Demolition: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What demolition is

Demolition takes down a structure, a wall, a deck or another element in a safe order, while controlling dust and debris, shutting off utilities and hauling the waste away. Before demolition starts, the site should be checked for hazardous materials such as asbestos and lead, since these change how the work is done and who can do it, and many areas require testing first.

Signs you need it

  • You need an old garage, shed, deck or outbuilding removed to make room for a new build or a yard
  • A building is damaged by fire, water, age or a collapse and cannot be safely repaired
  • You are clearing a lot for a new home, and the existing house or outbuildings must come down first
  • A damaged deck or porch has rotted posts or joists and cannot be saved
  • You are taking down a building next to a neighbor, a road or utility lines, and the work needs a planned sequence and protection

What the pro does

  • The contractor walks the site, checks for utilities and hazardous materials, and arranges any testing before disturbing the building
  • They shut off and cap the gas, water, sewer and electrical lines with the utility company or the licensed trades, where the rules call for them
  • They set up dust control, fencing, protection for neighboring property and a safe path for debris and equipment
  • They take the structure down in a planned order, with the load paths checked so nothing falls unexpectedly
  • They sort and load the debris, haul it to licensed disposal sites and separate materials that must go to special handling
  • They clear the site, grade it as needed and confirm the demolition permit and final inspection are complete

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • Size and height of the structure and the number of floors or sections to take down
  • Construction type, such as wood frame, masonry or steel, and the difficulty of removing each
  • Testing and abatement needed for asbestos, lead or other hazardous materials before work can start
  • Utility disconnection work, including gas, water, sewer and electrical lines that need licensed trades
  • Access and site conditions, such as tight lots, slopes and equipment that cannot reach the building
  • Debris volume and the disposal sites required for each type of waste
  • Whether the site must be graded, backfilled or left clear for a new build

What a written quote should spell out

  • Scope of the structure to be taken down, with the parts that will be left in place
  • Hazardous material testing and who pays for it, with the results shown before work starts
  • Utility disconnection and who arranges the licensed trades for each line
  • Protection of neighboring property, fencing and dust control
  • Debris hauling, disposal sites and any special handling for certain waste
  • Demolition permit responsibility, final inspection and site clean-up standard

Questions to ask before you hire

  • Has the building been tested for asbestos and lead, and do you have the reports before you start?
  • Who disconnects the gas, water, sewer and electrical lines, and is that trade licensed?
  • How do you protect the neighbors, the sidewalks and the utilities during the work?
  • Will you take the structure down by hand, with machines or both, and why?
  • Where does the debris go, and what happens to any material that needs special handling?
  • Who pulls the demolition permit, and is there a final inspection?
  • What is left on the site when you finish, and what do you do with the foundation?

Red flags

  • They start tearing down an older building without asking for hazardous material testing
  • They do not disconnect utilities or say who will do it
  • They will not show their debris disposal plan or name the disposal sites
  • They quote a demolition without mentioning the permit or any final inspection

What you can do yourself

A homeowner can clear personal belongings, remove loose non-structural items such as shelves and doors that are not holding anything up, and label the utilities. Do not tear down a wall, a roof, a chimney or any part that holds weight. Do not disturb suspect materials such as old tile, pipe wrap, textured ceilings or insulation until they are tested, and do not disconnect gas, electrical or water lines yourself.

Licenses and permits

Demolition is often done by licensed contractors, and utility disconnections are commonly handled by the utility company or licensed trades. Many places require a demolition permit, and asbestos or lead work often has its own rules. Check with your state or local licensing agency, your local building department and any environmental or waste authority in your area before you start.

Demolition questions

Do I need a test before tearing down an old house?

Often, yes, and some places require it. Older buildings often contain materials such as asbestos or lead. Ask for testing of suspect materials before any demolition starts, and keep the results with your permit records.

What happens to the foundation after the house is removed?

It depends on the plan. The foundation may be removed, filled or left in place for a new build. Ask the contractor what they will do with the foundation and whether the site needs grading.

Who pays for the utility disconnections?

Confirm this in the quote. Utility companies and licensed trades often handle the disconnect, and the cost may be on a separate line. Ask the contractor who calls the utility and who signs the disconnect.

About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

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