Updated June 25, 2025
Thinking about tearing down your old garage? Whether it’s deteriorating, unused, or standing in the way of a new project, garage demolition can be a smart investment, but it’s not as simple as it might seem.
From permit requirements and utility disconnections to the safe removal of heavy materials, there are many critical steps involved. Understanding the full scope of the process is essential, not only to avoid costly mistakes but to ensure your project is completed safely and legally.
In this guide, we’ll answer the most common questions about garage demolition, including what impacts garage demolition costs, what the process looks like, and why hiring a qualified demolition professional is often the best, and safest, choice for homeowners.
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How much does it cost to remove a garage?
The national average cost of garage demolition is $1,000-$3,000, including debris disposal, but can range anywhere from as low as $800 to as high as $23,000 depending on the scope of the project and a number of other factors.
What affects garage demolition cost?
Like all demolition jobs, the price to remove a garage depends on a number of factors:
Location
Removing a garage in higher-income areas will be more expensive than doing so in low-income areas. Not only that, but where your garage is located on your property plays a role in pricing as well. The closer your garage is to other structures or landscaping obstacles, the more difficult it will be to remove, and therefore, more expensive. If your municipality requires that you have a permit, you'll have to pay a fee in order to receive one.
Complexity
If the garage is anchored to a concrete slab, it will be more expensive to have removed. Also, if the garage is wired for electricity, the wiring will have to be disconnected, perhaps removed—all of which will be reflected in the price. Generally speaking, the more basic the garage, the less expensive it will be to remove it.
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Do I need a permit to demolish my garage?
More often than not, you will need a permit to take down your garage. In a majority of cities, permits are needed when any structure or building is built, altered, or demolished. However, there are some places that don't require a permit when demolishing a small, detached structure, like Seattle, WA and New York City for example.
Check with your city's Building Department to make sure you get all the necessary permits. Most demolition contractors will handle the permitting process for you, but make sure you discuss this with them upfront. If they refuse to obtain the permit, this is a red flag.
Who should I hire to handle my garage demolition?
Depending on your location, there may be restrictions to who you can and cannot hire to perform your garage's removal. For example, some cities have lists of permitted or approved contractors, so be sure to check with your Building Department.
Learn more about hiring the right contractor for the job:
- 7 Keys to Successfully Hiring a Demolition Contractor
- Licensing 101: A State-by-State Guide to Contractor License Requirements
- 2 Jobs, 1 Contractor: How to Save Money on Demolition Projects
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Can I do the garage removal myself?
If you have a small detached garage and you're up for the challenge, you more likely than not could perform the removal yourself. The question is: Should you do it yourself? And the answer is more often than not: no. Tearing down any structure is more challenging than meets the eye, and doing it improperly could lead to serious injury.
Tools you'll need to safely take down your garage:
- Safety equipment (glasses, gloves, work boots, etc.)
- Hammer with ripping claw
- Pry bar
- Ladder
- Tarps and drop cloths
- Hand saw
- Drill
- Pliers
- Heavy duty broom
- Adjustable wrench
Keep reading about DIY projects:
- 7 Things You Should Know Before Starting a DIY Demo Project
- Small Demolition Projects: DIY or Hire a PRO?
How does the disassembly process work?
When it comes to physically taking apart a garage, the general rule of thumb is to start at the top and work your way down, with the exception of entrances, exits, and windows.
Note: If electricity or other utilities run to your garage, you'll need to have them shut off prior to demolition/deconstruction.
Doors
- With the door closed, tap the hinge pins loose (they should pop up an inch or two) by tapping on the bottom of the pin with a hammer and nail.
- Once loose, pull them out with your fingers, or use a flat-head screwdriver to drive up on the underside of the pin.
- Place a piece of cardboard or a protective sheet underneath the door to protect the floor, and carefully lift the door off the hinges.
Windows
- Remove any trim around the interior & exterior of the window.
- Remove any window jambs/frame pieces holding the window panes in place, and carefully remove the window sashes.
- Pry the window frame from the wall opening.
Roof
- Taking the proper safety precautions, carefully strip shingles off the garage's roof.
- Disassemble the wooden framework of your roof by removing nails then prying them up.
Walls
- Remove any existing drywall by first sawing a line from one end of the wall to the other, minding the studs, and then firmly but carefully removing it by hand. With some luck, it will rip off relatively easily, in big pieces.
- Once all drywall in the garage is removed, you can begin prying apart/removing the walls one-by-one.
Floor
The concrete slab will have to be broken up and removed (if you don't wish to leave it in place).
How should I handle the debris disposal?
When going through with a garage demolition or deconstruction, there will no doubt be quite a bit of debris to deal with. Depending on your state or city ordinances, it's possible that there is a law regarding the number of materials you must recycle. For materials that cannot be recycled, renting a dumpster is another great way to manage the debris. Oftentimes, the demolition contractor will handle the dumpster rental process, but be sure to discuss this with them up front.
Read more: What Can I Put in a Dumpster?
