Demolition Cost Calculator
Estimated Demolition Cost
$600 – $2,400
$3.00 – $12.00 per sq ft (all-in)
Demolition
$400 – $1,400
Hazmat
None
Permits
$200 – $1,000
Area
200 sq ft
Tip: Get a demolition permit before starting work — most municipalities require one. Unpermitted demolition can result in fines and complications when selling the property.
Disclaimer: Estimates are for budgeting purposes only. Actual costs vary by location, contractor, material availability, and project complexity. Always get professional quotes for exact pricing.
Demolition Cost Breakdown
| Structure | Cost/Sq Ft | Typical Total |
|---|---|---|
| Interior Room | $2 – $7 | $500 – $2,500 |
| Garage (400 sq ft) | $4 – $10 | $1,800 – $5,000 |
| Shed (120 sq ft) | $3 – $8 | $560 – $1,960 |
| Deck (300 sq ft) | $3 – $8 | $1,100 – $3,400 |
| Pool (In-ground) | $10 – $25 | $5,000 – $25,000 |
| Whole House (1,500 sq ft) | $4 – $12 | $6,200 – $19,000 |
* Includes permits ($200–$1,000). Hazmat testing and abatement are additional. 1-story shown.
How We Calculate
Our demolition cost calculator estimates total project costs based on structure type, size, number of stories, and hazmat requirements. Estimates include demolition labor, permits, and hazmat costs.
How the math works: Total cost = (sq ft × per sq ft rate by structure type × story multiplier) + hazmat costs + permit costs ($200–$1,000). A $500 minimum applies.
Cost by Structure Type
Interior rooms ($2–$7/sq ft) are cheapest — just walls and finishes. Garages and sheds ($3–$10/sq ft) include roof structure and slab. Pools ($10–$25/sq ft) are most expensive due to concrete/fiberglass removal and backfill. Whole house ($4–$12/sq ft) includes everything but may benefit from economies of scale on large projects.
Story Multipliers
2-story structures cost 30% more and 3-story 60% more due to safety requirements, sequential top-down demolition, and specialized equipment needs.
Hazmat Considerations
Buildings constructed before 1980 likely contain asbestos and/or lead paint. Asbestos testing ($200–$800) is often required before permits are issued. Abatement costs $2,000–$10,000+ and must be completed before demolition begins.
Data Sources
Pricing data is compiled from HomeAdvisor, Angi, HomeGuide, and demolition contractors across multiple US regions (2025–2026). Costs vary by region, disposal fees, and local permit requirements.
Last updated: 2026-02-08
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does demolition cost? +
Demolition costs $2–$25 per square foot depending on structure type. Interior room demolition costs $2–$7/sq ft. Garage demolition costs $4–$10/sq ft ($1,600–$4,000 for a standard garage). Whole house demolition costs $4–$12/sq ft ($6,000–$25,000+ for an average home). Permits, hazmat, and debris disposal are additional.
Do I need a permit for demolition? +
Yes, most municipalities require demolition permits. Permits cost $200–$1,000 and are required for structural demolition (walls, buildings, pools). Interior non-structural demolition (cabinets, drywall) may not require a permit. Check with your local building department before starting work.
How long does demolition take? +
Interior room demolition takes 1–3 days. Garage or shed demolition takes 1–2 days. Whole house demolition takes 2–5 days for mechanical demolition or 1–3 weeks for deconstruction (salvaging materials). Site cleanup and grading add 1–2 days.
What is the difference between demolition and deconstruction? +
Demolition uses heavy equipment to tear down structures quickly. Deconstruction manually disassembles structures to salvage reusable materials (hardwood, fixtures, metals). Deconstruction costs 50–100% more but salvaged materials can offset costs, and you may qualify for tax deductions on donated materials.
Do I need asbestos testing before demolition? +
Yes, if the building was constructed before 1980. Most states require asbestos testing before issuing demolition permits. Testing costs $200–$800. If asbestos is found, abatement costs $2,000–$10,000+ and must be done by licensed professionals before demolition can proceed.
What is included in demolition costs? +
Demolition costs typically include labor, equipment, debris removal to a dumpster, and basic site cleanup. Additional costs may include permits ($200–$1,000), dumpster rental ($300–$800), hazmat testing/abatement ($200–$10,000+), utility disconnection ($100–$500), and foundation removal ($1,000–$5,000).
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