How much does it cost to demolish a house?

How much does it cost to knock down a house? The cost to demolish a house in Australia typically falls between $12,000 and $40,000 depending on a few factors.

The decision to demolish a house is a significant undertaking that involves careful consideration. Whether prompted by structural issues, a desire for modernisation, land development opportunities, or regulatory requirements, the choice to tear down a property carries implications for cost, environmental impact, and future plans.

In this house demolition cost guide, we explore:

Factors that affect the cost of demolishing a house
How much does it cost to demolish a house?
Demolition costs per m2
Cost to demolish a house with asbestos
Getting house demolition quotes, and more.

Want to find a demolition contractor in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth or Adelaide?

house demolition costs

Factors that affect the cost of demolishing a house

How much to demolish a house? Demolitioning a house can be an expensive project, but there are a few main factors that will affect the total cost of the job, including:

Size of your house: The larger the house, the more materials and labour will be required to demolish it. A bigger house will likely result in higher disposal costs for debris as well.
Type of demolition: There are different methods of demolition, such as manual demolition, mechanical demolition (using equipment like excavators), and implosion (controlled explosives). The method chosen will impact the cost.
Location: Demolition costs can vary based on the location of the house. Factors such as local labour rates, availability of demolition contractors, and permits required by local authorities can affect the overall cost.
Hazardous materials: If the house contains hazardous materials such as asbestos, lead-based paint, or other toxic substances, their safe removal and disposal will add to the demolition cost.
Foundation and site conditions: The type of foundation the house has (e.g., concrete slab, basement) and the condition of the site (e.g., soil type, accessibility) can influence the complexity of the demolition process, affecting costs.
Utilities disconnection: Properly disconnecting utilities like water, gas, electricity, and sewage is essential for safety and compliance. These disconnection procedures can add to the overall cost.
Debris removal and disposal: The cost of removing and properly disposing of demolished materials, including concrete, wood, metal, and other debris, can significantly impact the total cost. Landfill fees and transportation costs for debris disposal are also factors to consider.
Pest and rodent control: Arrange for pest extermination if the property is infested, as it’s often a standard urban council requirement.
Tree evaluation and removal: Consult an arborist to determine necessary tree removal. Assess if trees can be saved through pruning or root work, potentially saving on tree removal costs.
Demolition permits: You’ll need to know about the planning regulations of your local council before committing to a building demolition agreement. Allocate a budget of at least $350 to $700 for the cost of obtaining a standard demolition permit.

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It’s important to note that these factors can interact and affect each other. For instance, a larger house might require more time to disconnect utilities and handle hazardous materials, leading to higher costs. Similarly, the presence of hazardous materials can affect the choice of demolition method.

how much does house demolition cost

How much does house demolition cost?

Wondering how much does it cost to demolish a house? While the cost of demolishing a house can range between $12,000 and $40,000, the average cost to demolish a house in Australia is about $17,000.

The use of heavy machinery, such as excavators and bulldozers, in mechanical demolition is generally the fastest and most cost-efficient way to demolish a house.

You can save money in the process by adopting the salvage and sell strategy. There are companies that will salvage materials such as steel and bricks for reuse. Depending on the materials available, you could make anywhere from $800 to $12,000, offsetting the cost of demolishing a house significantly.

Let’s look at demolition costs per m2:

Demolition costs per m2

Want a rough idea of how to calculate demolition costs on your property? Many demolition companies use a per-square-meter cost, which can serve as a helpful method for estimating potential expenses.

Demolition costs per m2 are range from $40 to $100 per square meter for standard demolitions without hazardous materials.

For an accurate estimate for the cost of demolishing a specific house, it’s recommended to consult with demolition contractors who can assess the unique characteristics of the property and provide a detailed cost breakdown.

Want to find a demolition contractor in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth or Adelaide?

Cost to demolish a house with asbestos

How much does it cost to demolish a house with asbestos? Asbestos removal will significantly add to the cost of demolishing a house. You can expect to pay roughly $2,500 more than a standard demolition. However, the ultimate cost varies, depending on factors like the type of asbestos, its quantity, location, and the local disposal expenses.

If your home was constructed between 1920 and 1990, it’s highly likely that asbestos was used in the building process. Asbestos removal is typically about three times more expensive than regular construction materials. This is due to the need for specialised expertise, additional labour, and specific handling.

Hazardous materials like asbestos or mould will need to be disposed of safely so this increases the price of house demolition too. Prior to demolition, arrange for an inspection to identify the presence of asbestos and mould in your home. This assessment will guide the appropriate demolition approach.

Getting house demolition quotes

Still wondering how much to demolish a house? To get accurate house demolition quotes, you’ll need to compare multiple quotes from reputable demolition contractors.

Before reaching out to contractors, gather important information about the house that needs to be demolished. This includes the size of the house, its location, the type of materials used in construction, and any potential hazards on the property.

Many demolition contractors will want to visit the property in person to assess the scope of the demolition project. This allows them to better understand any potential challenges and give you a more accurate quote. During the site visit, you can also ask any questions you might have.

Ask the contractors to provide detailed quotes outlining the house demolition cost of labour, equipment, permits, disposal of debris, and any other relevant expenses. Make sure the quote is itemised so you can see exactly what you’re paying for.

Look beyond just the price; consider the reputation and experience of the contractor, the estimated timeline, and any guarantees they offer. Research the contractors’ reputation by reading online reviews and checking references. This can give you an idea of their reliability, professionalism, and the quality of their work.

Remember that the cheapest quote might not always be the best option. It’s essential to balance cost with quality, reputation, and the contractor’s ability to complete the project to your satisfaction.

Want to find a demolition contractor in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth or Adelaide?

*All costs and prices quoted were sourced at the time this cost guide was written and should only be used as an estimate.

How much does it cost to demolish a house?

Want to find a demolition contractor in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth or Adelaide?

Factors that affect the cost of demolishing a house

You might like: How much does it cost to build a house?

How much does house demolition cost?

Demolition costs per m2

Want to find a demolition contractor in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth or Adelaide?

Cost to demolish a house with asbestos

You might like: How much does a house extension cost?

Getting house demolition quotes

Want to find a demolition contractor in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth or Adelaide?

Get free quotes

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