If you are planning a knock-down rebuild, a new development or clearing a site, demolition is usually the first major cost. Quotes can vary a lot between contractors, and the reason is almost always in what is, or is not, included. Here is what actually drives the cost of demolishing a house in Sydney.
What affects demolition cost
Size and construction of the house
A single-storey weatherboard cottage is a very different job to a two-storey double brick home with concrete slabs. Brick, concrete and steel take more machine time and create heavier waste, which costs more to transport and dispose of.
Asbestos
Many Sydney homes built before 1990 contain asbestos in eaves, wall linings, wet areas, roofing, vinyl floors or pipe lagging. It must be identified and removed by a licensed asbestos removalist before general demolition. Asbestos is one of the biggest variables in a demolition price, which is why a hazardous materials survey early on matters.
Site access
Wide street frontage with room for an excavator and trucks is straightforward. Narrow lots, battle-axe blocks, steep sites, shared driveways and tight inner-city streets mean smaller machines, more handwork and more truck movements.
What else is on the site
Pools, garages, sheds, driveways, retaining walls, large trees and old footings all add to the scope. Make sure the quote states exactly which structures are being removed and whether slabs and footings come out.
Approvals and service disconnections
Demolition generally needs approval, either as part of a development application or through a complying development certificate. Before work starts, electricity, gas, water, sewer and telecommunications need to be disconnected or capped, and some of those require licensed trades and utility applications.
Waste and recycling
Tipping fees are a significant part of any demolition. Separating and recycling brick, concrete, metal and timber reduces cost and is better practice.
What a proper demolition quote should include
- Hazardous materials (asbestos) survey and licensed removal, with a clearance certificate.
- Service disconnections and capping.
- Site establishment: fencing, signage, dust and noise controls.
- Demolition of every listed structure, including slabs and footings if required.
- Waste removal, recycling and disposal at licensed facilities.
- Final site clean and levelling ready for the next stage.
- Any neighbour protection, dilapidation reports or traffic control needed.
Why the cheapest quote is often not the cheapest job
A low quote that excludes asbestos, footings, tree removal or service disconnections tends to grow once work starts. Compare quotes line by line, not on the bottom number.
Licensed demolition with METCON
METCON holds NSW Demolition Licence AD214430 and handles the approvals, asbestos coordination, demolition and site clearing as one job. See our demolition services or send us the address and a few photos for a free quote.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to demolish a house in Sydney?
The physical demolition of a typical house often takes one to two weeks, but approvals, asbestos removal and service disconnections usually need to be completed first and can take longer than the demolition itself.
Do I need council approval to demolish a house in NSW?
In most cases, yes. Demolition is usually approved through a development application or a complying development certificate, depending on the property and what is being built next.
Does asbestos increase demolition cost?
Yes. Asbestos must be identified and removed by a licensed removalist before general demolition, and disposed of at licensed facilities, which adds to the cost and time. The amount and type of asbestos make a big difference.
