PO Box 222, Kedron
PO Box 222, Kedron
Many factors affect the cost of demolishing a house in Brisbane, depending on the scope of the project and the ideal
outcome – beyond the demolition itself. Working with an expert demolition company is the best way to maximise value for money on any
demolition project.
You may have heard that when it comes to real estate, the mantra is, "location, location location" – so, it is no surprise that home owners who find the perfect location with a not-so-perfect house may choose to go ahead with the knockdown rebuild process.
If you're thinking about demolishing a house, the demolition experts at Urban Demolitions can take you through the whole demolition process, setting the foundation for a smooth rebuild.
Many homeowners considering a fresh start often ask: how much does it cost to demolish a house?
House demolition costs can vary significantly based on several key factors. In Brisbane, residential demolition typically ranges from $10,000 to $40,000. The total demolition cost depends on elements such as the size of the property, materials involved, project complexity, and any asbestos removal and disposal needs. To get the most accurate estimate, it's best to request a free quote from a demolition company.
Let’s take a closer look at each of these factors.
What it will cost to demolish a house depends primarily on the size of the building to the square metre. Naturally, the demolition process for a bigger house will require more time and labour, even for a partial demolition. A larger house will also require more materials for the rebuild post-demolition.
While your building contractor will likely calculate the demolition cost per square metre, there are three other factors to consider.
Timber houses are much easier to demolish than those built from brick, so naturally, the latter typically makes for a more expensive project. Heavier construction materials present more challenges, not only during the demolition but also during the removal process, adding to transportation costs.
Some homeowners aim to save money by recycling materials from the original structure, which can make for a more sustainable demolition process and a reduced total cost.
Time on the job is often the overarching factor when it comes to determining demolition costs; hence, it's not unusual to see costs rise for projects involving a complex block or building design.
While a simpler project may take a few days to complete, houses in difficult locations or within close proximity to surrounding properties often require more time and consideration.
The process of removing hazardous materials requires careful handling and often specialised equipment.
Asbestos removal and waste disposal, for example, must only be completed by an approved demolisher, with waste disposal costs adding to the overall cost of the project.
As asbestos and other hazardous materials such as lead, mercury and chlorofluorocarbons are often found in paints, solvents, glues and fuels, many property owners require the services of demolition contractors with the right knowledge, experience and demolition equipment to safely manage waste materials.
House demolition often costs more than the knockdown process itself – so if you're asking yourself, how much does it cost to demolish a house, here are some other factors you'll need to consider:
Whether you're looking to knock down the entire house, a section, or other structures, the rebuild will be the most significant additional cost. A total demolition will increase the cost of your rebuild more.
Demolishing a house may not be enough to clear the space needed for your next project. To make the most of every square metre, you may require specialised services such as tree removal, increasing the overall cost of your project.
If you are planning on demolishing a large section of your existing property, you may need to arrange temporary accommodation while the works are being carried out.
Before you engage a demolition company or start exploring bespoke demolition costs, there are a few essential steps that must be considered, beginning with the approval of your demolition permits.
An accredited demolition contractor knows that there are a variety of safety precautions that must be taken during this process, and will also have a public liability insurance policy as standard.
Safety precautions include the preparation required prior to drilling, the use of a shaving foam or asbestos sealer to control hazardous material such as airborne fibres, and decontamination of the work area post-drilling.
The duration of a residential demolition project can vary depending on the factors mentioned above, ranging from a few days to several weeks. The actual demolition process may take up to three days for a two-bedroom house, allowing up to five days for four bedrooms. However, environmental conditions and bad weather may cause delays.
During this time, your demolition company of choice will use heavy machinery to remove the entire structure and collect the building debris with dump trucks.
To help minimise any delays, Urban Demolitions provides a one-stop demolition solution, including all of the labour required. Founder Vince Cubito said clients got significant value out of the holistic approach.
“We don’t stop at the demolition itself – we're there to handle the administrative side too, minimising delays and keeping projects on schedule. From securing local council approvals to ensuring safe sewer and water capping via our licensed plumber, we've got you covered,” Vince said.
Our team is also on hand to guide you through each step in the process, from understanding each local council requirement to minimising the final cost.
Before demolition begins, a few key preparations must be made.
Site assessments and approvals are an essential first step. Submitting your marked site plans to the council for approval is crucial to ensure that your project is in line with council regulations before it begins.
While any approved demolisher will do their due diligence to ensure safety for everyone involved in the project, demolishing a house involves safety risks, and insurance is essential.
Whether you're planning a complete or partial demolition project, it's important to ensure that the property is ready for the demolition process. This may mean speaking to your electricity supplier about disconnecting utilities, and arranging pest removal services if needed.
For those who want to minimise demolition costs and save money, working with the demolition contractors to manage scheduling and prepare the site efficiently is key. Before locking in the house demolition, ask your contractor of choice to estimate potential costs.
If you're considering engaging a demolition contractor to knock down an existing house, it's important to do your due diligence on the demolition companies offering their services.
A true demolition expert will not only streamline the process for you, but also conduct thorough preparations, minimising the likelihood of unpleasant surprises driving up the total cost of your demolition project.
When you're ready to move ahead with a demolition project, the team at Urban Demo is here to help. With over 15 years of experience, we are the approved demolition contractor for many of Queensland's major demolition projects, from residential homes to commercial buildings.
To find out more about how we can make your project a knockout, give us a call on 0419 026 223 or head to our contact page and request a free quote.e
