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When you want to redesign a home, you have two options: renovate it, or demolish it and start from scratch. But which is the most budget-friendly option? How much does it actually cost to demolish a house?
In this article, we take a look at house demolition costs and explore the available options when you want to comprehensively redesign your home.
Do you need a site plan for your property? At My Site Plan, we have several options for your next project!
Table of content
How much does it cost to demolish a house? How do you calculate house demolition cost? Is it better to demolish or renovate? Is it cheaper to remodel or build from scratch? What to know before demolishing a house Can I demolish a house by myself? Decide on deconstruction or demolition Preparation Start clearing out Salvage what you can Tear out flooring Bring in the heavy machinery What happens after you demo a house? House demolition FAQs
How much does it cost to demolish a house?
In 2024, the average cost to demo a house is $15,800 for a 2,000-square-foot house. However, you could pay as little as $6,000 or as much as $25,500.
The cost to demolish a house per square foot ranges from $4 to $17.
The cost to demo a house and then rebuild ranges from $125,000 to $450,000 or $104 to $165 per square foot.
How do you calculate house demolition cost?
If you’d like to calculate these costs for your own demo project, you need to multiply the amount of material to be demolished (the square footage) by the rate of the demolition (labor and machinery rental costs). To work out labor and machinery rental costs, you need to estimate how many hours it will take to demolish the structure.
Other factors that can influence house demolition costs include:
Home size: The higher the square footage, the higher the demolition costs
Access and location: Bringing heavy machinery onto a site that’s hard to access tends to be more expensive.
Materials: It’s much cheaper to demolish and rebuild with wood, for example, than it is to rebuild a brick house.
Cleanup and disposal: The average cost of cleanup and disposal after tearing down a house ranges from $300 to $1,800. However, if your home contains any problematic materials like asbestos, these costs could be higher.
Permits: Depending on where you live, you may need to apply for permits when tearing down a house — these add to the overall house demolition cost. Always check with your town or county regulations before knocking down a house.
Is it better to demolish or renovate?
Demolition can be a costly business. So, would you be better off committing to a house renovation? This answer depends on your goals, plans, and the current state of the house.
If the existing house has a bad structure, you may need to demolish it. Many homes get knocked down because the structure is dangerous or too expensive to repair. Building from scratch is much easier and cheaper than renovating a property with many structural issues.
However, for those with a home that has a strong structure, renovation can be the cheaper choice. You don’t have to factor in house demolition or rebuilding costs. You may even be able to live in the house as home improvements are made, saving on rent or other housing costs.
Is it cheaper to remodel or build from scratch?
If you simply want to add an extra room or a second story to your home, it probably doesn’t make sense to tear down the whole structure. You can simply add more space with a remodeling project.
However, there are some factors you need to consider for your particular project. First, think about your goals and calculate the costs. If the project requires a lot of structural improvements, starting from scratch could be cheaper.
A remodel might seem more affordable, but significant structural changes will add to those expenses, especially if you have an older home.
What to know before demolishing a house
Unless you have some experience handling a demolition, it can be a challenging project. You’ll need to consult an experienced professional like a general contractor to get advice about whether to gut the home or completely demolish it.
First, you need someone to inspect the structure. If the frame and foundation are sturdy, you may want to stick to renovation plans. However, if there are significant problems, demolishing the entire home might be the best option.
You also need to make a plan for gutting a house. It might seem as easy as taking a sledgehammer and getting to work. But, without proper planning, you could run into trouble and end up spending more money on the project.
Can I demolish a house by myself?
If you want to reduce house demolition costs, you can choose to take on the project yourself. Here’s a quick rundown of the stages involved.
Decide on deconstruction or demolition
When you demolish a house, there are two approaches: deconstruction and demolition. When you deconstruct a home, you remove the materials by hand and preserve some resources for later. With demolition, you use heavy machinery to destroy the building. You’ll need to decide between the two options.
Preparation
Take a few days to plan out the job and address any potential problems. You’ll need to rent hand tools and heavy machinery for the job. You’ll also need a roll-off dumpster to get rid of the debris. Before getting started, don’t forget to shut off and cap all utilities, including water, gas, and electricity, by contacting your providers.
Start clearing out
Start by clearing out the fixtures. Then, move on to the walls by removing wallpaper and tearing them down. Be careful not to remove load-bearing walls just yet — you’ll want to remove those at the very end of the project.
Salvage what you can
Wiring and piping can be recycled or sold for extra money. You should also focus on removing the frames and doors. Once again, if the door is in excellent condition, you can sell or donate it to businesses or organizations in your community.
Tear out flooring
Next, it’s time to tear out the flooring materials. You need to remove the carpeting, tiles, wood, or linoleum flooring. At this point, you want to go from room to room and remove everything from those spaces.
Bring in the heavy machinery
When you’ve completed all of the previous stages you can bring in the heavy machinery to demolish the entire structure of the house. Start by caving in the roof and work your way down by knocking over the walls and the floors. It’s crucial to level the structure so it doesn't fall towards you.
Some of the steps above are only relevant if you want to salvage materials from the home. Salvaging can help to reduce the overall cost to demolish a house. But if speed is your priority, you can skip steps three to five and jump right in with the heavy machinery.
What happens after you demo a house?
We hope this article has helped you weigh the pros and cons of house demolition and that you now have a clearer idea of what it costs to demolish a house.
Is your demolition complete? Then, it’s time to start redesigning your property. That’s where My Site Plan can help.
We can create a site plan from scratch. Our site plans don’t require site visits and we offer fast 24-hour turnaround times. Our team of construction experts can also provide complete drafting services, too.
House demolition FAQs
How much does it cost to demolish a house?
In 2024, the average cost to demolish a house ranges from $6,000 to $25,500 for a 2,000-square-foot home.
How much does house demolition cost per square foot?
When we look at house demolition costs on a square foot basis, prices range from $4 to $17 per square foot.
How much does it cost to tear down a house and then rebuild?
The cost to tear down a house and then rebuild it is somewhere in the region of $125,000 to $450,000. On average, this ends up being $104 to $165 per square foot.
What are the environmental impacts of demolishing a house?
Demolishing a house impacts the environment through debris, dust, and CO2 emissions from machinery. Deconstruction methods can reduce these impacts by recycling materials.
What permits are required for house demolition?
You typically need a demolition permit and may also require permits for disconnecting utilities or handling hazardous materials. Requirements vary by location, so be sure to check your local regulations.
How long does it typically take to demolish a house?
The time it takes to demolish a house varies depending on its size and complexity. That said, the process generally takes a few days to a week.
What safety measures should be taken during house demolition?
Important safety measures for house demolition include securing the site, using appropriate PPE, and ensuring all utilities are disconnected and capped.
How can I minimize costs when demolishing a house?
You can reduce your house demolition cost by salvaging materials for resale or reuse, comparing contractor quotes, renting equipment, and by taking the time to plan thoroughly.
This post was originally published on 2022-08-22, by Ryan Crownholm. It was updated on 2024-05-17 to reflect the most recent data.
