Concrete patios, sidewalks, and slabs can become stained, chipped, or cracked over time. To restore them to their former condition, they must be demolished and replaced with new concrete slabs. Although demolition can be expensive, it is a more cost-effective solution than repairing damaged pieces of concrete.
The cost of concrete removal varies, with prices generally falling within $2 to $6 per square foot depending on several factors such as:
Labor
If you need to remove concrete for construction purposes on your property, professional services will likely be required for demolition. Most contractors offer per-square-foot rates that include both labor and dumping fees – thus, the price for clearing away old concrete can range anywhere between $2 to $6 per square foot.
Size, thickness, and type of structure all play an integral part in determining the costs associated with concrete removal. Unreinforced varieties are usually easier and cheaper to uninstall than ones containing reinforcement bars or wire mesh embedded within their pores.
Consider whether a permit is needed before beginning to disassemble a structure; this could affect pricing. Many municipalities don’t require such permits for residential structures, so you should check with your local government beforehand.
If the concrete is inaccessible or steeply sloped, you’ll likely incur higher labor costs due to the additional time and skill needed to remove it safely. Many demolition contractors charge extra for the further work involved with transporting and disposing of materials. If you are removing yourself, it’s important to remember all disposal costs before making a final decision.
Equipment
Concrete is a strong and heavy material that requires significant power to dismantle. If you’re working on a demolition project, specialized equipment and supplies will be essential in making sure the job gets done efficiently and safely. Depending on the thickness and method of removal, different pieces of equipment might be employed – for instance, some contractors use demolition robots as quickly and safely removal methods than traditional demolition methods (they have remote-controlled machines capable of withstanding high-powered tools like jackhammers and rotary hammer drills as well as handling a wide variety of concrete sizes/shapes).
Other types of demolition equipment include hydraulic hammers, power excavators, and multi-grips. Multi-grips resemble giant claws found in arcade games. They attach to demolition robots or large construction equipment to help with concrete removal in hard-to-reach areas that would be impossible or dangerous to access otherwise. They provide an efficient means of breaking up concrete.
The timeframe of project completion is also an integral factor. The longer it takes to demolish concrete, the higher its costs will be; contractors typically charge by the hour. It can also be expensive to work on such an expansive task for extended periods.
Disposal
Costs associated with disposing of large or thick concrete slabs can quickly mount. Contractors may include dumping fees as part of their quote or charge by the ton. Recyclable material incurs lower disposal fees, and recycling can save even further on disposal expenses. Some concrete demolition contractors offer recycled material in other projects to save on disposal fees.
Before hiring someone to handle your demolition project, always gather estimates from multiple experts. Demolition requires specific tools – some heavy – as well as permits or licenses from relevant entities to complete successfully.
The price for concrete removal varies significantly by location; typically, clearing out an entire outdoor space will cost more than clearing out just part of it.
Size and location are significant determinants in calculating the price of concrete removal. Most professionals charge per square foot with prices ranging from $2 to $6, including labor, equipment rental fees, dumping fees, and any clean-up or landscaping requirements in their final quote.
Permits
Demolition differs significantly from construction in that permits are often required to start any demolition work. Utility disconnections and reconnections also require permits, which significantly increases your expenses.
Large projects often require extensive and expensive demolition permits, and they must be done as efficiently and cost-effectively as possible. Consult local building departments before embarking on this path if you are uncertain if one is necessary; permitting requires creating an in-depth plan and site inspection with all safety measures in place; in some instances, you may even need one for hard-to-reach areas or steep gradients.
When selecting a contractor for your project, be sure they are licensed and insured. Each state may have specific licensing requirements regarding construction professionals; for larger jobs, you may require a general contractor’s license, while additional permits might be required for demolition or asbestos abatement services.
Permit fees can quickly blow out your demolition budget. Furthermore, suppose your demolition project involves an older building that requires special consideration for historic deconstruction purposes (with fees estimated as being up to 30-35% of total project costs). In that case, additional historic deconstruction fees might need to be added to preserve any valuable materials and ensure you can work safely on the demolition. These extra costs must be covered before beginning any project work on this scale.
