How Much Does a Home Demolition Cost? [2025 Data]
The average home demolition cost $10,000. Size, materials, and labor are key cost factors
A home demolition cost calculator helps you estimate the cost of tearing down all or part of your house based on details like size and structure.
Major cost drivers include demolition type, square footage, materials, labor rates, and hazardous material removal.
Investing in professional demolition protects your property value by ensuring safe, code-compliant work.
For most projects, expect additional charges for hazardous material abatement and debris removal, which may be calculated per ton or per square foot.
This article was created using automation technology and thoroughly fact-checked and edited by an Angi Editor in accordance with our AI policy.
Home demolition cost calculator estimates average around $10,000, with most homeowners spending between $6,000 and $25,000 on average. Costs range from $4 to $15 per square foot, depending on the home’s size, materials, and complexity. Use our calculator to plan your demolition budget and understand what drives pricing.
Home Demolition Cost Factors
Understanding what goes into your home demolition cost is essential. Let’s break down the main elements that determine the final price.
Partial vs. Total Demolition
The type of demolition you choose is one of the biggest factors in your total cost. Total demolition removes the entire structure and costs $6,000 to $35,000, depending on whether you opt for demolition or deconstruction. Partial demolition targets specific areas, like interiors, exteriors, garages, or addition, and costs between $300 and $16,000.
Single-story homes are generally less expensive to demolish than multi-story homes, as they require less labor and equipment. Attached structures, such as porches, decks, or garages, can add complexity and cost, especially if they share walls or utilities with the main house.
Size
The size of your home is a straightforward driver of demolition cost. The larger the square footage, the higher the price, as more debris must be handled and more labor is required. Multi-story homes often cost more per square foot due to safety requirements and more
| Home Size (Sq. Ft.) | Estimated Total Cost |
|---|---|
| 1,000 | $4,000–$20,400 |
| 1,500 | $6,000–$25,500 |
| 2,000 | $8,000–$32,500 |
| 2,500 | $10,000–$32,500 |
| 3,000+ | $12,000–$51,000+ |
Disconnection and Permits
Before demolition begins, several prep steps are required. These include structural and hazardous material inspections, utility disconnections, and site preparations such as fencing and dust control. Expect to pay an average of $200 for demolition permits, and you’ll need documentation to show your project complies with local laws.
Clean-up
Tearing down a structure produces large amounts of debris, and removing it safely requires labor, trucks, and landfill space. Contractors may include some of this work in their estimate, but often the details are billed separately. Costs can come from hauling and landfill fees, the sorting and recycling of materials to reduce waste, and post-demolition sweeping to prepare the area for future use.
Site Prep
After clearing the debris, preparing the site includes grading, soil stabilization, and foundation modifications or removal. Site prep may also involve removing trees or landscaping, renting special equipment like excavators or cranes, and installing protective barriers around nearby buildings or property features. Security measures, such as temporary fencing and signage, may also be necessary to keep the site safe.
Remediation
Remediation covers the testing, removal, and safe handling of materials like asbestos, mold, or lead-based paint, all of which require specialized crews and strict safety procedures. Beyond hazardous materials, some properties need environmental testing for soil or groundwater contamination, which may reveal pollutants that must be remediated before construction can continue.
DIY Home Demolition vs. Hiring a Pro
Deciding between DIY demolition and hiring a professional impacts both your budget and your project’s safety.
A DIY approach may cut labor costs, but adds significant risk. Homeowners must account for tool and equipment rental, safety gear, dumpsters, and permits. DIY demolition requires skills in construction, safety training, and a clear understanding of local codes. The time commitment is substantial, with even small projects taking several days to complete.
Legal requirements are strict. Permits, inspections, and adherence to safety standards are mandatory, even for DIY jobs. Mistakes can result in fines or hazardous exposure, especially if you encounter asbestos or lead. For most full-home demolitions, hiring a local home demolition contractor is the safest and most cost-effective choice. Pros bring the right skills, insurance, and equipment to complete the job efficiently and legally.
Tips to Reduce Home Demolition Cost
Home demolition is a big investment, but there are smart ways to keep costs in check:
Get multiple quotes from licensed demolition contractors, and negotiate debris disposal and cleanup fees in advance.
Handle some prep work yourself, like site clearing or utility disconnection, if safe and permitted.
Bundle demolition with other site services, such as grading or debris removal.
Ensure all permits and inspections are in order to avoid costly fines.
How Angi Gets Its Cost Data
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to [email protected]. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.
You might consider demolishing a house if it has a faulty foundation, widespread mold or pest damage, or other significant issues. Older homes with outdated wiring systems or dangerous materials could also be good candidates for demolition. Or, if you’re planning to remodel the entire home, you might find that it’s more cost-effective to tear it all down and start from scratch.
Yes, you need permits and inspections to demolish a home. To avoid any fines or legal penalties, check your local laws and building codes before beginning any type of demo work. In many cases, your contractor will apply for the permits and include the cost in your quote, but if you’re unsure, don’t hesitate to ask.
