The cost of demolition projects

It might take years to find your dream home, especially as neighbourhoods continue to develop and are becoming overcrowded. Maybe you’ve found the perfect spot, but the house itself isn’t quite what you’d envisioned. Have you considered demolishing it? Demolishing whole homes or parts of its interior would allow you to take the land that you want and build upon it your dream home. Of course, these projects come at a cost...so what is it?

When it comes to different demolition projects, the cost to carry them out will vary widely. Ultimately, it will depend on factors such as where the building is located, the size of the home and land, the climate and so on. If you’re considering this project, it’s crucial to understand the costs involved so you understand the magnitude of such an endeavour.

How much does it cost to demolish a house in Canada?

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As mentioned in our introduction, the costs involved in demolishing a house or a part of a property can vary widely. Some points to consider when it comes to final costs are:

• Permit costs;

• Square footage;

• Structural additions or number of storeys;

• The materials used to build the home;

• Waste management;

• Debris removal;

• Demolition workers or experts to carry out the project (labour costs).

On average, costs can range anywhere between $4,000 to $40,000. On the cheaper end of the scale are houses that are demolished in rural areas, versus those in densely populated cities and thus, with more risks involved. If you’re looking at a complete demolition with a basement and foundation included, costs will be tipping toward the higher end of the scale, no matter where your home is located. Most demolition projects will be charged per square foot.

This goes without saying, but costs will vary from one project to the next depending on the job at hand. Deck demo jobs aren't likely to cost as much as concrete, fireplace, or bathroom demolishing projects. 

The average cost can range anywhere from $5-$30 per sq. ft. Therefore, taking full measurements of the property can help you obtain a more accurate idea of what kind of budget you'll need (final costs), and the overall complexity of the project, including labour costs. Now that we have an idea of average costs, let’s look at some of the specifics that will definitely affect these square-foot costs.

Factors Affecting Demo Costs in Canada

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Permits and site preparation

In every single case of a home demo or partial demolition project, you're going to need to register for permits, and there's a cost associated with each permit. These permits factor in everything from noise pollution caused by the demolition process, safety precautions, potential exposure to dangerous materials as well as potential daily routine interruptions for your neighbours. Another factor to consider is that demolition regulations will need to comply with municipal building codes, and thus applying for permits is a black-and-white agreement made stating you'll abide by regulations.

If the demolition stage is part of a bigger project as a whole, such as a home remodel, usually the demolition permit will be included as part of the home remodelling permit. In most cities and towns, permit applications cost money. The price of this will be dependent on where you live and could range anywhere from $50 to $700. Do bear in mind that if you're going to be demolishing the foundation of the home, meaning cutting concrete or demolishing an actual structure, like a room, overall permit costs will likely increase or you may even need to apply for individual permits.

Site preparations

The first step, when it comes to site preparations, are factors such as gas, water, electricity and HVAC units. All plumbing and electricity will need to be addressed with extra care by professionals in each respective field. 

Especially so if you’re taking down an entire structure from floor to ceiling, everything will need to be turned off. Be certain that anyone working on-site has the proper protective and safety gear including boots, gloves, protective eye and headwear and so forth. If you're working with professionals to carry out this project, it’s paramount that they have the proper certification.

The presence of asbestos

Another huge factor when it comes to the cost of a demolition project is working with hazardous materials. Especially in older homes, the presence of asbestos (or lead paint) is common and extra fees will be factored in if detected. Asbestos poses a threat to both the health of yourself and your loved ones as well as the environment, as it becomes airborne when handled.

For this reason, you’ll need to have it removed prior to demolishing your home. Depending on the city where your house is located, the rules and regulations for removal will be different. For more information regarding the correct way to dispose of asbestos, check out our article: All About Asbestos Removal.

Deconstruction vs Demolition

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Deconstruction is another option that may be more financially feasible for certain homeowners. Although deconstruction and demolition are often used as one and the same, their processes are different. Here’s a little bit of information on both to distinguish them.

Demolition: Tearing down an entire structure or a piece of a structure. Leftover debris from a demolition project is treated as waste.

Deconstruction: A slow teardown process of a structure that is done in a way to deliberately preserve parts of it to be recycled or sold.

If you’re looking to get something finished tomorrow, your best bet is demolition. This process will actually be cheaper upfront and should take a day or two. On the other hand, deconstruction takes time; it could take up to weeks depending on the structure being knocked down. As it’s time-consuming, deconstruction can cost more money upfront.

However, this process is usually accompanied by tax breaks or benefits, and selling salvaged pieces can help you get some of your money back in the end. Not to mention, deconstruction is eco-friendly. If you’re looking for detailed information about deconstruction, we have an entire article on the subject.

Remember, it's always recommended to work with professionals on large-scale renovation projects. Demolitions require and involve many safety precautions, so consult with the right contractors and experts if you've decided to take on such a project.