Choose the right scope
Deck, fence and shed removal: what to confirm
Exterior structures, attachments and bases assessed separately from the building or fence that stays.
Identify what leaves, what stays and the condition you need for the next stage. Share access restrictions, attached services and any known material concerns for the site assessment.
What's included
- Deck boards, stairs, guards, joists and included ledger work
- Deck footings where specifically included
- Fence panels, posts and included post footings
- Shed walls, roofing, framing and doors
- Shed slabs or bases only where written into the scope
- Planned load-out of debris from the included removal
How the job runs
- 01
Walk the exterior
We review each structure, property access, nearby buildings, trees, utilities and the intended final condition.
- 02
Confirm ownership and permits
The owner resolves boundaries, neighbour agreement and applicable Toronto Building requirements before work.
- 03
Clear and disconnect
Shed contents leave, and any electrical service is made safe by the appropriate electrician.
- 04
Separate connections
Deck ledgers, fence lines, footings, slabs and attachments to retained construction are marked clearly.
- 05
Dismantle and load
Included structures come apart in a controlled order and debris is loaded under the agreed loading plan.
- 06
Sweep the work area
Loose fasteners and fragments are collected, and the area is left to the documented handover condition.
Before we start
The owner should empty sheds, clear the deck and confirm the legal fence line. Where a shared fence is involved, neighbour agreement must be addressed before the crew removes it. Electrical service to a shed must be disconnected by the appropriate electrician.
Where the work involves a structure, confirm permit requirements with Toronto Building and review the existing shed and deck permit guide before scheduling.
Where building materials will be disturbed, OHSA section 30 makes the owner responsible for identifying designated substances before the work is tendered or arranged. Any required asbestos work affecting the demolition scope is handled by a qualified abatement contractor under O. Reg. 278/05 before ordinary demolition proceeds. Anchor Demolition Scarborough does not perform abatement.
Decks and their connections
A deck scope should name boards, stairs, guards, joists, beams, posts, footings and the ledger separately. The ledger can connect directly to the house, so its treatment must protect the retained wall and weather barrier. Concrete footings also need a stated removal depth or a clear instruction to remain.
Material is dismantled in an order that keeps the remaining frame stable until it is ready to come down. Nails and screws are controlled during load-out rather than scattered across the yard. Attached planters, privacy screens and under-deck storage are included only when listed.
Fences and sheds
Fence removal begins after the owner confirms the property arrangement and any neighbour agreement. Panels, posts and footings can each have different boundaries. Gates tied into retained fencing are marked before work so the crew does not open an unintended section of the yard.
A shed must be empty before demolition. Roofing, framing, doors, base and any slab are assessed separately, and serviced sheds require electrical disconnection first. Debris from the included removal leaves during the collection visit, followed by a sweep of the immediate work and travel areas.
Related work
House exterior with small timber steps 
House exterior with a covered porch 
Exterior access between structures
Questions we get asked
- Does deck removal include the footings?
- Footings are included only when the written scope says so. Their material, location and intended final condition affect the removal plan. Deck framing, ledger connections and footings should be listed separately during the site walk.
- Can you remove a shared fence?
- The owner must resolve the property line and obtain any required neighbour agreement before removal. Anchor follows the confirmed boundary but does not determine ownership. Unclear sections remain untouched until the responsible parties provide direction.
- What must be done before shed demolition?
- The shed should be emptied, and any electrical service must be disconnected by the appropriate electrician. The owner also confirms Toronto Building requirements and identifies whether the base, slab, attached deck or nearby fence is included.
- Does the debris leave with the crew?
- Yes, debris from the included removal is loaded during the same collection visit when site conditions match the scope. Hazardous products, unknown material and shed contents not listed for removal require separate direction.
Ready to discuss the work?
Tell us what needs to be removed. We will review the site and prepare a written scope.