| Key Takeaways |
|---|
| – Average cost to demolish a house ranges from $6,000 to $25,000 |
| – Costs vary based on house size, location, and type of demolition |
| – Additional costs include permits, inspections, and utility work |
| – Demolition can take 2.5 to 6 months, depending on various factors |
$4 – $10 Cost Per Square Foot
$6,000 – $25,000 Average House Tear Down Cost
Cost To Demolish A House
Demolishing a house involves various costs that can fluctuate based on the size of the house, the type of demolition required, and additional factors such as permits and utility preparations. Below is an estimate of the average costs per square foot and total costs for different house sizes.
Cost To Demolish A House Table
| House Size (Square Feet) | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| 800 | $3,200 – $8,000 |
| 1,000 | $4,000 – $10,000 |
| 1,200 | $4,800 – $12,000 |
| 1,500 | $6,000 – $15,000 |
| 2,000 | $8,000 – $20,000 |
| 2,500 | $10,000 – $25,000 |
| 3,000 | $12,000 – $30,000 |
| 3,500 | $14,000 – $35,000 |
House Demolition Cost Calculator
Calculators can help estimate demolition costs based on specific inputs like square footage, location, and type of materials in the house.
Average House Demolition Cost
The following table summarizes the national averages for house demolition costs:
Average Cost To Demolish A House
| National Average | $14,000 |
| Minimum Cost | $3,000 |
| Maximum Cost | $35,000 |
| Average Range | $6,000 to $25,000 |
House Demolition Cost Per Square Foot
The average cost to demolish a house can vary widely based on the square footage and type of demolition work required.
Average Demo Cost Per Square Foot
| Demolition Type | Average Cost Per Square Foot |
|---|---|
| House | $2 – $5 |
| Foundation | $1 – $3 |
| Disposal | $1 – $2 |
Total Cost Per Square Foot: $4 – $10
Mobile Home Demolition Cost
Mobile homes typically cost less to demolish due to their size and construction material. The average demolition cost could range from $1,000 to $5,000.
Cost To Tear Down And Rebuild A House
Demolition is only part of the process. For those looking to rebuild, here are the combined costs:
Cost Of Demolition And Rebuilding A House
| House Square Feet | Demolition Cost | Rebuild Cost | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 800 | $3,200 – $8,000 | $80,000 – $124,000 | $83,200 – $132,000 |
| 1,000 | $4,000 – $10,000 | $100,000 – $155,000 | $104,000 – $165,000 |
| 1,200 | $4,800 – $12,000 | $120,000 – $186,000 | $124,800 – $198,000 |
| 1,500 | $6,000 – $15,000 | $150,000 – $232,500 | $156,000 – $247,500 |
| 2,000 | $8,000 – $20,000 | $200,000 – $310,000 | $208,000 – $330,000 |
| 2,500 | $10,000 – $25,000 | $250,000 – $387,500 | $260,000 – $412,500 |
| 3,000 | $12,000 – $30,000 | $300,000 – $465,000 | $312,000 – $495,000 |
| 3,500 | $14,000 – $35,000 | $350,000 – $542,500 | $364,000 – $577,500 |
Utility Lines Cost When Rebuilding A House
Utility lines can add to total costs when rebuilding a house. These may include costs to reconnect water, gas, and electrical lines.
Partial Demolition Prices
Partial demolitions are less extensive and thus cheaper. Here are some common partial demolition costs:
Partial Demolition Cost
| Demolition Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Detached Garage | $1,000 – $5,000 |
| Inground Swimming Pool | $4,000 – $16,000 |
| Above Ground Swimming Pool | $300 – $2,500 |
| Hot Tub | $150 – $350 |
| Porch / Deck | $675 – $2,250 |
| Patio | $1,500 – $2,800 |
| Complete Chimney | $3,000 – $6,000 |
| Partial Chimney | $500 – $2,500 |
| Shed | $400 – $1,500 |
| Barn | $2,000 – $7,000 |
| Roof (replacing) | $5,000 – $11,000 |
| Driveway | $600 – $1,800 |
| Concrete-slab Foundation | $2,000 – $6,000 |
| Non-load Bearing Wall | $500 – $2,000 |
| Load-bearing Wall | $4,000 – $10,000 |
| Extension / Addition | $800 – $2,400 |
Garage Demolition Cost
Garages can vary in cost depending on materials and size:
Cost To Tear Down A Garage
| Material | Average Cost (1-Car) | Average Cost (2-Car) |
|---|---|---|
| Wood | $1,000 – $2,500 | $1,500 – $3,500 |
| Brick | $1,500 – $4,000 | $2,000 – $5,000 |
Porch Or Deck Tear Down Cost
| Size (Feet) | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| 12’x12’ | $425 – $1,450 |
| 15’x15’ | $675 – $2,250 |
| 12’x24’ | $850 – $2,900 |
Cost To Bulldoze A Shed Or Barn
Sheds and barns can vary significantly in size, affecting demolition costs.
Swimming Pool Demolition Cost
Pools can be costly to remove:
Above Ground: $300 – $2,500
Inground: $4,000 – $16,000
Concrete Patio Demolition Cost
Concrete patios typically cost $1,500 – $2,800 to remove.
Chimney Demolition Cost
Removing a chimney can cost around $500 – $6,000 depending on whether it’s partial or complete.
Foundation Demolition Cost
Foundation Demolition Cost
| Foundation Type | Average Cost Per Square Foot |
|---|---|
| Concrete Slab | $1 – $3 |
| Basement | $3 – $5 |
Roof Demolition Cost
Roof demolition typically costs $5,000 – $11,000, depending on its size and type.
Driveway Demolition Cost
Driveways generally cost $600 – $1,800 to demolish, depending on material and length.
Demo Interior Walls
Removing interior walls can be less costly if they are non-load bearing ($500 – $2,000). Load-bearing walls can be more expensive ($4,000 – $10,000).
Cost To Knock Down Extensions Or Additions
Cost To Demolish An Extension
| Square Feet | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| 200 | $400 – $1,200 |
| 400 | $800 – $2,400 |
| 600 | $1,200 – $3,600 |
Commercial Demolition Costs
Below are some examples of commercial demolition costs:
Commercial Demolition Cost Calculator
| Building Type | Average Total Cost |
|---|---|
| Shop (1,000 SF) | $4,000 – $7,000 |
| Restaurant (2,000 SF) | $8,000 – $14,000 |
| Office (8,000 SF) | $32,000 – $56,000 |
| Warehouse (12,000 SF) | $48,000 – $84,000 |
Cost Factors To Tear Down A House
Several factors can affect the total cost to demolish a house:
Demolition Permit
Obtaining a permit is mandatory and can cost between $50 – $1000 depending on location.
Pre-demolition Inspections
Pre-demolition Inspection Costs
| Inspection Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Building Inspection Cost | $100 – $500 |
| Asbestos | $300 – $900 |
| Lead-paint (with X-ray Testing) | $160 – $700 |
| Rodents | $100 – $300 |
| Utility Line Termination | $100 – $150 each |
Utility Preparation Before Demolition
Cutting Utilities
Cost To Cut And Cap Utilities (For Future Rebuild)
| Utility Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Gas | $0 – $300 |
| Electric | $0 – $300 |
| Water Line (Above Ground) | $250 – $450 |
| Water Line (Underground) | $450 – $1,400 |
| Sewer (Cut & Cap) | $350 – $1,500 |
| Well (Cap & Seal) | $50 – $500 |
Removing Utility Lines
Cost To Remove Utility Lines For Demolition
| Utility Type | Average Cost To Remove |
|---|---|
| Gas | $650 – $2,450 per line |
| Electric (Above Ground) | $0 – $870 per line |
| Electric (Underground) | $450 – $1,200 per line |
| Water | $2,000 – $5,000 per line |
| Sewer | $2,000 – $5,000 per line |
| Well (Seal & Abandon) | $500 – $4,000 |
Cost Of Tearing Down A House With Asbestos, Lead, Or Rodents
Cost Of Tearing Down A House With Asbestos
| Removal Service | Average Total Cost | Cost Factors |
|---|---|---|
| Asbestos | $5,000 – $30,000+ | $5 – $125 per square foot |
| Lead | $10,000 – $30,000 | $8 – $15 per square foot |
| Rodents | $200 – $600 | Single-visit or multiple treatments |
Septic Tank Filling Or Removal
Demolition Disposal And Clean-Up Cost
Site Grading
Post-Demolition Site Grading And Backfill
| Work Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Grading | $0.50 – $5.00 per square foot |
| Backfill | $3 – $6 per cubic yard |
Demolition Vs. Deconstruction Costs
House Deconstruction Cost Vs. Demolition
| Type | Cost Per Square Foot | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Demolition | $4 – $10 | Takes 1 – 2 days |
| Deconstruction | $8 – $16 | Takes 1 – 3 weeks, less landfill waste |
Demolish A House FAQs
What Is The Process To Demolish A House?
Is It Cheaper To Remodel Or Tear Down And Rebuild?
Remodel Vs. Tear Down And Rebuild Costs
| Method | Average Cost Per Square Foot |
|---|---|
| Tear Down And Rebuild | $104 – $165 |
| Whole-House Remodel | $15 – $60 |
| Kitchen And Bath Remodel | $100 – $250 |
Can I Demolish A House Myself?
Can You Demolish A House With A Mortgage On It?
How Long Does It Take To Demolish A House?
Time It Takes To Demolish A House
| Demolition Steps | Average Time Frame |
|---|---|
| Inspections | 1 – 2 weeks |
| Asbestos Abatement | 1 – 2 weeks |
| Rodent Removal | 2 – 4 weeks |
| Permit Application | 2 – 8 weeks* |
| Utility Work | 1 – 4 weeks |
| Demolition | 1 – 2 days |
| Deconstruction | 1 – 3 weeks |
| Foundation Removal | 1 – 2 days |
| Debris Disposal | 1 – 2 days |
| Site Grading & Backfilling Foundation | 1 – 5 days |
| Total Time | 2.5 – 6.0 months |
How To Find And Hire A Demolition Contractor
Finding the right contractor involves thorough research and asking the right questions.
Questions To Ask
- Are you licensed and insured?
- Can you provide references?
- What is included in your quote?
- How long will the demolition take?
- What safety measures will be taken?
With the right information, you can make an informed choice on house demolition, ensuring a smooth and efficient process.
