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If you don't have access to commercial equipment, you can utilize a pickaxe or circular saw with a masonry blade to break up asphalt. However, this is generally only effective in small areas. A jackhammer is usually needed to break up slabs of asphalt into smaller pieces. The most effective method when removing an entire driveway is an excavator that breaks apart and pries away asphalt.

It is possible to remove a Lally column in the basement, but a lot of planning and money will go into doing it safely. Since Lally columns provide structural support, you’ll need a structural engineer to draw up plans for your renovation and determine what additional supports—like steel I-beams—can replace the column. You should never attempt to remove a basement Lally column yourself, as doing so will almost certainly compromise the structural integrity of your home.

You shouldn’t remove a fireplace yourself. Before beginning this job, you’d need to know whether or not you have a load-bearing fireplace. To do that, you’d need help from a structural engineer. Plus, fireplace removals require permits and often involve working with gas lines or electricity, which can be dangerous. For all of these reasons, it’s best to hire a pro for this project.

To estimate concrete removal costs, determine the area of the concrete by multiplying the width and length. The result will give you the square footage. Then, multiply the square footage by the cost of concrete removal, which is $2 to $6 per square foot for concrete up to 6 inches thick. For thicker concrete, double the square footage costs to get your estimate. 

Disposal costs are often factored into the cost per square foot, but check your contract. If concrete disposal is not included, you’ll pay $50 to $100 per ton.