Remove specific walls, fixtures, or finishes while preserving adjacent areas. Kitchens, bathrooms, or partial remodels.
Demolition Cost Estimate
Cost Breakdown
Estimated Demolition Cost
$1,400 – $4,900
Interior Selective Demolition, 500 sq ft
12,800+ estimates calculated this month
Last updated: 2026-04-04
How Much Does Demolition Cost?
Demolition pricing depends on what you're tearing out and how much of it there is. Interior selective demo runs $2-$8 per square foot when you're removing specific finishes or fixtures while preserving adjacent areas. A full gut to the studs costs $5-$15 per square foot including basic debris handling. Concrete removal (slabs, driveways, patios) costs $4-$12 per square foot for jackhammering, breaking, and haul-off.
Demolition Cost by Project Type (2026)
| Demolition Type | Cost per Sq Ft | 500 Sq Ft | 1,000 Sq Ft |
|---|---|---|---|
| Interior Selective Demo | $2 - $8 | $1,000 - $4,000 | $2,000 - $8,000 |
| Full Interior Gut | $5 - $15 | $2,500 - $7,500 | $5,000 - $15,000 |
| Concrete Removal | $4 - $12 | $2,000 - $6,000 | $4,000 - $12,000 |
| Deck / Structure Teardown | $5 - $15 | $2,500 - $7,500 | $5,000 - $15,000 |
Prices include labor and basic debris handling. Dumpster rental ($400-$900) and hazmat testing ($200-$600) are additional.
What Affects Demolition Costs
- Scope of work - Selective demo costs less per square foot than full gut because it requires more careful labor but covers less material. Full gut is faster but generates more debris.
- Material type - Concrete and masonry cost more to remove than drywall and wood framing because they require heavy equipment like jackhammers and skid steers.
- Hazardous materials - Homes built before 1978 may contain asbestos or lead paint. Testing costs $200-$600 per sample. If found, abatement can add $5-$20 per square foot to the project.
- Access and logistics - Upper floors, tight spaces, and difficult dumpster placement all increase labor time and cost. Multi-story demo typically adds 10-20% to the base rate.
- Disposal method - A roll-off dumpster ($400-$900/week) is standard for most projects. Large projects may need multiple loads. Clean concrete can sometimes be recycled at lower disposal rates.
Related Tools & Articles
- Dumpster Size Calculator - Find the right roll-off size for your demolition project
- Concrete Calculator - Calculate cubic yards needed for new concrete after removal
- How to Estimate Construction Jobs - Step-by-step system for accurate bidding
How to Use This Calculator
Select your demolition type
Choose from interior selective demo, full gut demolition, concrete removal, or deck/structure teardown. Each type has its own per-square-foot pricing range.
Enter the project area
Input the total square footage of the area being demolished. For interior work, measure the floor area of rooms being stripped. For concrete, measure the slab or driveway area.
Add dumpster and hazmat options
Toggle dumpster rental ($400-$900 for a 20-30 yard roll-off) and hazmat testing ($200-$600 for asbestos or lead paint testing) if needed for your project.
Review your cost estimate
See an itemized breakdown with demolition labor, dumpster rental, and hazmat testing costs. Adjust inputs or enter your location for regional pricing.
Demolition Cost Formulas
Demo Cost = Area (sq ft) x Cost per Sq Ft
Total = Demo Cost + Dumpster Rental + Hazmat TestingWhere:
- Area
- = Square footage of the area being demolished
- Cost per Sq Ft
- = $2-$8 selective, $5-$15 full gut, $4-$12 concrete, $5-$15 deck
- Dumpster Rental
- = $400-$900 for a 20-30 yard roll-off (optional)
- Hazmat Testing
- = $200-$600 for asbestos/lead testing (optional)
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does demolition cost per square foot?
Demolition costs range from $2 to $15 per square foot depending on the scope. Interior selective demo (removing specific walls or finishes) runs $2-$8/sq ft. Full interior gut demolition costs $5-$15/sq ft. Concrete slab removal costs $4-$12/sq ft, and deck teardown runs $5-$15/sq ft. These rates include labor and basic debris handling but not dumpster rental.
How much does it cost to gut a 1,000 sq ft house?
A full interior gut of 1,000 sq ft typically costs $5,000 to $15,000 for labor and basic disposal. Add $400-$900 for a dumpster rental and $200-$600 for hazmat testing if the home was built before 1980. Actual costs depend on the number of load-bearing walls, plumbing and electrical to be removed, and the amount of debris generated.
Do I need a permit for demolition work?
Usually yes. Most cities require a demolition permit for structural work, and some require permits even for removing interior walls. Permit costs typically range from $50 to $500 depending on the scope. Homes built before 1978 may also require asbestos and lead paint testing before any demolition begins. Check with your local building department before starting work.
How long does demolition take?
A typical interior selective demo (kitchen or bathroom) takes 1-3 days with a 2-3 person crew. A full gut of a 1,000-2,000 sq ft home takes 3-7 days. Concrete slab removal takes 1-2 days for a standard driveway. Deck teardown takes 1-2 days for most residential decks. Add time for hazmat abatement if asbestos or lead is found.
What is the difference between selective and full gut demolition?
Selective demolition removes specific elements (cabinets, flooring, a wall) while keeping the surrounding structure intact. It costs $2-$8/sq ft and requires more careful work to protect adjacent areas. Full gut demolition strips everything down to studs and subfloor, removing all finishes, fixtures, drywall, and non-structural framing. It costs $5-$15/sq ft but goes faster since nothing needs to be preserved.
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