How to Demolish a House?
Introduction
Demolishing a structure is not only about the exasperated noises and big bangs. Some might say, destroying stuffs are easier than building them up. But, when it comes to the case of heavy beams and multi storied buildings things might get a bit serious. Are you planning to demolish house down for a renovation? Then this article will be the right source of knowledge for you. A demolition involves much more process than you expect, like inspecting the building to be demolished, disconnecting all the existing services- water, gas, and electricity, acquiring all the documents along with permits and last but not the least hauling away the debris. There are two ways with which you can take down your house. One is the Mechanical Demolition and the other is demolition by hand or Deconstruction. Let’s have a look on both of these.
Factors that Affect the Cost of Demolishing a House
The cost of demolishing a house can vary widely depending on a number of factors. Some of the factors that can affect the cost include the size of the house, the location of the house, the accessibility of the site, the type of materials used in the construction of the house, and the method of demolition.
The size of the house is one of the most significant factors in determining the cost of demolition. Larger houses will generally cost more to demolish than smaller houses due to the increased amount of labor and equipment required. Similarly, the location of the house can also affect the cost of demolition. Houses in remote locations or areas with difficult terrain may require more specialized equipment or transportation, resulting in higher costs.
The accessibility of the site is another important factor to consider. If the site is difficult to access, such as if it is located on a steep slope or in a densely populated urban area, the cost of demolition may be higher. The type of materials used in the construction of the house can also affect the cost of demolition. Houses with hazardous materials, such as asbestos or lead paint, will require special handling and disposal, resulting in higher costs.
Average House Demolition Cost
The average cost of demolishing a house varies depending on a number of factors. According to HomeAdvisor, the national average cost to demolish a house is $8,000 - $15,000. However, this is only a rough estimate and the actual cost can vary significantly based on the factors mentioned above.
The size of the house is one of the biggest factors in determining the cost of demolition. According to HomeAdvisor, the cost to demolish a house per square foot ranges from $4 - $15. This means that a 1,500 square foot house could cost anywhere from $6,000 to $22,500 to demolish.
Cost of Demolishing a House per Square Foot
The cost of demolishing a house per square foot can vary depending on a number of factors, including the size of the house, the location of the house, and the method of demolition.
1. Firstly, the size of the house plays a significant role in determining the demolition cost. Larger houses typically require more resources, equipment, and labor to carry out the demolition process. Consequently, the cost per square foot may increase accordingly. Factors such as the number of floors, rooms, and overall square footage all contribute to the overall size and subsequently impact the final demolition expenses.
2. The location of the house can also influence the demolition cost. Houses situated in urban areas, where access is limited or space is restricted, may require specialized equipment and techniques to ensure a safe and efficient demolition. Additionally, local regulations and permits may differ, leading to varying costs in different regions. Demolishing a house in a densely populated city center may come with higher expenses compared to a house located in a rural area.
3. Furthermore, the method of demolition chosen can significantly affect the overall cost. There are different approaches to demolishing a house, including manual demolition, mechanical demolition, or implosion. Each method entails different levels of complexity, equipment requirements, and labor involvement, all of which can impact the final cost per square foot. For instance, mechanical demolition utilizing heavy machinery might be more expensive than manual labor, while implosion, which involves controlled explosions, can involve additional safety measures and specialized expertise, thereby increasing the overall expense.
As mentioned above, the national average cost to demolish a house per square foot is $4 - $15. However, this is only a rough estimate and the actual cost can vary significantly.
The size of the house is one of the biggest factors in determining the cost per square foot. According to HomeAdvisor, the cost to demolish a house per square foot ranges from $4 - $15. This means that a 1,500 square foot house could cost anywhere from $6,000 to $22,500 to demolish.
Types of Demolition
1. Mechanical Demolition
This is the most common form of demolition used widely. This involves knocking down buildings and structures with mechanical help like hydraulic thrusters, bulldozers, excavators, wrecking balls, etc… Mechanical demolition also involves undermining, where a building or structure is demolished by weakening its internal supports to encourage a controlled collapse. Mechanical demolitions are fast and cheap when compared to Deconstruction.
2. Deconstruction (Demolition by Hand)
This demolition form is a process where one manually strip and deconstruct the house piece by piece with a strong motive of salvaging as many materials as possible. Even the name gives away the motive behind this form of demolition. This is the most eco-friendly form of demolition but, it might take a lot of time and could even break your bank. Your doors, light fixtures, sinks and glass windows will be safe and sound for future use when you are opting for demolition by hand.
Steps to do when you are deciding to get work done!
1. Find the Right Contractor
Finding a licensed and insured demolition contractor to help you out is the best and wise way to take down your house. They’ll arrange a meeting with you at the site and will definitely discuss what options you have and which method you must opt. Get proposals and estimates in writing from at least three contractors so that you can compare them and go for the best.
2. Get your House Inspected
Get your house inspected by your building contractor before they start with wrecking process. Most states have kept mandatory that old homes or structures must be inspected prior to demolition for the presence of:
- Asbestos
- Lead paint
- Mold
- Rotten Wood
- Other Hazardous Materials
Proper treatment and preparations have to be done if your house has any one of the above.
3. The Necessary Documents
You might be restricted to continue with demolition process if your papers aren’t clear for demolition. Contact your demolition contractor and ask him what all permits are needed for a smooth and clear demolition. Most of these permits can be acquired from your local City Hall. To know more on these, check your city’s government website. Other than these you might also need to check the requirements on:
- Notification
- Noise
- Hours of Operation
- Disposal of the Debris, etc… prior to demolition
4. Disconnect Existing Services
Before starting your demolition you need to make sure all your existing services are disconnected. These might include- water, gas, electricity, sewage, phone, etc. Disconnecting these services can ensure your safety and your neighbors.
5. Secure the Area
Adding to the disconnected services, you must make sure the adjacent buildings and walkways are protected by putting up temporary fences while you are to demolish a house.
6. Tear Down the House
The whole process might take from one day to several days depending on the size and complexity of the project. Home demolitions usually involve a heavy, hydraulic excavator tearing down the house and putting the debris in the back of a dumpster. At every stage of demolition make sure to ask your contractor for a detailed report on the work done per day.
7. Managing the Debris
Proper management of the residue debris is as important as the demolition process. Remove all the debris leaving the site clean. If the waste contains hazardous materials, proper preparation and treatment are required to contain them when you demolish a house.