How to Get a Demolition Quote for Your House
Get a demolition quote for your house in Australia. Learn what to include, how to compare quotes, asbestos costs, permits and contractor checks.
A demolition quote is one of the first things you will need if you are planning to knock down an old house and rebuild. Getting a clear quote helps you understand the likely cost, what work is included, and what you may need to organise yourself. A house demolition is more than simply knocking down a building. The job can involve everything from permits to handling asbestos, understage demolition and finally clean-up. Many items associated with the process can all affect the final price. If you are planning a demolition in Australia, getting several detailed quotes can help you compare the work properly and avoid unexpected costs.
What Is a Demolition Quote?
A demolition quote is a written price from a demolition contractor for carrying out specified work at your property. The quote should explain what the contractor plans to do and what is included in the price. Depending on the property, a demolition quote may cover:
- Demolition of the house
- Labour
- Excavators and other machinery
- Site preparation
- Waste removal
- Transport
- Tip and disposal fees
- Asbestos removal
- Site clean-up
- Removal of slabs or concrete
- Removal of garages or sheds
- Fencing or temporary site protection
- Utility disconnection work
- Permits or council requirements
- Site levelling
Not every contractor includes the same items. This is why it is important to read the full quote rather than comparing the final dollar amount only. However, you may read whether a permits needed for your Demolition works?
Step 1: Know What You Want Demolished
Before requesting a demolition quote, make a list of everything you want removed. For example, you may want to demolish:
- The main house
- Garage
- Shed
- Carport
- Concrete driveway
- Swimming pool
- Garden structures
- Retaining walls
- Concrete paths
- Existing slabs
You may also want some items left on the property.For example, you may want to keep a front fence, certain trees, a driveway or part of an existing structure.
Tell the contractor exactly what needs to stay and what needs to go. A clear scope makes it easier for each contractor to quote the same job.
Step 2: Provide Information About the Property
The more information you provide, the easier it is for a contractor to prepare a useful demolition quote. Try to provide:
- Property address
- Suburb and postcode
- House size
- Number of storeys
- Construction type
- Number of buildings
- Garage size
- Site access information
- Photos of the property
- Information about asbestos
- Information about pools or concrete
- Any known planning or council requirements
Photos can be very helpful. Take pictures of the front, rear, sides, driveway, garage, access points and any structures that need to be demolished.
If access is narrow or difficult, include photos of that area as well.
Step 3: Check for Asbestos
Asbestos is an important and serious issue when demolishing older Australian homes – especially houses built before 2000.
Older houses can contain asbestos in areas such as walls, roofs, eaves, garages, fences, internal wet areas, and other building materials. Sometimes, asbestos is used as packing material to bear and joist flooring or around windows.
Before demolition starts, asbestos must be identified and managed correctly. SafeWork NSW advises checking the asbestos register before demolition and having the structure inspected by a licensed or a competent person.
If asbestos is found, ask the contractor whether asbestos inspection and removal are included in the demolition quote or priced separately. Also make sure to check if air monitoring (which may need) and the asbestos clearance certificate is included with the price.
Do not assume that asbestos removal is included because the contractor has quoted for demolition.
Step 4: Ask Several Contractors for a Quote
It is useful to request more than one demolition quote. Try to give each contractor the same information and the same scope of work. This makes the quotes easier to compare. For example, send each contractor:
- The property address
- House details
- Photos
- Site access information
- A list of structures to be removed
- Information about asbestos
- Your preferred demolition timeframe
When contractors receive the same information, differences between their quotes are easier to understand.
Step 5: Check What Is Included
This is one of the most important parts of comparing a demolition quote. A quote may look cheaper simply because some work has been left out. Check whether the price includes:
Demolition
Does the price include the complete demolition of the house? Including footings and ground piers?
Machinery
Check whether excavators, loaders and other required machinery are included.
Waste Removal
Find out who will load, transport and dispose of demolition waste.
Disposal Fees
Ask whether tip fees and other disposal costs are included.
Asbestos
Check whether asbestos inspection, removal and disposal are included or charged separately.
Concrete and Slabs
Ask whether the quote includes removing the concrete slab, driveway, paths or other concrete areas.
Site Clean-Up
Find out what condition the site will be left in after demolition.
Permits and Approvals
Ask which permits, notifications, or approval-related tasks are included and which are your responsibility.
The exact requirements can vary between states and councils.
For example, in NSW, certain demolition work requires notification to SafeWork NSW at least five calendar days before the work starts.
Step 6: Check the Contractor
Price is not the only thing to consider when choosing a demolition contractor.
Check that the contractor has the appropriate licence and insurance for the work.
In NSW, demolition work may need a restricted or unrestricted demolition licence depending on the type of work. SafeWork NSW also describes demolition as high-risk construction work.
You can also ask the contractor for:
- ABN
- Licence details
- Public liability insurance
- Workers compensation insurance where applicable
- Previous project experience
- References or reviews
For work in other Australian states, check the requirements of the relevant state or territory authority.
Step 7: Compare Quotes Like for Like
Do not simply choose the contractor with the lowest number.
Instead, compare what each demolition quote actually covers.
For example:
| Item | Quote A | Quote B | Quote C |
|---|---|---|---|
| House demolition | Included | Included | Included |
| Waste removal | Included | Extra | Included |
| Asbestos | Extra | Included | Extra |
| Concrete slab | Included | Extra | Included |
| Site clean-up | Included | Included | Extra |
| GST | Included | Included | Included |
A quote with a higher starting price may include more work.
A cheaper quote may leave some important items out.
The goal is to compare the same scope of work, not the headline price.
Questions to Ask Before Accepting a Demolition Quote
Before signing anything, ask the contractor:
- Is the quote fixed or can the price change?
- What exactly is included?
- Is GST included?
- Is asbestos included?
- Are disposal and tip fees included?
- Is the concrete slab included?
- Is the driveway included?
- Are garages and sheds included?
- Who arranges utility disconnections?
- Who handles required permits or notifications?
- How long will the demolition take?
- How will the site be left after demolition?
- Are there any exclusions?
- What happens if unexpected asbestos or other hazardous materials are found?
Getting clear answers before the work starts can prevent disputes later.
Get Demolition Quotes Through DemoQuotes
Getting several quotes can take time when you have to contact contractors one by one.
DemoQuotes makes the process easier by allowing homeowners to submit their demolition project details online.
You can provide information about your property, the work required and your location. Suitable demolition contractors can then review the project and provide a quote.
This can be useful if you are planning a knock-down rebuild, removing an old house before construction, or clearing a residential site for a new project.
Ready to Start Your Demolition Project? →
Before choosing a contractor, make sure you understand what each demolition quote includes.
A good quote should clearly explain the scope of work, demolition, waste removal, asbestos arrangements, site access, clean-up and any exclusions.
Don't compare prices alone. Compare the work included in each demolition quote so you can make a clear and informed decision.
Need demolition quotes for your property? Submit your project through DemoQuotes and connect with demolition contractors in Australia.