Who to Call to Demolish a House

This article was created using automation technology and thoroughly fact-checked and edited by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.

If you’re wondering who to call to demolish a house, hire a demolition contractor or certified deconstruction pro. These specialists secure permits, disconnect utilities, operate heavy machinery, and manage debris and hazardous materials.

Confirm permits before work begins. In many urban and suburban areas, you are legally required to hire a professional. If you do not own the property free and clear, obtain the lender's permission. Before the demolition begins, ensure the crew disconnects utilities and receives hazardous materials training.

Benefits of Hiring a Demolition Service to Demolish a House

Hiring a demolition contractor keeps a complex, hazardous job safe and compliant. Pros understand permit processes and can streamline approvals. They bring trained crews and the right machinery to secure the site, disconnect utilities, and demolish systematically. They also handle debris and hazardous materials responsibly, and may help salvage reusable building materials for future use.

Here are some of the top benefits of hiring a local demolition service:

• Knows local permit processes and timelines

• Ensures utilities are properly shut off and disconnected

• Secures the site to protect people and property

• Operates heavy machinery with trained crews

• Manages hazardous materials and disposal

• Can salvage reusable building materials

• Plans the mechanical demolition steps efficiently

• Reduces legal and safety risks

• Coordinates debris hauling and cleanup

If your project involves hazardous material removal, such as asbestos, consider an asbestos abatement pro near you to ensure the job is done safely and in compliance with local regulations.

Can I Hire a General Contractor to Demolish My House?

Do not hire a general contractor for large-scale demolition. The best choice is a demolition or deconstruction specialist with dedicated training and equipment. These pros also help you understand demolition costs and explain ways to save. General contractors focus on building, not systematic teardown, and often do not manage permits, safety protocols, or hazardous materials for full-house demolition.

How Do Demolition Professionals Demolish a House?

Pros either use deconstruction (hand disassembly) or mechanical demolition with heavy machinery to demolish a house. For a full-house teardown, mechanical demolition is more effective. Using machinery, they cave in the roof and knock down each wall one by one. Pros then may salvage materials for reuse and haul away trash and hazardous debris.

Here’s a look at the standard process:

1. Confirm legal permits and lender permission if applicable

2. Turn off and disconnect all utilities

3. Secure the site and establish safety boundaries

4. Select method: deconstruction or mechanical demolition

5. For mechanical demolition, cave in the roof to control the collapse

6. Knock down walls systematically with machinery

7. Separate and salvage reusable materials when feasible

8. Collect and dispose of hazardous and nonhazardous debris

9. Expect two to four weeks for demolition; debris removal follows

How Much Does It Cost to Demolish a House?

The average cost to demolish a house is $15,800, with prices ranging from $4,800 to $50,000. The total cost depends on your home size, your location, and the demolition method used. You’ll also incur permit fees of $100 to $500, and cleanup costs of $300 to $1,800.