How Much It Costs to Tear Down Various Structures

Wondering how much building demolition costs? Whether you're removing a house, mobile home, garage, or commercial building, this guide will help you understand the average demolition costs and what factors affect them.

When it comes time to tear down a building, the first question that comes to most people's mind is, "How much is this going to cost?"

We understand that getting the best price for your building demolition is important, and we want to help ensure you get that.

This demolition cost guide covers average prices for the most common structure types:

• Commercial Building Demolition
• Mobile Home Demolition
• House Demolition
• Barn Demolition
• Garage Demolition
• Shed Demolition 

What Affects the Cost of Demolition?

Building demolition costs vary based on a number of factors, including:

• Structure type and size (e.g., small shed vs. large commercial building)
• Construction materials (wood, brick, concrete, etc.)
• Location and accessibility of the site
• Presence of hazardous materials (like asbestos or lead paint)
• Local labor and disposal fees
• The contractor you choose

The best way to get an accurate demolition cost estimate is to compare quotes from licensed local contractors. This not only ensures you get the best price but also allows you to choose the best contractor for the job, not just the cheapest.

In addition, it's important to be sure you understand how to understand a demolition estimate so you can accurately compare what each quote includes and what each company offers for the quoted price. Not every contractor quote is created equal, so be sure you can make sense of them.

 

Commercial Building Demolition Average Cost

The average cost to demolish a commercial building is $4-$8 per square foot, including debris removal and cleanup.

However, costs often decrease per square foot as the size of the building increases. This is because larger projects benefit from economies of scale. Equipment and labor become more efficient over bigger jobs.

Below are real-life examples of what others have paid for their commercial building demolition project.

Real Commercial Building Demolition Costs

Commercial Demolition Cost Comparison

• Baton Rouge, LA: 4,500 sq ft building: $18,000
• La Habra Heights, CA: 4,500 sq ft building: $26,000

As you can see, both projects involved the same size building, but location dramatically impacted pricing. Waste disposal fees and the cost of living index in La Habra Heights (203.5) are significantly higher than in Baton Rouge (90.4), resulting in a $8,000 difference.

What Impacts Commercial Demolition Pricing?

In addition to building size and location, other factors that affect commercial demolition costs include:

• Type of building materials (e.g., concrete, steel, wood)
• Presence of hazardous materials (like asbestos or lead paint)
• Debris disposal and site cleanup requirements
• Permit and landfill fees
• The commercial demolition contractor you hire

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Keep reading about commercial demolition:

• Commercial Demolition Overview from Prep to Cleanup
• Insider Tips for a Successful Commercial Demolition Project
• Commercial Demolition FAQs: Your Biggest Questions Answered

Mobile Home Demolition Average Cost

The average cost of mobile home demolition is $3.50-$5.00 per square foot, which typically includes tear-down, labor, and debris disposal.

Single-Wide vs. Double-Wide Demolition Cost

A standard single-wide mobile home measures about 15 feet by 72 feet (roughly 1,080 sq ft), putting the average demolition cost between $3,000-$5,000.

A double-wide trailer is nearly double the size, and demolition typically costs $7,000 or more, depending on the location and complexity.

Real-World Mobile Home Removal Costs

Mobile Home Demolition Cost Comparison

• New York: Single-wide + 1 shed: $33,000
• Michigan: Single-wide + 2 sheds: $4,500

Although the New York project involved less work, the significantly higher cost is due to expensive waste disposal fees and a higher cost of living index compared to Michigan.

What Impacts Mobile Home Demolition Cost?

Factors that influence the total cost of removing a mobile home include:

• Size and type of the trailer (single-wide vs. double-wide)
• Interior contents like old furniture or appliances
• Presence of hazardous materials (e.g., asbestos, mold)
• Local disposal fees and permits
• The mobile home removal contractor you choose

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Learn more about mobile home demolition:

• Homeowner's Guide to Mobile Home Removal
• How to Remove Your Mobile Home and How Much It Costs
• 10 of the Biggest Mobile Home Questions Answered
• What Needs to Be Done Before Demolishing or Removing a Mobile Home

House Demolition Average Cost

The average cost to demolish a house in the U.S. ranges from $4,000-$14,000, including debris removal and site cleanup.

The wide price range is due to several important cost factors.

What Affects the Cost to Demolish a House?

The total price of house demolition depends on:

• Size of the home (in square feet)
• Type of construction materials (wood, concrete, brick)
• Location and ease of site access
• Demolition method used (mechanical vs. deconstruction)
• The contractor’s rates and equipment

The table below gives you an idea of what real house demolition costs across the country look like, how they vary, and why.

Real-Life House Demolition Cost Examples

 

House Demolition Cost Comparison

• Lenoir, NC: 1,300 sq ft home: $4,200
• Livonia, MI: 1,300 sq ft home: $10,000
• Cleveland, OH: 1,140 sq ft home: $8,500
• Cleveland, OH (fire-damaged): 910 sq ft home: $6,000

As shown, location and square footage are the two biggest cost drivers.

Cost to Salvage House Demolition Materials

Deconstruction is a labor-intensive alternative to traditional demolition. Instead of tearing down the house quickly, crews carefully dismantle the structure to salvage materials like wood beams, cabinets, appliances, and bricks.

This approach typically costs 2-3x more than standard demolition. However, some homeowners offset this cost by selling or reusing salvaged materials.

Get a House Demolition Quote

To find out how much your specific project will cost, request estimates from at least three local demolition contractors. This ensures you get the best price and a contractor you can trust.

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Keep reading about house demolition costs:

• 3 Simple Tips to Lower the Cost of Demolishing a House
• Breakdown of the House Demolition Process
• How Much Does Demolition Cost per Square Foot?
• Should I Demolish and Rebuild or Renovate My House?

Barn Demolition Average Cost

The average cost to demolish a barn ranges from $1,500-$10,000, depending on the barn’s size, construction materials, and site access.

In some cases—particularly for large or complex structures—costs can reach up to $25,000.

Why Do Prices Vary So Much?

The cost to demolish a barn depends on several key factors:

• Size and height of the barn (e.g., single-story vs. two-story)
• Building materials (wood only vs. wood + stone or concrete)
• Access to the site (rural, remote, or uneven terrain increases costs)
• Local landfill and disposal fees, which vary significantly by state
• Presence of hazardous materials, like asbestos or lead paint
• Labor availability and cost in your area

Below are some real-life examples of what others have paid for barn demolition.

 

Actual barn demolition costs can vary widely based on the barn's size, location, structure, and condition. Below are several real-life examples from across the U.S. to give you a better idea of what others have paid for their projects:

• Indiana: A medium-sized wooden barn (approx. 1,500 sq ft) with good site access was demolished for $3,200.
• Ohio: A small dilapidated barn (under 1,000 sq ft) with limited road access cost the property owner $2,500 to tear down and remove.
• Pennsylvania: A large, two-story wooden barn (approx. 3,000 sq ft) on a sloped property was demolished for $12,000, due in part to the barn’s size and difficulty reaching the site.
• Montana: An old timber barn with a partial stone foundation required specialized equipment and debris separation, resulting in a total cost of $18,000.
• California: A large, weather-damaged barn with asbestos siding was professionally demolished and remediated for $25,000, including hazardous material handling and permit fees.

Barn Deconstruction for Salvaged Wood

Many property owners choose barn deconstruction instead of full demolition. This method allows for the careful removal of old-growth timbers and other valuable materials that can be reused or sold.

These reclaimed materials are often turned into furniture, ceiling beams, shelves, or flooring. While deconstruction may cost more upfront, you can often recoup some of the costs by repurposing or selling the salvaged barn wood.

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Learn more about barn demolition:

• Barn Demolition and Deconstruction Process
• 3 Ways to Handle an Old Barn
• Don't Hire Just Anyone to Demo Your Barn
• It Pays to Have Your Barn Demolished

Garage Demolition Average Cost

Garage demolition costs $1,000-$3,000 on average, including debris disposal.

Garage Demolition Cost Factors

• The size of the garage
• Where the garage is located
• If the garage is attached or detached
• Materials used to build the garage
• Whether or not the garage has a foundation
• Existing utilities in the garage
• Overall condition of the garage
• Whether or not there is asbestos or lead paint present

The table below gives you an idea of what real garage demolition costs across the country look like, how they vary, and why.

Real Life Garage Demolition Cost Examples

 

Garage Demolition Cost Comparison

• Flushing, NY: Single-car garage + slab: $10,000
• Hastings, MI: Single-car garage + slab: $2,000

This $8,000 price difference is mainly due to the cost of living and disposal fees. Flushing’s cost of living index is 182.7, while Hastings' is only 83.5. Higher local fees and labor costs drive up demolition pricing in more expensive areas.

Get a Garage Demolition Estimate

To find out how much your garage demolition project will cost, request quotes from at least three licensed contractors in your area. This ensures you get a great price and hire a professional who’s right for your project.

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Find out more about garage demolition:

• What Affects the Cost of Garage Demolition?
• Can I Tear Down My Old Garage and Build a New One?
• Tear Down That Garage! Benefits of Removal, How It's Done, and How Much It Cost

Shed Demolition Average Cost

The average cost to demolish a shed falls between $500-$2,000, depending on factors like size, materials, and how much debris must be hauled away. Smaller, freestanding sheds made of lightweight materials like wood or vinyl usually fall on the lower end of the price range, while larger or anchored sheds with foundations, electrical connections, or heavy contents may cost significantly more.

This price typically includes:

• Labor (manual or machine-based tear-down)
• Disposal of the shed and its contents
• Hauling away the debris
• Basic site cleanup

If your shed is damaged, unstable, or unsafe to enter, this could also increase the price, as demolition crews may need additional precautions or special equipment.

Factors That Affect Shed Demolition Costs

The price of shed demolition is influenced by multiple factors, including:

• Size of the shed: A 6x8 shed will cost far less to remove than a 12x20 shed or larger workshop-style structure.
• Location on the property: If the shed is tucked behind a house or located on uneven terrain, it may require more labor or smaller, specialized equipment to access.
• Materials used: Lightweight wood or vinyl sheds are easier and cheaper to demolish than brick or metal sheds, which require more effort to dismantle and dispose of.
• Demolition method: Small sheds are often torn down by hand using basic tools, which is cheaper. Larger or anchored sheds may require mini-excavators or other heavy equipment.
• Concrete foundation: If your shed is installed on a concrete pad or footings, the cost will increase if the foundation must also be broken up and removed.
• Shed contents: A shed filled with tools, old furniture, yard waste, or junk adds time, labor, and disposal volume—driving up the total cost.
• Hazardous materials: If the shed contains chemicals, mold, asbestos, or lead paint, remediation must be handled safely and in compliance with local laws, which increases the cost.
• Contractor rates: Labor costs vary by location and contractor experience. A seasoned demolition crew with the right equipment may charge more up front, but finish the job faster and more safely.

Real-Life Shed Demolition Costs

 

Shed Demolition Cost Comparison

Here are examples of what actual homeowners paid to remove sheds, demonstrating how costs can vary based on the condition and contents of the shed—even when the size is the same:

• New London, CT: $2,850 to demolish and remove an 80 sq ft shed that was filled with old tools, shelving, and clutter. The shed also had a partial concrete foundation that was broken up and hauled away.
• Paramus, NJ: $800 for the demolition and removal of an 80 sq ft shed that was completely empty and easily accessible. The shed was made of lightweight wood and had no slab or wiring.

Despite Paramus having a higher cost of living than New London, the New London project was significantly more expensive. This shows that the volume and type of debris can sometimes have more impact on the total cost than the location itself.

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Find shed demolition contractors in your area

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Learn more about shed removal:

• What to Do with Your Old Backyard Storage Shed: Remove, Renovate, or Rebuild?
• Demo 1-2-3: How to Remove Your Shed