Published November 9th, 2020
To many people, garages are a crucial part of the house. While keeping your cars protected from the environment, they can double as a tool shed or a storage space. Others have even converted their garages into homey living spaces, hobby rooms, and home gyms. But on the other side of the coin, some people have garages that just eat up space. It’s either they’re too old and run-down to provide suitable protection, or the homeowners simply have no use for it. Whatever the case, a garage demolition might be in order. In this article today, we’ll be talking about garage demolitions and the relevant factors that drive up their costs.
What factors affect garage demolition costs?
Not all garage demolition projects will cost the same amount. Projects will be unique from one another because of their variations in multiple aspects. The following are the primary factors that will dictate your garage demolition costs:
Material
The primary factor affecting garage demolition costs is material. Garages made out of bricks are typically the most expensive projects, due to sheer weight alone. In contrast, garages made out of wood will be cheaper than most because of the more lightweight material. Additionally, materials that may be reused or recycled may help you out a bit with the project costs. If in decent shape, wood, concrete, and cinder blocks are known to be quite valuable.
Salvaging these materials might cost you a little more if the contractor is doing the work, as companies may charge this as an extra service. And while it is the more tiresome alternative, salvaging the materials yourself can save you some money.
Size
The size of your garage is also a leading factor in garage demolition costs. Most, if not all, contractors charge by area (square feet). The costs for demolishing a small garage will almost always be less expensive than a large one.
Attached or Detached and other networks
Garages can be attached or detached from the rest of your house. Attached garages will likely cost more than detached ones, as contractors will perform the demolition in the most non-disruptive way. The costs associated with demolishing the attached garages include planning and repairing the remaining structure.
Additionally, some garages may have plumbing, electrical, and gas elements to them, which contractors have to account for. The added complexity to projects is a factor in driving costs up.
Asbestos and other hazardous materials
Asbestos was widely used in the pre-1990s for its fireproofing properties. However, research has shown us that asbestos can cause mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. In handling asbestos and other hazardous materials, including lead, mercury, PCBs, and CFCs, you have to be very careful. Contractors employ safe and specific techniques in dealing with these hazardous materials. Before finishing the demolition process, you need to have these materials removed, costing you up to $1,500.
Permits
Almost all construction and demolition projects will require a local permit before beginning any work. If you have a contractor working on the project, they will likely take care of the permits on your behalf. Permit costs vary between locations, with metropolitan cities generally having higher ones.
Geographic Location
Besides permits having contrasting costs in different locations, the overall demolition costs will vary too. This variation in costs accounts for your garage’s accessibility, city labor costs, and disposal fees.
Foundation
If you opt to have a complete demolition, this will also entail demolishing the concrete slab known as the foundation. The added cost for this operation can go up to $1,500.
How much does an average garage demolition cost?
Considering the numerous garage demolition factors, you can expect to spend anywhere between a couple of hundred dollars to twenty thousand dollars. On average, people spend roughly $2,500 for their garage demolition projects.
Interested In Cutting Technologies?
For nearly 40 years Cutting Technologies (CTI) has been the go-to demolition contractor for technically demanding, one-off jobs. Our wealth of experience enables CTI to bring “outside-of-the-block” approaches to achieve the impossible. Contractors trust CTI to get the job done right. Take a look at our demolition services on our website.
About The Author
Terrence Tan Ting is an industrial engineer by profession but a full time writer by passion. He loves to write about a wide range of topics from many different industries thanks to his undying curiosity.