Demolishing a house might seem intimidating, but it can be surprisingly viable under certain circumstances.
The total cost to demolish a house primarily depends on its size, structure, and the demolition type.
Be aware of all the factors influencing the demolition cost before deciding if it’s worth it.
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Why Demolish A House?
While tearing down a whole house might seem extreme, there are several situations where this option is more cost-effective than trying to remodel.
Consider demolishing a house if:
- It’s severely damaged by fire or adverse weather conditions
- It’s dilapidated beyond repair
- You plan to build a custom house in its place
- It’s more cost-effective to demolish than buy a new property
- It’s so infested, it can’t be remedied by extermination
Average Cost To Demolish A House
The national average cost for demolishing a house is $18,000.
A total demolition is a considerable undertaking.
Size is typically the most significant factor when it comes to demolishing a house.
Other contributing factors include:
- The geographic location of the house
- The house’s structure and layout
- Machinery requirements
- Building materials
- Permit and inspection requirements
- Cleaning and disposal costs
House Demolition Cost Per Square Foot
Square footage is the most significant factor in determining demolition costs.
On average, demolishing a house will cost between $5 and $10 per square foot.
House Demolition Type
Demolition refers to taking down a structure.
This process doesn’t have to include the entire house. Instead of total demolition, individual house components can be removed.
Sometimes the house’s reusable materials can be salvaged.
Demolition vs Deconstruction
The goal of demolition is to tear a structure to the ground as quickly and safely as possible. This process usually involves heavy machinery.
Another option is to deconstruct the homes.
Deconstruction refers to carefully removing and salvaging the house’s reusable materials and structural elements before leveling it.
During deconstruction, the collected materials can be reused, sold, or donated, allowing homeowners to file the deconstruction as a tax write-off.
Deconstruction is frequently done by hand, making it highly labor-intensive.
Deconstructing a house can cost twice as much as demolishing it.
The tax benefit from donating the excised parts of the house will help offset some of the costs.
Partial Demolition Cost
Depending on the project type, partial demolition can cost anywhere between $300 and $25,000.
On average, most parts of your property can be removed for around $3,000 per structure.
Total Demolition Cost
Demolishing an entire house averages around $18,000.
The price range for a complete home demolition is extensive due to many different factors.
How Much Does It Cost To Demolish A Structure?
Traditional homes, mobile homes, and sheds and barns are the most common structures homeowners want to eliminate.
Here’s how much you can expect the demolition of each structure type to cost.
| Demolition Type | Average Total Cost |
|---|---|
| Total Demolition | $18,000 |
| Traditional Home | $3,000-$32,000 |
| Mobile Home | $2,500-$6,500 |
| Shed or Barn | $3,500 |
Traditional Home Demolition
The total demolition of a traditional home can cost as little as $3,000 for smaller homes in rural areas or as high as $32,000 for more complex homes in urban areas.
Mobile Home Demolition
The demolition of mobile homes costs significantly less than traditional structures since they have no permanent foundations.
On average, homeowners should expect to pay between $2,500 and $6,500 to demolish a mobile home, depending on its size, materials, and removal method.
Shed or Barn Demolition
Demolishing a shed or barn might seem like a significantly more manageable task. However, some materials, such as concrete, require extensive equipment for demolition.
The average cost of demolishing a shed or barn is $3,500.
House Demolition Prices By Area
A partial demolition has two meanings.
The first is a partial removal of the surrounding house structure. The second is a complete removal of a specific part of the house.
This section will discuss the latter.
| Partial Demolition | |
|---|---|
| Deck | $1,000 |
| Chimney | $1,000-$10,000 |
| Interior Walls | $1,000-$5,000 |
| Patio | $450-$2,400 |
| Shed | $450-2,500 |
| Bathroom | $500-$1,900 |
| House Extension | $600-$2,700 |
| Driveway | $700-$3,200 |
| Garage | $1,800-$9,100 |
| Foundation | $1,000-$5,000 |
| Barn | $5,000 |
| Pool | $2,500-$20,000 |
| Roof | $7,500 |
| Basement | $300-$25,000 |
Deck Removal Costs
The cost of removing a deck depends on its square footage, material, age, location, and design.
For instance, it’s easier to remove a small, rickety, freestanding deck made of wood. This removal will cost less, around $5 per square foot.
In contrast, large, metal, two-story decks attached to the house pose a much greater challenge. These can require up to $30 per square foot to eliminate.
On average, homeowners pay around $1,000 to demolish a deck.
Chimney Demolition Cost
A total chimney demolition will range between $1,000 and $10,000.
The chimney’s structure is one of the deciding factors.
If the chimney is fully built into the home’s structure or extends into the basement, the removal cost will be on the higher end of the range.
Wall Demolition Costs
If you’d like to tear down a few interior walls to address mold damage or change the layout, you should expect to pay between $1,000 and $5,000.
When demolishing walls, be careful not to hit a load-bearing structure.
Patio Demolition Costs
The cost of demolishing a patio depends on its square footage, material, and accessibility.
On average, you should expect to pay from $3 to $6 per square foot.
Since most patios are between 150 and 400 square feet, your total cost should range from $450 to $2,400.
Shed Demolition Cost
Shed demolition costs are influenced by its location, condition, and how it was built or anchored.
The average cost for demolishing a shed ranges from $450 to $2,500.
Bathroom Demolition Cost
On average, you can expect to pay between $500 and $1,900 for a bathroom demolition.
The cost depends on whether you’re dealing with a small powder room or an elaborate master bathroom suite.
Cost to Demolish an Extension
Getting rid of a poorly built extension is relatively easy, since it’s generally built after the rest of the house.
On average, homeowners pay between $2 and $6 per square foot to demolish an extension.
The total demolition costs for a house extension will typically range between $600 and $2,700.
Driveway Removal Cost
Driveways are sturdy, multilayered structures that won’t go down without a fight.
Based on the driveway’s length and material, you’ll need between $700 and $3,200 to demolish it.
Garage Demolition Cost
Demolishing a garage averages $3 to $7 per square foot.
Homeowners typically pay between $1,800 and $9,100 to demolish a garage.
The exact demolition cost depends on whether the garage is attached to the house, the age and type of foundation, and accessibility.
Many garages have plumbing and electrical considerations that might raise the price.
Foundation Removal Cost
On average, removing a foundation costs between $1,000 and $5,000.
The total foundation demolition cost can go up to $25,000 if the foundation is deep, large, and difficult to remove.
Did you know? Repairing a foundation usually costs more than demolishing it. However, a new foundation can be quite costly and requires leveling the building site, which further raises the total cost.
Barn Demolition Cost
Homeowners pay approximately $5,000 on average to demolish a barn.
If the barn is attached to the main house and is made of concrete, the demolition price can amount to $25,000.
A small, wooden, detached barn may cost less than $1,000 to tear down.
Pool Removal Cost
Removing a swimming pool can run as low as $2,500 or as high as $20,000.
It all depends on the complexity of the pool, its reinforcement, and its size.
Above-ground pools are easier and less expensive to remove than in-ground pools.
Roof Demolition Cost
Demolishing a roof will cost around $5 per square foot, which amounts to $7,500 for an average 1,500-square-foot roof.
This price can go up for roofs that are exceptionally high, steep, complex, or hard to access.
Basement Demolition Costs
Basement demolition costs from $300 to $25,000, depending on size, accessibility, and the number of items removed.
Such a wide range results from the many forms a basement can take.
A smaller, unfinished basement will pose no issues. Tearing out a large, complicated basement is an expensive undertaking.
Cost To Tear Down And Rebuild House
Rebuilding a 2,000-square-foot home will cost roughly $326,000 plus the demolition charges.
If the old house has the same square footage, you’ll need approximately $10,000 to demolish it.
Both costs can vary based on the house’s location, materials, and the presence of asbestos.
Cost To Tear Down A House With Asbestos
Houses built before 1990 are likely to have asbestos hidden in the insulation, paneling, or flooring.
This hazardous mineral was extensively used as an insulation product due to its resistance to fire, electricity, and chemical corrosion.
Solid asbestos is harmless on its own.
The material becomes flaky once it starts aging or is disturbed. These flakes become airborne. If inhaled, it poses a severe risk to human health.
Removing asbestos may require special training and government-issued licenses.
The cost of removing asbestos averages around $2,000 but can be significantly higher.
House Demolition DIY vs Hiring A Professional
The cost of having a professional tear down your house depends on many factors.
The best course of action is to hire a contractor to conduct a pre-project audit and give you a cost estimate.
During the audit, the contractor will examine the materials used in the house and assess potential safety risks. They’ll tell you how many permits you’ll need for the project.
Most demolition building permits range from $50 to $100.
Homeowners can check the requirements with the municipal building department and obtain the permits independently.
Due to the project’s scope and safety risks, homeowners should never DIY a house demolition.
Rural vs Urban House Demolition
The geographic location of the house significantly impacts the price of its demolition.
Houses in rural areas are usually easier to access, have fewer levels, and require less cleanup.
You’ll only need $4,000 to demolish a rural, 2,000-square-foot house.
Urban houses are usually in a crowded setting that calls for more maneuvering.
Demolishing a 2,000-square-foot urban house can cost up to $24,000.
Demolition Cleanup Cost
Once your house is torn down, a lot of debris will be left behind. This debris needs to be hauled to a landfill, hazmat, or recycling center.
When hiring a demolition contractor, check if disposal and cleanup are part of their service.
If yes, you can expect to pay between $300 and $1,900 for the demolition clean up.
Otherwise, you’ll need to hire a debris removal service. The average rate is from $400 to $700 per truckload of waste.
How Much Of My Home Can I Tear Down On My Budget?
Calculating the exact cost of a demolition is complex, as the project depends on many factors.
You can get an estimate of how much house you can tear down with the money you’ve set aside for the project.
$1,200 to $5,000
You probably won’t be able to demolish your entire house or make any drastic changes for under $5,000.
Instead, this budget will allow you to open up space by removing some interior walls.
$2,000 to $10,000
With a budget of not more than $10,000, you’ll be able to demolish a specific part in or around your house, such as the garage, roof, or chimney.
$22,500 or More
If you’re able to spend more than $22,000 on the project, you should be able to complete a total demolition.
How Is Demolition Cost Calculated?
Professional demolition companies will generally calculate the cost of the project based on various factors.
The square footage is the starting point for calculating labor costs.
This base price will increase depending on the following factors:
- Local permit requirements
- Geographic location
- Special equipment requirements
- Handling hazardous materials like asbestos
- Cleanup costs
What Is The Cheapest Way To Tear Down A House?
Mechanical demolition is typically the cheapest way to tear down a house.
This demolition type involves powerful heavy machinery, such as cranes, bulldozers, and excavators.
Is It Cheaper To Tear Down A House And Rebuild?
Whether remodeling or tearing down and rebuilding is the cheaper route depends on the state of the house.
Generally speaking, remodeling an old house is more affordable if:
- The house was built using solid materials made to last
- You can’t afford to leave your home during a demolition
- There are too many costly elements to preserve
In contrast, tearing down the house and rebuilding it on-site should be the way to go if:
- You can save the materials and sell them or donate them for a tax benefit
- The house is in bad shape or too old to be brought up to code
- You want to ensure your house won’t need costly repairs anytime soon
Should I Demolish My House Myself Or Pay A Professional?
More DIY-savvy homeowners may consider demolishing walls to open up space.
However, a complete home demolition should be left to a professional.
Unless they’re experienced contractors, homeowners attempting a DIY home demolition would have to do the following:
- Rent heavy equipment, such as sledgehammers, forklifts, and demolition trucks
- Obtain the necessary permits
- Become familiar with gas lines, electrical connections, oil hookups, and load-bearing walls
- Follow safety regulations regarding asbestos
One wrong move can destabilize the house and lead to an uncontrolled structural collapse, resulting in costly repairs and severe injuries.
What Should I Consider When Trying To Save Money On A House Demolition?
Most homeowners usually don’t have the heavy equipment necessary for a complete house demolition.
Still, there are several ways to save money on a house demolition.
These mostly have to do with the cost of labor.
To reduce this cost, you can handle the interior deconstruction on your own or with the help of your friends and household members.
Of course, you should prioritize your safety and only tackle tasks that don’t put you in harm’s way.
These include taking down any easily-removable parts, such as cabinets, doors, and light fixtures.
Pro Tip: Many fire departments use existing structures for fire training. If you’re on a tight budget, try contacting your local fire department to offer your house for this purpose. You can write off the demolished house as a donation if it gets selected.
How Do You Prepare A House For Demolition?
When it comes to preparing a house for demolition, there are two aspects to consider.
The first aspect is safety.
Regardless of how extensive the demolition is, you should ensure to:
- Clearly mark and tape off the construction area
- Light outdoor areas with floodlights during evening construction work
- Require safety equipment for everyone who will be on-site during or after demolition
- Line walkways with cardboard or fabric mats to designate safe walking paths
If you plan to assist, wear protective clothing such as work boots, gloves, goggles, and a hard hat.
The second aspect to consider is the technical requirements for the demolition.
When demolishing an entire house, you must disconnect the water, gas, electricity, and sanitary sewer.
If you only need to knock down a few walls, you should cap off the pipes, shut down HVAC units, and cut off electricity.
Pro Tip: Working with electricity can be highly dangerous if you don’t have the necessary expertise, equipment, and safety training. For this reason, you should consider hiring an electrician to take care of all the electrical wiring and outlets.
How Do I Find a Home Demolition Company?
While some general contractors can handle demolition, this task typically requires particular expertise.
Hire a demolition contractor that understands structural integrity, owns the equipment needed for safe and skillful demolition, and can obtain all the necessary permits.
The best course of action would be to hire a contractor based on a recommendation.
If this isn’t possible, you can look for a demolition company online. Just make sure to check the company’s details, license, project portfolio, and business history.
Why Should I Pick A Partial Demolition Over A Full Demolition?
Generally speaking, only teardown properties call for a complete demolition.
A teardown property is a piece of real estate where the land holds all the value. The house typically can’t be salvaged since it would require too large an investment.
If the house can still be brought up to code or has “good bones,” you will save a lot of money by opting for partial demolition.
Partial demolition is also a better choice if you want to remove a section of your house to create an open-plan living area.
Did you know? A house with good bones has a solid foundation without cracks and a sound structure with sturdy windows and hardwood floors. There are no signs of mold, water in the basement, or termite damage.
How Long Does It Take To Demolish a House?
The duration of the house demolition process depends on several factors. These include the house’s size, material, and demolition type.
With heavy equipment, you can knock down a smaller house with a simple layout in a few hours.
If the house contains hazardous materials like asbestos or requires a more detailed deconstruction, demolishing it can take several weeks.
What Other Projects Should I Do At The Same Time?
Regardless of the house part you’re demolishing, consider having the same crew remove your driveway or deck.
Since everything will be hauled simultaneously, you’ll save money on cleanup costs.
Is It Worth Tearing Down A House?
Tearing down the house is worth it if there’s no other cost-effective solution.
To Demolish Or Not To Demolish
Each house has unique challenges that dictate the optimal solution a homeowner should choose.
Now that you’re familiar with all the costs, conditions, and requirements of home demolition, you can determine whether this solution fits your budget and vision.
