic! They did the job very well and finished in one day. They were also the best price of the three we had. Highly recommend them.
Bill Loudermilk.
Rick Marshall
Highly recommend! Professional, polite, very reasonably priced. No pressure and Vental spent time to troubleshoot the best solution. I was v...
Highly recommend! Professional, polite, very reasonably priced. No pressure and Vental spent time to troubleshoot the best solution. I was very impressed with the attention to detail and quality
Ron Hundsrucker
This is a young mans company with old corps values and work ethics. Punctual, knowledgeable, and affable at a fair price. Able to bring his...
This is a young mans company with old corps values and work ethics. Punctual, knowledgeable, and affable at a fair price. Able to bring his mini excavator into my yard to work in close quarters with no invasive consequenses. The results were a clean, professional, & funtional end product. Vental Waggoner is a skilled equipment operator that doesn't hesitate to grab a shovel when required, and leaves the job site neat and clean. On a scale of 1 to 10 I give him an overall "10".
CJ Sively
Vental with Zenith Excavating could not have been more professional and his work was outstanding! I 100% recommend him and he would be my 1s...
Vental with Zenith Excavating could not have been more professional and his work was outstanding! I 100% recommend him and he would be my 1st call if I ever need anything else done!!
Za Br
Hired Zenith to do a pool and deck removal as well as filling the recessed area where the pool was. Vental and his crew are incredible. They...
Hired Zenith to do a pool and deck removal as well as filling the recessed area where the pool was. Vental and his crew are incredible. They are hard workers that deliver amazing results. Couldn't be more happy with the work or finished job and will definitely look forward to calling them in the future.
R B
I had a fantastic experience with Zenith Excavating! Vental was incredibly quick to answer his phone, which I really appreciated. He was abl...
I had a fantastic experience with Zenith Excavating! Vental was incredibly quick to answer his phone, which I really appreciated. He was able to schedule an appointment promptly and provided a clear, competitive quote right away. Their efficiency and professionalism made the whole process smooth and stress-free. I highly recommend Zenith Excavating for any excavation needs!
David Grimm
Vental and his coworker did an amazing job installing a basin and pipe in our backyard to help resolve erosion issues.
His communication was...
Vental and his coworker did an amazing job installing a basin and pipe in our backyard to help resolve erosion issues.
His communication was excellent. Very professional and polite all around from the beginning of the project until the end. Was willing to go out of his way with great detail to make sure the job was done correctly.
I highly recommend contacting Zenith Excavating in your future projects.
Marissa Lyons
We will absolutely be using Zenith Excavating again in the future. Vental was super personable and was there to help us with any questions w...
We will absolutely be using Zenith Excavating again in the future. Vental was super personable and was there to help us with any questions we had for him. He worked with the soil scientist we hired on a project and they both did a fantastic job. I would highly recommend this business to anyone! Thank you so much for being so helpful! My family and I are very satisfied with the job they did.
Your Outdoor Oasis
We have had the pleasure of working with Vental w/ Zenith Excavating on multiple projects, and his expertise and dedication are truly unmatc...
We have had the pleasure of working with Vental w/ Zenith Excavating on multiple projects, and his expertise and dedication are truly unmatched.
He is incredibly talented, highly knowledgeable, and takes immense pride in his work. Not only does he consistently deliver exceptional results, but he also goes above and beyond to ensure every job is done to the highest standard.
His positive attitude and professionalism make him a valued part of any project, and we highly recommend him to anyone looking for top-tier craftsmanship and reliability.
Joseph Sofio
Highly recommend Zenith Excavating. We have used them for multiple projects and they provided great service at a great price. Their ability...
Highly recommend Zenith Excavating. We have used them for multiple projects and they provided great service at a great price. Their ability to problem solve, execute the job and leave the work area clean has us coming back for each job needed. Thanks Vental!
Adam Galbreath
Outstanding Company and the quality of work was amazing. They excavated and installed a new 100’ drain line to the street for my downspouts....
Outstanding Company and the quality of work was amazing. They excavated and installed a new 100’ drain line to the street for my downspouts. The quality of the work far exceeded my expectations and the price was more than fair. The communications leading up the day of the work was incredible and very much appreciated. Highly recommended !!!!
Evan Barker
Vental is very nice and professional. I had him trench and pipe for my sump pump and downspouts. His price was very reasonable. He did a goo...
Vental is very nice and professional. I had him trench and pipe for my sump pump and downspouts. His price was very reasonable. He did a good job. There was good, open communication before and during the project.
Brandy Ware
Had availability even sooner than we had originally expected. Vental kept us updated from start to finish. Doesn't even look like half of my...
Had availability even sooner than we had originally expected. Vental kept us updated from start to finish. Doesn't even look like half of my gravel driveway was ripped open this morning. Had the pipe out and fixed within a few hours. Highly recommend!
Kimberly Belter
I cannot speak more highly of Vental and of Zenith Excavating! Outstanding work, prompt, and courteous! I recommend them highly and will def...
I cannot speak more highly of Vental and of Zenith Excavating! Outstanding work, prompt, and courteous! I recommend them highly and will definitely work with them again in the future. Deepest thanks for a job incredibly well done!👍🏼
Nick Rumschlag
Great experience using Zenith Excavating to grade our yard and site prep for a new garage. Communication, punctuality and attention to detai...
Great experience using Zenith Excavating to grade our yard and site prep for a new garage. Communication, punctuality and attention to detail all top notch!
Christine Longville
Zenith Excavating was great to work with! Very communicative and responsive. A+
Charles Ochsenbine
Friendly and professional team. Did a very good job and had our best interest in mind the whole job.
Corey Thompson
These guys are great. Smart, kind, problem solvers. I highly recomend.
Amy’s R Kitchen R
Alexander was very professional and cared about how we wanted the project done. He did an excellent job! We love the results!
Prism
One of the most upstanding and polite contractors I have ever worked with. They ask all the right questions and are quick to solve any probl...
One of the most upstanding and polite contractors I have ever worked with. They ask all the right questions and are quick to solve any problems/issues that arise. Also very flexible schedule wise and able to meet our needs in a timely manner. The attention to detail and quality of work is outstanding. I would highly recommend Zenith, especially if you are looking to have culverts installed.
Elizabeth Beach
Vental at Zenith Excavating did an excellent job for us at a fair price. He is reliable, explains everything, keeps at the job to complete i...
Vental at Zenith Excavating did an excellent job for us at a fair price. He is reliable, explains everything, keeps at the job to complete it as soon as possible, and stands behind his work. I’d highly recommend him to anyone needing excavation services.
Morgan Wright
Zenith Excavating did a phenomenal job installing our new yard drainage & catch basins. Vental is the absolute nicest contractor I have ever...
Zenith Excavating did a phenomenal job installing our new yard drainage & catch basins. Vental is the absolute nicest contractor I have ever worked with - he is professional, accommodating, extremely knowledgeable & a great communicator! His attention to detail and quality of work are more than I could have hoped for. I highly recommend Vental & team at Zenith Excavating for your next project!
Kevin Traub
I've worked with Zenith on 3 different projects now. Vental's as reliable as they come. His communication is clear and consistent, his prici...
I've worked with Zenith on 3 different projects now. Vental's as reliable as they come. His communication is clear and consistent, his pricing is reasonable, and every time he's exceeded expectations on the quality of work. If you're looking for somebody you can depend on to do what they say they will then you've found the right place.
michael bruno
Vental is meticulous with his work. I was on one of his job sites and he goes that extra mile to make sure the areas his customers are conce...
Vental is meticulous with his work. I was on one of his job sites and he goes that extra mile to make sure the areas his customers are concerned about go undisturbed. His work is as clean and well maintained as his machines. For any excavation, grading, trenching work, etc, I will without a doubt be using zenith excavating in the future.
Bill Ritter
We called Vental from a Google listing. We made an appt. and he came to our home promptly. Very polite and knowledgeable. He gave us a great...
We called Vental from a Google listing. We made an appt. and he came to our home promptly. Very polite and knowledgeable. He gave us a great quote, showed up on time and did a wonderful job. We will certainly share his name with others!
Kendra Nicholas
We are a repeat customer of Zenith Excavating Company, because it is always a great experience working with them! The owner is very knowledg...
We are a repeat customer of Zenith Excavating Company, because it is always a great experience working with them! The owner is very knowledgeable and detail-oriented at discussing all options, is very flexible, and maintains open communication throughout the process. We can't recommend Zenith enough for all your excavating needs! This trustworthy and accommodating company will exceed your expectations.
Debbie Scofield
Zenith Excavating was such a pleasure to work with on our church project. Ventil is professional, honest & timely. I would highly recommend...
Zenith Excavating was such a pleasure to work with on our church project. Ventil is professional, honest & timely. I would highly recommend Zenith for any excavating needs you may have!
James Bixler
Best Excavator I know!!!!
He cut in our long driveway and cleared our house lot.
On time, Polite, Works Quickly and Efficiently, Great Price...
Best Excavator I know!!!!
He cut in our long driveway and cleared our house lot.
On time, Polite, Works Quickly and Efficiently, Great Prices, would ALWAYS recommend!!!
Jeff Kiefaber
On time, excellent work, attention to detail and stuck to estimate. Great work for a great price.
Lochlen Dalla
Vental was amazing, he showed up right on time, was extremely professional and knowledgeable. He was happy to answer all my questions and ev...
Vental was amazing, he showed up right on time, was extremely professional and knowledgeable. He was happy to answer all my questions and even teach me a little about excavating.
His clean up was perfect. I would absolutely recommend him.
Paul Yastrab
We are extremely pleased with his work to dig our pond, it was challenging given the small size with creeks involved as well and worked with...
We are extremely pleased with his work to dig our pond, it was challenging given the small size with creeks involved as well and worked with our teenage sons requests as the work progressed when obstacles came up. Highly recomend Vental! Great guy, super personable and very professional.
Derek Mast
Zenith recently performed excavation work and backfilling for my above ground swimming pool gas and electric underground utilities. Vental w...
Zenith recently performed excavation work and backfilling for my above ground swimming pool gas and electric underground utilities. Vental went above and beyond to work within the tight constraints of our site conditions and concurrent fence installation. In addition, Vental is responsive, knowledgeable, accommodating and extremely pleasant to work with. I highly recommend Zenith Excavating Company!
Jack Daugherty
He did a great job and was very clean/efficient. I would highly recommend
John Hogan
Great company and very focused on attention to detail. Highly recommend
Get a Free Written Estimate
Zenith Excavating in Akron, OH
Demolition Contractor
Owner on siteEvery job
Site visitFree
Written estimateFree
Haul-off and gradeIncluded
Fully insured · $2M general liability · Workers comp
