How much does demolition cost?

Demolition full cost guide

This guide contains average house demolition prices by size and type, and a detailed look at how much it costs to bulldoze a house. With calculations for bungalows, extensions, or multi-storey homes.

In this cost guide we will talk about:

1. Average demolition costs per m2
2. Cost of hiring a demolition company
3. Different ways to demolish a house and costs
4. Garage demolition costs on average
5. Tips to reduce your demolition costs
6. Find demolition companies near you on MyBuilder
7. FAQ: Common questions about demolition costs

Average demolition costs per m2

You might choose to demolish a house to make way for a complete rebuild, if you want to use land that’s in a good location.

Demolishing a house can involve significant costs, typically ranging from £6,400 to £24,380, depending on the size of the property, location and structural materials. On average, the cost per square metre for demolishing a house falls between £80 and £115.

Take a look at the average costs of bulldozing different house sizes:

House type	Cost
Small House (80–120 m²)	£6,400 – £11,700
Medium House (160–200 m²)	£12,800 – £19,500
Large House (220–250 m²)	£17,600 – £24,380

Need some advice on your demolition? It’s easy to find demolition companies near you on MyBuilder. Just post your job today.

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Cost of hiring a demolition company

A demolition company will usually manage the entire process from start to finish, including obtaining necessary permits and conducting pre-demolition assessments for asbestos or other hazardous materials.

Most packages include these key elements:

• Site clearance and waste disposal: Around £2,000 - £5,000, handling debris removal and recycling where possible.
• Health and safety measures: Included as standard, with costs like £500 - £1,500 for fencing, signage, and compliance checks.
• Permits and pre-demolition surveys: Often £300 - £1,000 for asbestos checks, structural assessments, and council approvals.

MyBuilder Tip: Always ask the company upfront exactly what’s included in their quote. It’ll help to save you from surprise bills down the line. Getting these details clear from the start keeps your demolition project running smoothly and on budget.

Different ways to demolish a house and costs

There are several methods for demolishing a house, each suited to different sizes, locations, and budgets.

Here’s a breakdown of the main options:

Bulldozing:

Bulldozing is often preferred for its efficiency and effectiveness in quickly levelling structures, especially on larger or open sites.

Typical bulldozing costs usually range between £4,000 and £15,000 depending on the size of the house, type of materials, and location.

Manual dismantling:

Uses hand tools, sledgehammers, and smaller machines for a controlled strip-down. Best for tight spaces near neighbours or when salvageable materials (like bricks or timber) need preserving. Labour-heavy, so expect higher costs for smaller projects (£6,000 - £12,000).

Mechanical demolition:

Involves excavators with hydraulic attachments like shears or crushers. Precise and versatile for most homes. Mid-range pricing (£8,000 - £20,000), balancing speed and safety.

If you are unsure what method would be best for your home demolition, just post your job on MyBuilder today. You can ask for advice, and provide pictures of your home, so a professional can respond with their tips and services.

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Garage demolition costs on average

Garages often differ in construction type and size, affecting overall demolition costs.

• Standard costs for a garage demolition can range from £1,000 to £6,930, depending on whether it is a single, double or triple garage.

• If you're demolishing an old garage to make room for a new one, visit our price guide for all garage build costs.

MyBuilder Tip: To control costs, consider how the materials of your garage and accessibility to the site might affect demolition costs. An evaluation by a demolition professional can provide a more tailored cost estimate for your project.

Tips to reduce your demolition costs

A demolition job is no mean feat, and it’s something that generally requires a demolition professional.

That being said, there are ways to reduce the cost of your demolition project, helping you stick to your budget.

Here’s some tips on saving on your garage demolition:

Salvaged materials: With the disposal of materials taking up a sizeable portion of the cost of demolition, reducing this cost can be a real money saver.

Hire your own skip: If you’re willing to get rid of the waste, you can get a cheaper quote from the demolition expert and arrange the rental of a skip yourself.

You can shop around for the best price on this too, if you want to maximise savings. Visit our skip hire cost guide for more information.

Strip valuables first: Remove any fixtures, fittings, or appliances you want to keep or sell before the professionals start. It speeds up their work and reduces their labour time.

Choose the right season: Schedule for quieter months like autumn or winter when contractors may offer discounts due to less demand, but avoid bad weather that could add delays.

Find demolition companies near you on MyBuilder

Discover demolition companies near you on MyBuilder today. It’s quick and easy to post your job, and then find local companies who can provide their advice, quotes and services. Plus, enjoy peace of mind that every tradesperson on our platform goes through checks, like ID, skills, and company verification.

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FAQ: Common questions about demolition costs

What is the typical price range to tear down a house in urban versus rural areas?

House demolition costs vary by size, location and complexity. In urban areas, expect to pay around £8,000 to £18,000 due to higher labour rates and stricter regulations. In rural locations, prices typically range from £5,000 to £12,000.

How can I get an accurate calculation of my demolition from a demolition company?

To get an accurate house demolition quote, provide detailed project info and arrange a site visit to assess size, materials and hazards. Ask for a fully itemised quote covering labour, equipment, permits and disposal. Comparing multiple quotes helps ensure fair, competitive pricing.

What should I ask a demolition company to ensure I understand the pricing structure fully?

Before hiring a demolition company, clarify what's included in the quote. Labour, equipment, disposal and any extra costs like asbestos removal. Ask if they handle permits, their project timeline and what happens if there are delays.

Do I need planning permission or a permit for demolition?

Yes, most house demolitions require planning permission from your local council, especially for full or partial removal/ Check if your property is in a conservation area or listed, as this adds extra approvals. Always confirm with the demolition company if they’ll handle permits (typically £200 - £500) as part of their service to avoid fines or delays.