Demolition Contractor Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

• Introduction

  If you’re in the process of rebuilding or renovating,  at one point you may require demolition services. You can hire demolition services for residential or commercial buildings, and no job is too big or too small. Many demolition companies also offer waste management services, so they can handle hauling away the debris, leaving you with a clean, empty space.
  

  
  

  When hiring demolition services, you want to work with professional, reputable people. If you’re doing selective demolition (only removing one area of a building) or asbestos removal, you want to ensure a thorough and complete job is done. Review the questions and answers below so you can make a more informed decision when hiring a demolition contractor.
  

• What is demolition?

  Demolition is the process of knocking down property or structures to clear space on the land. The process is done safely, using science and engineering concepts to ensure an area is cleared without leaving anything dangerous around, such as exposed wires, a weak foundation, holes, etc..

• How are demolition jobs quoted?

  Typically, demolition jobs are quoted based on the square footage of the building. The national average for commercial demolition ranges between $4-$8 per square foot. The price per square foot typically goes down as the total square footage rises. This pricing doesn’t include additional services, such as waste management.
  
  

• Do you need a license to do demolition?

  Demolition requirements vary by state, county, and local municipality. Depending on your location, some companies will be required to have a license. Additionally, some areas require individual demolition permits or licenses to be pulled for each job site on behalf of the client.
  

• What is a demolition engineer?

  A demolition engineer is a specialist in clearing areas safely without endangering people, nearby objects, the land, or the remaining building. They may use explosives to demolish buildings, identify how to open a new area for mining, and understand how to remove large obstacles in construction areas. Most demolition engineers are high school graduates who learned their skills on the job.
  

• How do you become a demolition expert?

  Most demolition experts are trained on the job, typically by following an experienced professional for a couple of months to a year. Some individuals may choose to complete training provided by vocational schools, contractor associations, or labor unions. However, in this profession, hands-on experience is the most valuable.
  

• How do you bid on demolition work?

  There are two options for bidding on demolition work. First, you can work under a parent company that does the bidding for you and gives you regular contracts while taking a small cut. Otherwise, you can be an individual contractor, find your local bidding sites, and place  individual bids. Demolition projects always go to the lowest bidder.