Is your old garage inoperable? Is it falling apart and hazardous? Got a cracked garage slab? Then your best option may be to demolish your garage.
Once your old garage is out of the way, you can start to think about ways to use that space. Maybe you want to replace the garage with a newer, more practical garage. Perhaps you’re thinking of installing an Accessory Dwelling Unit on the space on your property. You also may want to pave the area for an extended driveway or seed it for a larger lawn. Whatever your plan, working with an experienced contractor can help you demolish your old garage quickly and without headaches.
How much does it cost to demolish a garage in Phoenix?
In general, it costs between $2 and $6 per square foot to tear down a garage in Phoenix. There are several factors that go into determining the cost of demolishing a garage.
- Is your garage attached or detached?
- Attached garages cost more than detached garages to tear down. That’s because more work goes into the overall. With an attached garage, there is additional planning involved, as well as the physical demolition and the repairs needed on the remaining structure.
- How big is your garage?
- The bigger the garage, the more it costs to tear down. A 500 square foot garage will cost about $1,000 to $3,000 to tear down. A much larger, 1,500 square foot garage will cost $3,000 to $9,000 to demolish.
- What materials were used to construct your garage?
- A brick garage is typically the most expensive type of garage to tear down. That’s mainly because of how heavy it is. Lighter wood frame garages are the cheapest type of garage to demolish. A big plus is if your garage used materials that can be reused or recycled. Cinder blocks, wood in decent shape and cement are all valuable. You could recoup some of the cost of the demolition by reusing or recycling these materials.
- Are you going to salvage any materials?
- You could have your contractor salvage materials, which can increase the cost of the project. If you decide to do some of the salvaging yourself, you could save a few dollars in the process.
- Does your garage contain any hazardous materials?
- This is sometimes difficult to ascertain with the expert eyes of an experienced contractor. Older garages may have asbestos or lead paint. These need to be very carefully removed by a professional before you can finish the demolishing process. This can cost from $1,500 to $5,000 depending on the amount of asbestos or lead paint and the size of the garage.
- How complex is the demolition job?
- Do you have lights in your garage? What about a washer and dryer? Or your water heater? Many garages have electrical and plumbing components, which can affect the cost of tearing down your garage.
- How is your garage foundation?
- Does the concrete slab need to be removed also? That’s going to cost extra. If your concrete slab is cracked and damaged, or you just want to get rid of the entire garage, it’s going to cost between $700 - $1,500 to tear out that slab, depending on the size and thickness.
- Where is your property located?
- Are you a city or in a rural area? Major cities tend to have higher labor costs and disposal fees. Expect to pay more if you live in a metropolitan area.
- Will you need permits?
- You will probably need a local permit to demolish your garage. Permits are typically needed for most types of demolition projects. The actual cost of the permit varies from city to city. It should be included in the overall cost. Contractors will typically “pull” a permit for you.
Can’t I just DIY the demolition?
Sure, YouTube is filled with tips and tricks to demolish structures, such as garages. But make no mistake, demolition is a dangerous job that should only be handled by professionals. A professional contractor with experience in demolition has the right equipment to get the job done in less time. In fact, you will probably spend LESS money when you hire a contractor because you won’t have to fix any mistakes you made along the way.
Demolition projects take time, expertise and competence. It is not the type of project to be handed off to just anyone.
That’s why you should call the demolition experts at Joe’s Bobcat Services. Our team has been the top choice for clean, professional, affordable work. Call (602) 780-3343 for a quote.