House Demolition Costs Near Me

If you’re planning to tear down a house, there are many factors to consider. You’ll have to decide whether to deconstruct and salvage valuable materials or simply go with a full demolition.

Demolition can be expensive, especially if you’re in a city with high waste disposal fees. But there are ways to reduce costs by doing as much of the work yourself as you can safely.

Permits

A demolition permit is necessary for the complete razing and removal of structures in most municipalities. Various code provisions will specify the permit requirement and review process.

Prior to filing an application for a demolition permit the applicant must submit a notice to all abutting property owners. The notice must identify the proposed structure and the date on which the applicant intends to file the demolition permit (for a list of submittal dates please refer to the Development Review Schedule pdf).

In addition to the required notification form, many demolition permits will require site control measures, such as an asbestos survey or a demolition plan, documentation regarding lead paint certifications, agreements that the demolition activities will be suspended if winds exceed a specific speed, dust suppression measures during mechanical demolition, etc. The permit may also require a bond, which ultimately will depend on the municipality. Before beginning any demolition work the owner must ensure that all private utility services are disconnected or removed from the structure.

Safety

Unless you have a lot of experience using heavy machinery, it’s usually best to hire a professional to handle the demolition. Demolition is a dangerous job and requires safety equipment, training, and licensing to operate certain machinery. In addition, it’s possible that the structure contains asbestos. Asbestos is harmless when it’s solid and confined, but as it breaks apart and flakes into the air, it can cause lung damage. A professional should test for asbestos before starting the teardown.

Before any demolition work begins, the gas, water, and electrical lines must be disconnected. This may take a few weeks to complete, but is necessary to ensure the safety of workers. When it comes to reconnecting the utilities after demolition, a new utility permit is required. This will add to the cost of the project. It’s also a good idea to call your utility providers to determine the best time to disconnect the lines. This will help save you money on disconnection fees and prevent unnecessary delays.

Environmental Issues

A demolition project can have many negative environmental effects, especially if hazardous materials like asbestos or lead paint are present. These contaminants can become airborne and cause health issues for people living nearby. Using non-toxic materials, disposing of hazardous waste properly and controlling dust through wetting agents or barriers can help mitigate these effects. Recycling any usable materials can also reduce waste production and further minimize the impact on local ecosystems during the home demolition process.

Contractors and environmental health experts tell City Bureau that Chicago officials do a good job of inspecting construction sites and enforcing laws to protect the environment when it comes to large construction or demolition projects. But they say the city doesn’t do enough to ensure there are safeguards in place when it comes to small residential demolitions.

In a recent story for WBEZ’s Curious City, our team delved into the issue of whether the city enforces laws meant to minimize exposure to contaminants like asbestos during small residential demolitions. You can listen to the entire piece here.

Insurance

Getting an estimate for demolition costs will help you know what the job is going to cost and give you a ballpark figure to work with. However, there are a lot of variables that go into the overall cost of house demolition.

These factors include the size of the structure, local permit requirements and unexpected expenses. It’s a good idea to contact a professional who has experience in building demolition to help you understand the project’s scope and potential pitfalls or surprises.

A property owner may decide to demolish a home that has been significantly damaged by fire or weather and can’t be repaired. This is a more cost-effective option than purchasing new land and rebuilding. However, if the property has a mortgage on it, it’s important to check with your lender to make sure it’s okay to tear down the home and sell the vacant land. This will avoid the possibility of foreclosure. In addition, a licensed demolition contractor will know how to properly dispose of building materials and meet environmental regulations.

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