Homeowners in Utah should expect to spend at least $3,000 for demolishing their houses this year if they live in a rural area. Those who live in the city, on the other hand, should expect to spend around $18,000 on average.
The actual cost will also depend on factors such as ancillary work like concrete removal. In Salt Lake City, for instance, residents should expect to spend more partly because of the higher cost of living in the city. Take note that a home demolition is different than a deconstruction, which only requires dismantling and reusing structural components before rebuilding your property.
When to Demolish Your Home
Home demolitions involve the entire removal of your home, including the foundation. This is usually done when a residential property no longer has salvageable parts and materials, prior to a renovation or remodel. In some cases, the presence of hazardous waste like asbestos could also require a demolition instead of a deconstruction.
You simply cannot tear down an asbestos-riddled home without professional handling and care. The toxic chemical should be removed safely before you knock down walls and strip flooring among other tasks. Otherwise, you risk violating state and federal environmental rules that could lead to penalties and fines. Expect to pay at least $200 per hour if you need to remove asbestos before demolishing it.
Estimating Your Budget
As asbestos is not found in newer homes, you could just focus on the main expenses related to the demolition work. Some contractors charge their clients based on the square footage of their house. It may cost between $5 and $15 per square foot, but ask if that already includes the cost of using their equipment.
Those who need to remodel their homes should also have an accurate measurement of the room if they want a partial demolition. The typical cost of tearing down a garage may range from $3,000 to $9,000. If you need to remove a chimney, you should be ready to spend at least $4,000, while removing a deck may cost between $30 and $50 per square foot.
Other Expenses
Check with your municipality for permits before moving forward with the project. As demolitions are always messy, you may want to know ahead of time how long it will take to estimate the cost of clean-up work.
You could pay $200 for a debris or concrete removal service in Salt Lake City, or you could also rent your own dumpster for at least $450 per week if you expect the project to take some time. Ask the contractor if they will include this in the total bill before planning to hire someone else.
Ask for an audit of your house before asking for estimates on demolition. A professional will check the type of materials in your home and see how much it would cost to remove or recycle those items. If you want to save money, you could hire your own dumpster rental service instead of delegating it to a general contractor.
