Demolition professionals near you

When looking for a professional demolition contractor, make sure you complete the following steps: 

• Verify their license and insurance: A contractor may need a valid demolition-specific license or permit, so do your research to find out what the rules are in your area. Also, try to hire a contractor who carries comprehensive liability insurance and has workers' compensation coverage. 

• Get several estimates: Compare quotes from multiple contractors to find the best rate. Estimates should itemize costs for labor, equipment, debris removal, permit fees and any additional charges (especially for hazardous waste management).

• Read their reviews: Look for customer reviews that consistently describe contractors as professional, adhere to timelines and thoroughly clean the site. Complaints about missed deadlines, inadequate cleanup or permit issues can be red flags.

• Look at their portfolios: Look for contractors who can showcase past projects similar to yours to evaluate their experience and expertise.

• Find out if they have warranties: Demolition contractors don't typically offer warranties, but ask about guarantees and assurances of their workmanship and post-demolition cleanup.

• Ask important questions: For example, find out if they take care of securing the permits, if they have references you can contact and how long it will take them to complete the project.

For more tips, visit Thumbtack’s Smart Hiring page. 

Demolition companies typically offer the following services: 

• Residential demolition: Tearing down houses, garages, fences, walls, decks, porches, patios, swimming pools and other residential structures.

• Commercial demolition: Demolishing commercial buildings, including offices, retail spaces and warehouses.

• Interior demolition: Removing interior elements like interior walls, flooring and fixtures without affecting the building's exterior.

• Site preparation: Clearing and leveling the land for new construction projects.

• Permit acquisition: Obtaining necessary demolition and waste disposal permits to ensure compliance with local regulations.

However, demolition companies typically don’t offer the following services:

• Structural engineering assessments: Evaluating building integrity and designing structural plans fall outside their scope.

• New construction: Building new homes or commercial buildings from the ground up isn't typically within their service offerings.

• General contracting services: Overseeing and managing all aspects of construction projects, including scheduling and coordination, usually falls to general contractors.

• Excavation services: Extracting soil, rock or other materials from the ground for construction purposes often involves specialized excavation companies.

The national average cost to hire a demolition company ranges from around $1,040 to $3,500,* according to Thumbtack data.

Several factors might impact the cost of this project, including:

• Project scope: Larger projects, such as tearing down entire houses or commercial buildings, generally cost more than demolishing smaller structures like sheds or garages. Also, some materials (like concrete, natural stone and brick) can be harder to demolish than others (like wood, drywall and glass), resulting in a higher price.

• Location: Local disposal fees, compliance with local demolition standards and regulations and labor availability may influence the overall price.

• Materials and disposal: The demolition process typically produces rubble and other building materials that must be disposed of. Usually, the more debris there is, the higher the disposal charges.

• Permit requirements: Costs may increase depending on the type and number of state or federal permits required for the project.

You might be able to save money on your project with these tips:

• Compare quotes: Get estimates from multiple demolition companies to find the best rate.

• Plan ahead: Schedule demolition during off-peak times to potentially lower fees.

• Sell intact building materials: You may be able to offset costs by selling salvageable materials.

*Data on file at Thumbtack. For a personalized cost estimate, request a quote from a professional.

Some of the biggest benefits of hiring a demolition contractor include the following:

• Expertise and experience: Demolition contractors generally have the skills and knowledge to handle complex demolition projects safely and efficiently.

• Safety: Professionals typically follow strict safety guidelines and use the right equipment to minimize risks and complete the job safely.

• Proper equipment: Professional contractors often own or have access to specialized tools and machinery that make demolition work faster and more effective.

• Waste removal and disposal: Demolition contractors usually manage debris removal and ensure proper disposal, saving you time and hassle.

• Time efficiency: Often, hiring a pro speeds up the demolition and waste disposal process, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your project.

• Permit management: Contractors can help you navigate local permit requirements to help ensure you’re compliant with laws and regulations.

It may take anywhere from a few hours to a few days for a professional to complete a demolition project. 

Several factors can impact how long it takes. For example:

• Project size: Larger projects (like demolishing entire buildings) can take longer than smaller tasks (like tearing down a single wall).

• Materials: Some materials may require more effort or specialized equipment for removal. For example, wood, drywall, glass, vinyl siding and asphalt shingles are often easier to demolish than concrete, bricks, composite materials and natural stone.

• Permit requirements: Some demolition projects require inspections and permits, and the process of obtaining them can delay the start time for demolition companies near you.

• Location and access: If the site is difficult to access, it may take longer to complete the job.

• Weather conditions: Extreme weather could affect the safety and speed of a demolition project.

Remember: The timeline for your project will vary depending on many factors. Always ask your pro to provide an estimate.