How Much Does Garage Demolition Cost? [2025 Data]
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If you have an old garage that you want to tear down, you’re probably wondering: How much is this going to cost? Don’t worry — we’ll break it down in a way that’s super easy to understand.
The garage demolition cost typically ranges from $1,500 to $15,000, with most homeowners paying around $6,000. The final price depends on several factors, including the size of the garage, the materials it’s made from, and its location.
Why Would You Want to Tear Down a Garage?
There are a few good reasons:
The garage is old or falling apart.
You want to build a new garage.
You want to turn the space into a garden, yard, or workshop.
You just don’t use it anymore.
How Much Does Garage Demolition Cost?
Basic Price:
Small garages (like a one-car garage): start at around $1,500.
Big garages (like a two- or three-car garage): can cost up to $15,000.
Average cost for most people: $6,000.
Cost by Size (Per Square Foot)
Most demolition contractors charge by the square foot. That means the bigger your garage, the more it costs.
You’ll usually pay about $4 to $10 per square foot.
A small garage might be 250 square feet.
A big one could be 900 square feet.
So, a 500-square-foot garage might cost $2,000 to $5,000 to tear down.
What Are You Tearing Down?
You don’t always have to remove the whole garage. Sometimes you only want to remove part of it.
Types of Demolition:
| Type | What It Means | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Tear down | Remove most of the garage | $1,500–$3,500 |
| Total demolition | Remove everything | $2,500–$5,000 |
| Deconstruction | Carefully take it apart to reuse materials | $3,500–$7,000 |
Deconstruction is great if your garage has materials you want to reuse, but it costs more because it’s slower.
Attached vs. Detached Garage
This part is simple:
Detached garage (not connected to the house): easier and cheaper.
About $4 per square foot.
Attached garage (connected to your house): more careful work needed.
About $8 to $10 per square foot.
Attached garages cost more because workers have to be extra careful not to damage your house.
Why Hire a Demolition Contractor?
You might think, “Can’t I just do it myself?” But demolition isn’t as easy as it looks. Here’s why pros are better:
They know how to tear things down safely.
They wear protective gear.
They turn off electricity and gas safely.
They remove all the junk afterward.
They have the right machines and tools.
Contractor cost:
$50 to $100 per hour per worker.
Or they might charge by the whole project.
Where You Live Affects the Cost
Demolition prices are different in each state. Here’s a small sample:
| State | Price Per Sq. Ft. |
|---|---|
| California | $8–$10 |
| Florida | $2–$6 |
| New York | $7–$10 |
| Texas | $4–$6 |
| Ohio | $3–$6 |
Big cities usually cost more. Rural areas might be cheaper, but you might have to pay extra for travel.
Other Things That Affect the Price
Garage Material
What your garage is made of changes the garage demolition cost too.
| Material | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Metal | $1,200–$2,000 |
| Wood | $2,500–$3,000 |
| Concrete | $2,000–$2,500 |
Metal is the cheapest because it’s easy to take down.
Wood takes more time and care, so it costs more.
Concrete is the toughest to remove but can sometimes be recycled, which may reduce your garage demolition cost slightly.
Foundation
The foundation is the base of your garage. If it stays in place, you can save money. But if it needs to be removed, it’ll increase your garage demolition cost:
$2 to $6 per square foot for foundation removal
More if excavation (digging) is needed
Permits
Most towns and cities require a demolition permit before tearing down a garage.
Permit cost: $50 to $100
You’ll also need a new permit if you plan to build something new in its place
This is a necessary part of your total garage demolition cost.
Safety Costs
Older garages may contain hazardous materials, which can significantly raise the garage demolition cost:
Asbestos: Found in insulation, roofing, and siding
Removal cost: $1,200 to $4,000
Lead paint: Common in garages built before 1978
Removal cost: $8 to $20 per square foot
Bad wiring or pipes: May require repair or removal
Extra cost: $100 to $500
Trash and Cleanup
After demolition, there will be a lot of debris. While some contractors include cleanup in the estimate, others don’t — and this affects your garage demolition cost.
DIY cleanup: Around $600 per truckload
Hiring a pro ensures all waste is removed safely and legally
Want to Rebuild or Add Something New?
If you’re tearing down your garage to build something else, here’s what you might pay:
| Project | Cost Range | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|
| New Garage | $5,000–$66,000 | $28,500 |
| Home Extension | $4,500–$150,000 | $50,200 |
| ADU (Tiny Home) | $60,000–$225,000 | $180,000 |
Always talk to a contractor before you tear down anything, so you can plan for the new build.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
Doing it yourself might look fun on YouTube, but it’s not safe unless you’re trained. Here’s why it’s risky:
You could get hurt.
You might damage your home.
You might not remove hazardous stuff the right way.
You could break local laws without a permit.
Best Option: Hire a Pro
While hiring a professional may add to your overall garage demolition cost, it’s worth it for the safety, proper disposal, and peace of mind. A licensed expert knows what they’re doing and will help protect both your property and your family.
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