Are you looking for a contractor?

Submit our quick form and get quotes now!

Table of Contents

The cost of demolition projects

The cost of demolition projects

Exterior renovationsThe cost of demolition projects

It might take years to find your dream home, especially as neighbourhoods continue to develop and are becoming overcrowded. Maybe you’ve found the perfect spot, but the house itself isn’t quite what you’d envisioned. Have you considered demolishing it? Demolishing whole homes or parts of its interior would allow you to take the land that you want and build upon it your dream home. Of course, these projects come at a cost...so what is it?

When it comes to different demolition projects, the cost to carry them out will vary widely. Ultimately, it will depend on factors such as where the building is located, the size of the home and land, the climate and so on. If you’re considering this project, it’s crucial to understand the costs involved so you understand the magnitude of such an endeavour.

How much does it cost to demolish a house in Canada?

Pricing Rundown: Bathroom, Concrete, Chimney, Pool, Deck, etc.

Source: Canva

As mentioned in our introduction, the costs involved in demolishing a house or a part of a property can vary widely. Some points to consider when it comes to final costs are:

  • Permit costs;

  • Square footage;

  • Structural additions or number of storeys;

  • The materials used to build the home;

  • Waste management;

  • Debris removal;

  • Demolition workers or experts to carry out the project (labour costs).

On average, costs can range anywhere between $5,800 to $36,000. On the cheaper end of the scale are houses that are demolished in rural areas, versus those in densely populated cities and thus, with more risks involved. If you’re looking at a complete demolition with a basement and foundation included, costs will be tipping toward the higher end of the scale, no matter where your home is located. Most demolition projects will be charged per square foot.

This goes without saying, but costs will vary from one project to the next depending on the job at hand. Deck demo jobs aren't likely to cost as much as concrete, fireplace, or bathroom demolishing projects. 

The average cost can range anywhere from $7-$22 per sq. ft. Therefore, taking full measurements of the property can help you obtain a more accurate idea of what kind of budget you'll need (final costs), and the overall complexity of the project, including labour costs. Now that we have an idea of average costs, let’s look at some of the specifics that will definitely affect these square-foot costs.

Factors Affecting Demo Costs in Canada

Source: Canva

Permits and site preparation

In every single case of a home demo or partial demolition project, you're going to need to register for permits, and there's a cost associated with each permit. These permits factor in everything from noise pollution caused by the demolition process, safety precautions, potential exposure to dangerous materials as well as potential daily routine interruptions for your neighbours. Another factor to consider is that demolition regulations will need to comply with municipal building codes, and thus applying for permits is a black-and-white agreement made stating you'll abide by regulations.

If the demolition stage is part of a bigger project as a whole, such as a home remodel, usually the demolition permit will be included as part of the home remodelling permit. In most cities and towns, permit applications cost money. The price of this will be dependent on where you live and could range anywhere from $60 to $300. Do bear in mind that if you're going to be demolishing the foundation of the home, meaning cutting concrete or demolishing an actual structure, like a room, overall permit costs will likely increase or you may even need to apply for individual permits.

The first step, when it comes to site preparations, are factors such as gas, water, electricity and HVAC units. All plumbing and electricity will need to be addressed with extra care by professionals in each respective field. 

Especially so if you’re taking down an entire structure from floor to ceiling, everything will need to be turned off. Be certain that anyone working on-site has the proper protective and safety gear including boots, gloves, protective eye and headwear and so forth. If you're working with professionals to carry out this project, it’s paramount that they have the proper certification.

Another huge factor when it comes to the cost of a demolition project is working with hazardous materials. Especially in older homes, the presence of asbestos (or lead paint) is common and extra fees will be factored in if detected. Asbestos poses a threat to both the health of yourself and your loved ones as well as the environment, as it becomes airborne when handled.

For this reason, you’ll need to have it removed prior to demolishing your home. Depending on the city where your house is located, the rules and regulations for removal will be different. For more information regarding the correct way to dispose of asbestos, check out our article: All About Asbestos Removal.

Deconstruction vs Demolition

Deconstruction is another option that may be more financially feasible for certain homeowners. Although deconstruction and demolition are often used as one and the same, their processes are different. Here’s a little bit of information on both to distinguish them.

Demolition: Tearing down an entire structure or a piece of a structure. Leftover debris from a demolition project is treated as waste.

Deconstruction: A slow teardown process of a structure that is done in a way to deliberately preserve parts of it to be recycled or sold.

If you’re looking to get something finished tomorrow, your best bet is demolition. This process will actually be cheaper upfront and should take a day or two. On the other hand, deconstruction takes time; it could take up to weeks depending on the structure being knocked down. As it’s time-consuming, deconstruction can cost more money upfront.

However, this process is usually accompanied by tax breaks or benefits, and selling salvaged pieces can help you get some of your money back in the end. Not to mention, deconstruction is eco-friendly. If you’re looking for detailed information about deconstruction, we have an entire article on the subject.

Remember, it's always recommended to work with professionals on large-scale renovation projects. Demolitions require and involve many safety precautions, so consult with the right contractors and experts if you've decided to take on such a project.

Get quotes for your home demolition project

RenoQuotes.com can help you get quotes for your demolition project. If you submit your project to us, we’ll put you in contact with top-rated contractors. Fill in the form on the homepage (it only takes a few minutes), and you will receive quotes from companies that are specialized in home renovations.

Dial 1-844 828-1588 to speak with one of our customer service representatives.

 

Get 3 free quotes for your project!

Submit a project and get 3 free quotes!


Last modified 2023-11-07

List of sources


Get 3 free quotes for your project!

Submit a project and get 3 free quotes!

Looking for something else?


Table of contents


Get 3 free quotes for your project!

Submit a project and get 3 free quotes!

Are you a contractor?

Join our network and receive real leads!

Download the price guide for renovations

We’ll be emailing you the latest market price guide for renovations.



Related articles

The latest industry news, interviews, technologies, and resources.

6 min read

RenoQuotes.com • 07 Nov 2023

Storm Window Installation and Maintenance Tips

Energy efficiency in a home is a key issue, especially during the winter months, and even more so if it is an older structure. Having effective insulation is frequently listed as the first step to reducing heating costs.

3 min read

Léa Plourde-Archer • 07 Nov 2023

Garage Renovation Guide

Far from simply being a place where one parks their car, the garage is a unique space within the house. This area is used for storage, for practicing certain hobbies and even sometimes as an extension of the house.

6 min read

Amanda Harvey • 07 Nov 2023

Hygge: 8 Renovation Tips to Embrace and Enjoy Winter This Year | Renovation Quotes

Hygge, pronounced phonetically as "hoo-gah," is a concept that originated in Denmark but has made its' way to the renovation and interior design networks of North America. Hygge roughly translates to "coziness," but is often described as a mindset for fostering positivity and togetherness in negative aspects of life; an attempt to enjoy the smallest and most insignificant moments.

6 min read

RenoQuotes.com • 07 Nov 2023

How to arrange a basement?

The basement of your home shouldn’t be an afterthought. In fact, a significant amount of time and dedication should be focused on making this space comfortable and at the very least, livable. Not only will this add to the resale value of your home, but having a properly insulated basement will save costs on energy bills and keep indoor temperatures comfortable.

4 min read

N/A • 07 Nov 2023

Renovation and Commercial Design: 6 Magazine-Worthy Toronto Businesses - West End

Often on the blog, we discuss decor and design trends but we usually focus on the home front. This allows our readers to find inspiration to create the perfect layout for their interiors and exteriors. But what about those looking for ideas for their business?


Looking for a contractor?

Submit a project and get 3 free quotes now!