Free Demolition Cost Estimator

Interior selective demo (removing specific elements): $2,000-$8,000 for a typical 1,500 sqft house. Full interior gut (everything down to studs): $5,000-$15,000 depending on size. Exterior demolition of outbuildings or additions: varies widely by scope. Always include demo in your rehab budget estimate.

Demo typically includes: removing flooring, kitchen cabinets and appliances, bathroom fixtures, drywall (if gutting), ceilings, trim, windows (if replacing), exterior siding (if replacing), and hauling all debris. Costs include labor, dumpster rental ($300-$500 each), and multiple loads for full guts.

Demo labor runs $30-$50/hour for general laborers in most markets, higher in coastal cities. A full interior gut on a 1,500 sqft house takes 3-5 laborers about 2-3 days = 60-120 labor hours. Add $1,000-$2,000 for dumpster fees and $500-$1,000 for miscellaneous hauling.

Asbestos (common in homes pre-1980 in floor tiles, insulation, joint compound, popcorn ceilings) requires licensed abatement at $1,500-$5,000+ depending on scope. Lead paint (homes pre-1978) requires safe work practices and may require professional abatement at $3,000-$10,000+ for full remediation.

Yes — demo is labor-intensive but skill-light. Many investors demo themselves on first projects to save cost and learn the property. Be careful not to damage structural elements, plumbing, or electrical you plan to keep. Rent a dumpster, use protection gear, and check for hazmat before swinging a hammer.

Underestimating demo is a common mistake. Unexpected structural issues, hazmat, and additional scope discovered during demo can add $2,000-$10,000 to your budget. Always include 10-15% contingency on your demo estimate and be prepared for scope expansion once walls open.