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Wreckhouse Demolition

How to Estimate Building Demolition Costs

Accurately estimating the cost of a construction project is one of the most important steps you can take to ensure the project is finished on time and within your budget. A demolitionist company like Wreckhouse Demolition will use years of experience to determine the accurate cost for a demolition project. However, you can benefit from familiarizing yourself with the factors a demolitionist will use to create an estimate. Here are a few elements a demolition company will take into consideration when evaluating the cost of your Texas demolition project.

demolition stamp in red

The Total Area of the Project


Costs are often connected to the size of the project. The cost of demolishing a small warehouse will be significantly less than a multi-suite commercial building, as a smaller project will require less equipment and staff on hand. Hence, the first thing your demolitionist will do when building your estimate is getting an accurate measurement of the overall size of the space or area.


Is Asbestos Removal Necessary?


Asbestos is well recognized as a health hazard that can cause a buildup of scar-like tissue in the lungs called asbestosis. This often results in loss of lung function and could even progress to disability and death. Whether you’re remodeling or rebuilding from the ground up, no one wants asbestos in their work or living space. Not every project will require asbestos abatement, but many will require an asbestos inspection to search for asbestos in various areas like pipes, boilers, and within cement and insulation. If asbestos removal is necessary, it will add to the overall cost of the project.


The Total Length of the Project


Another figure that will determine the cost of a residential or commercial demolition project is the estimated time it will take to complete it. A small project may take around five days to complete while medium and larger projects can take anywhere from a couple of weeks to several months. The longer the project, the higher the cost.


Cost of Labor Under Normal Working Days


On average, a project will employ workers for eight hours a day. A project requiring five days of work would require 40 billable hours for each demolition worker on the project. Total labor costs require multiplying the hourly labor needed with the length of the project. A longer, larger project will require more labor, resulting in higher costs for you and the demolition company.


Cost of Demolition Equipment


Demolition requires many different types of machinery. As each project is different, the necessary equipment will vary depending on the size and extent of demolition. The demolition of a wall will not require the same equipment as knocking down an entire building. Projects involving concrete removal will need specific equipment, as well. A demolition contractor will be able to determine exactly what type of equipment is needed for the job.

illustration for cost

Costs for Permits, Licenses, and Insurance


A safe project is properly licensed, permitted, and insured, and your demolitionist will add these costs into the estimate. It’s essential that permits are obtained before any work is started, or your costs could climb much higher than initial calculations might have suggested.


Costs for Hauling Away the Debris


The amount of materials that will need to be removed from the site will vary depending on the type of debris. Some demolition companies like Wreckhouse Demolition aim to offer green demolition, recycling or salvaging everything they can for a future project. However, some materials that cannot be recycled may require landfill fees, adding to the cost of your demolition project.


Wreckhouse Demolition Can Help With Your Construction Project


The experienced crew at Wreckhouse Demolition is ready to create an accurate estimate for your demolition project, answering any questions you might have along the way. Contact us today to set up an appointment and get a quote.

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