The cost of demolishing a building depends on:
1. Hazardous substance removal. Before demolition can begin, most buildings need to be tested for hazardous substances like asbestos and lead paint. If a hazardous substance is found, it will need to be removed by a professional before work can progress on the demolition. This removal will make your project more expensive, sometimes significantly so.
2. Demolition permits. Most building demolitions require a permit at the local level because of the disruptive nature of demolitions. Permits almost always have a fee, which should be factored into the cost of the overall project.
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Is a permit required to demolish a commercial building? (in your local area)
3. Foundation removal. The cost of the demolition will increase if the building's foundation also needs to be removed. Expect to pay more to remove a basement foundation than a concrete slab because they are constructed of durable materials and are located beneath ground level.
4. Building material. Brick buildings almost always costs more to demolish than wood ones.
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Types of Demolition
5. Debris removal. Additional costs may be incurred to haul debris to a landfill if not already included in your contract.
6. Site location. Demolition will be more expense if the project site is in a difficult to access area. For instance, if it is on a hill or in a heavily wooded area, the cost of the project will increase.
7. Typical demolition costs in your area. Below are some average prices for building demolition around the US.