How Much Does It Cost to Demolish a House?

If you’re asking “how much does it cost to demolish a house?”, most Perth jobs land in the five-figure range. Your house demolition cost changes with house size, access, materials, permits, waste disposal and haulage. There isn’t a single demolition cost calculator for every block because factors vary by site. This guide explains the demolition process, typical expenses to budget for, how council approval works, and how to compare demolition companies so you can budget effectively and save money without cutting corners.

How Much Does a House Demolition Cost in Perth?

The average house demolition cost is quoted either as a fixed site price or a square-metre rate. Larger houses, tight access and heavier materials push totals higher. Mechanical demolition with excavators is the most common method. Selective or part demolition and manual deconstruction change labour and disposal costs.

See Typical Per-Site and Per-m² Ranges

• Per-site pricing: Many demolition contractors give a single figure for an entire house. It usually covers teardown, cart-away, tipping and site clean-up.
• Per-m² pricing: Some quotes use a square-metre guide for footprint and list extras for slab thickness or add-ons such as sheds and pools.
• Partial demolition: Keeping a wall, slab or verandah takes longer. Selective or part demolition is more labour-intensive, so it often costs more per metre.

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Compare Single-Storey and Two-Storey Price Bands

• Single-storey: Faster machine time and simpler safety. Timber houses on stumps are quicker than double brick with deep footings.
• Two-storey: More reach, more edge protection and more care around adjacent properties. Programs are longer and cost more.

Include Haulage, Tip Fees and Site Clearance in Totals

• Transport: Totals change with cartage distance, number of dump trucks and trips.
• Disposal: Fees depend on waste class. Sorting concrete, steel and timber lowers fees and supports sustainable demolition.
• Site clearance: A final scrape to subgrade should be included. Confirm whether garden walls, tanks or paving are in scope.

What Factors Affect the Cost to Demolish a House?

Overall cost is shaped by the project’s complexity, the house’s construction and the site.

Size, Access and Site Slope Set Baseline

• House size: A bigger demolition project needs more hours and more tonnes off-site.
• Tight access: Narrow driveways, trees or power lines slow work and may require smaller plant.
• Slope: Steep blocks reduce productivity and may need extra staging.

Materials, Slab Type and Footings Raise Labour

• Heavier materials: Double brick, reinforced concrete and deep footings take longer to break and sort.
• Slab and footings: Thick slabs increase excavator time and load count.
• Roofing and cladding: Concrete tiles, asbestos cement and some vintage claddings change methods and disposal pathways.

Hazardous Materials and Tree Removal Add Extras

• Asbestos removal: Bonded asbestos in eaves, wet areas or wall sheets needs licensed removal, PPE and dedicated bins. Other hazardous materials such as lead paint or mould also change the method.
• Tree removal: Large trees and stumps add cranes, rigging and traffic control.
• Underground finds: Old tanks, wells or septic systems need pump-out and certified decommissioning.

Scope hazardous work early with Best Asbestos Removal specialists:

Do I Need a Permit to Demolish a House?

Yes. You need a demolition permit from your local council or shire. This applies to total demolition and often to partial demolition. Use an approved demolisher with the right insurance and licences.

Apply Through Local Council or Shire Before Works

Submit the form before demolition begins. Most councils ask for a BA5-type form, a demolition management plan and proof your demolition contractor holds a current public liability insurance policy.

Provide Site Plan, Disconnection Proofs and Safety Plan

Councils usually want marked site plans, service disconnection proofs, any neighbour notices and a safety plan for dust, noise and traffic. Attach power isolation certificates from Best electricians in Western Australia and sewer capping or water cut-offs from best plumbers in Western Australia.

Allow Buffer Time for Approvals and Neighbour Notices

Council approval can take several weeks. Allow float for document checks and neighbour queries.

How Long Does a House Demolition Take From Start to Finish?

Once permits are in place, the on-site program is short.

Plan Utilities Cut-Off 1–3 Weeks Before Works

Cut power, gas, water and telecom at the street. Keep provider certificates ready for council regulations and builder handover.

Complete Demolition in 2–5 Days for Standard Homes

Heavy machinery such as excavators, grabs and shears brings down the entire structure. Time changes with access, house size and materials.

Finish Haul-Out and Site Scrape Within the Same Week

Dump trucks move sorted loads to licensed facilities. A clean scrape to subgrade readies the pad. If your builder needs a trimmed, compacted pad right away, book Bobcat & Earthworks Services early.

What Does the Demolition Process Involve?

Most programs follow the same steps.

Survey and Hazardous Material Check

Site assessments confirm boundaries and services. Test for asbestos and other hazards in the existing house.

Service Disconnections and Temporary Fencing

Isolate and cap services. Install temporary fencing and set exclusion zones for surrounding properties. Compare options with the best Fencing contractors in Western Australia and include gates or debris mesh in your scope.

Mechanical Teardown, Sorting and Disposal

Excavators reduce the house to manageable piles. Crews sort concrete, steel and timber to lower disposal costs and support recycling. Transport costs change with distance and load count.

Is Deconstruction Cheaper or More Expensive Than Demolition?

Manual deconstruction lowers waste and recovers salvage materials, but it is slower than machine work.

Hand Strip-Out Lifts Labour but Recovers Value

Recover doors, windows and hardwood. It can offset demolition expenses and reduce landfill.

Hybrid Methods Balance Salvage and Speed

A short hand strip followed by machines keeps time down and keeps waste streams clean.

Choose Based on Heritage, Resale and Waste Goals

If heritage or resale value is high, selective recovery can be worth the higher costs. It also supports sustainable demolition targets.

What Does Debris Hauling and Disposal Cost?

Waste fees can be a large part of the overall demolition cost.

Price by Tonnage, Distance and Tip Class

Bins and cartage are quoted by tonnes and destination. Clean loads are cheaper to tip than mixed C&D waste.

Separate Concrete, Steel and Timber to Cut Fees

Plan sorting with your demolition crew so loads leave the site segregated. This helps you save money and meet recycling targets.

Account for Asbestos or Contaminated Spoil Rates

Hazardous loads need licensed transport, dedicated bins and proof of disposal. Expect additional costs compared with standard waste.

What Is the Difference Between Mechanical Demolition and Hand Demolition?

Two common methods with different pros and cons.

Excavators and Shears Speed Standard Teardowns

Mechanical demolition is fastest on clear sites and best for total demolition of the entire house.

Hand Methods Suit Tight Sites and Salvage Goals

Smaller plant and hand tools reduce vibration and protect nearby structures. Good for tight access and salvage.

Mixed Approach Controls Noise and Dust

Sensitive locations near schools or hospitals often mix both to manage impact.

Can I Live On-Site During Demolition?

No. You must vacate the demolition site. It’s required for safety and insurance.

Vacate Fully for Safety and Insurance Compliance

Contractors and insurers need a clear, empty house with secure fencing and signs before demolition starts.

Secure Valuables and Remove Pets Early

Store valuables off-site and board pets to avoid delays.

Use Temporary Fencing and Clear Exclusion Zones

Keep the public safe and give plant a clear path.

What Hazards Can Affect Demolition Costs?

Plan for risks early to protect your budget.

Test for Asbestos, Lead Paint and Mould

Positive results change the method, PPE, transport and disposal. Add a rough allowance for this in your overall cost.

Manage Buried Tanks, Wells and Septic Systems

Unknown services or tanks can add pump-out, grouting and extra cartage.

Locate Services to Avoid Strike Fees

Use dial-before-you-dig and on-site mark-outs. This avoids damage fees and keeps the program on track.

Is It Cheaper to Renovate or Demolish and Rebuild?

It depends on structure, compliance and long-term goals.

Compare Structural Condition and Code Upgrades

An old house that needs heavy structural work and code upgrades can cost more to keep than to demolish and rebuild.

Weigh Energy, Layout and Resale Upside

New builds have better energy performance and layouts. That helps resale and running costs.

Model Total Project Time and Holding Costs

Include rental, finance and builder timelines in your plan, not just the cost to demolish.

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Can I Salvage or Donate Parts of the House?

Yes. Salvage reduces waste and can recover value.

Recover Doors, Windows and Hardwood Floors

Arrange a hand strip before machines arrive.

Lift Roofing, Bricks and Fixtures for Reuse

Reclaimed bricks and roof sheets often resell well. Keep the site tidy with palletising.

Document Donations for Potential Tax Benefits

Keep photos and receipts. Ask your accountant what can be claimed.

Which Utilities Need Disconnection Before Demolition?

Cut services at the street and keep the paperwork for your demolition permit.

Cut Power, Gas, Water and Telecom at the Street

Only licensed trades should isolate services. Upload certificates with your permit.

Cap Sewer and Decommission Septic Systems

Authority-compliant caps stop odour and groundwater ingress.

Obtain Provider Certificates for Council Sign-Off

Councils want proof before issuing or closing a permit. Check your local council list.

What Are the Environmental Impacts of Demolition?

Good planning lowers impact and often lowers cost.

Reduce Landfill With On-Site Separation

Separate concrete, steel and timber for recycling.

Control Dust, Runoff and Noise Near Neighbours

Use water carts, screens and set work hours to protect the street.

Recycle Concrete and Steel to Shrink Footprint

Clean loads can be crushed for road base or sent to metal recyclers.

What Mistakes Should I Avoid When I Plan a Demolition?

These checks prevent delays and extra expense.

Avoid Starting Before Permit Approval

Work cannot begin until your demolition permit is issued.

Avoid Vague Quotes Without Inclusions

Ask for clear inclusions: fencing, machine sizes, bin classes, haul distances, site clean-up and certificates.

Avoid Poor Access Planning and Service Mark-Outs

Walk the site with the contractor. Plan plant positions and truck paths.

How Do I Compare Demolition Quotes Fairly?

Make every contractor price the same scope so you can compare like-for-like.

Match Scope, Waste Classes and Tip Fees

Ask for the same bin sizes, waste classes and cartage distances in each quote. It’s the only way to judge the overall demolition cost.

Confirm Haul Distances and Machine Sizes

The mix of demolition equipment and the distance to tip or recycler affects time and fuel.

Check Licences, Insurance and Timelines

Confirm company licence, high-risk cards and a current public liability insurance policy. Check start date, program and hand-back standard.

What Does a Standard Demolition Quote Include?

A complete quote for total demolition should be clear and specific.

Permits, Temporary Fencing and Traffic Control

Admin for necessary permits, staging, fencing and any traffic control.

Teardown, Haul-Out and Site Scrape to Subgrade

Machine teardown of the entire structure, on-site sorting, transport to licensed facilities and a clean scrape.

Waste Disposal Dockets and Completion Certificate

Dockets by waste class and a completion certificate for your builder.

How Do Costs Change for Duplexes or Corner Blocks?

Shared walls and public frontage add controls and can increase costs.

Protect Shared Walls and Services

Duplexes need careful separation and make-good to protect the neighbour’s asset.

Stage Works to Manage Traffic and Dust

Corner sites often need more traffic control and staged bin placement.

Allow Extra Fencing and Public Safety Controls

More frontage means more barriers, mesh and signs.

Find and Compare Demolition Trades With Trade Heroes

Trade Heroes makes it easy to compare demolition contractors and related services in one place. Share one brief, get free quotes, and choose the approved demolisher that fits your program and budget. Use the inline links above for asbestos removal, skip bins, fencing, surveys, earthworks, electricians and plumbers so your house demolition project runs smoothly from permit to hand-back.

Ready to demolish and rebuild? Upload your marked site plans and insurance details, shortlist teams, and Trade Heroes will connect you with vetted crews with the right specialised equipment and experience. You’ll avoid guesswork, control overall cost and meet council regulations while protecting neighbours and your site.