The math for 1,500 square feet
These ranges multiply national per-square-foot figures from Angi, HomeAdvisor and HomeGuide by 1,500. A 1,500 sq ft house is right around the size where most national averages are measured, which is why so many guides quote totals in the $6,000 to $25,000 range.
| Scenario | Cost per sq ft | 1,500 sq ft total |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation left in place | $3 to $7 | $4,500 to $10,500 |
| Typical wood-frame house | $4 to $10 | $6,000 to $15,000 |
| Concrete block, brick or masonry | Up to about $17 | Up to about $25,500 |
| With asbestos or lead abatement | Up to about $25 | Up to about $37,500 |
Why South Florida homes can cost more
Much of Broward County's housing, especially homes built from the 1950s onward, is concrete block with stucco. Block is heavier and slower to break down than wood framing, and the extra weight raises disposal costs because landfills charge by the ton. Older homes are also more likely to need asbestos testing, which Broward County requires before demolition of structures covered by its rules.
What drives the price
- Construction typeWood frame is at the low end; concrete block and masonry at the high end.
- Hazardous materialsAsbestos surveys are required before demolition, and abatement is the most common large add-on.
- Slab removalLeaving the slab is cheaper. Removing it adds equipment time and tonnage.
- DisposalDebris is hauled by the truckload and charged by weight at the landfill.
- Permits and utilitiesCity permit fees, utility disconnect letters and county paperwork all add cost and time.
- Extras on the lotPools, sheds, driveways, trees and fences are usually priced separately.
Ways to save
- Clear the house of furniture, appliances and junk before the demolition crew's heavy equipment arrives.
- Donate or sell usable cabinets, doors, fixtures and appliances first.
- Schedule the asbestos survey early so abatement doesn't delay the project.
- Compare at least three itemized quotes from licensed, insured contractors.
Where Sunshine Demolition fits
We don't demolish whole houses; that takes a licensed demolition contractor with heavy equipment. We handle the jobs around it: emptying the house before a teardown, interior strip-outs if you're renovating instead, removing sheds, fences, decks and hot tubs, and clearing debris afterward.
Common questions
Is a 1,500 sq ft house expensive to demolish?
It's a mid-size job. For a typical wood-frame house, national cost guides put it around $6,000 to $15,000. Concrete block construction and asbestos are what push the number higher.
Does the price include removing the slab?
Not always. Many quotes leave the foundation in place unless you ask. Ask each contractor to state clearly whether slab removal is included.
How much does it cost to gut a 1,500 sq ft house instead?
Gutting the interior down to studs while keeping the structure is selective demolition and is priced by scope and debris volume rather than as a full teardown. Text photos to a local crew for a realistic number.
Can you empty the house before demolition?
Yes. We remove furniture, appliances and junk and clear the lot of sheds, fences and other structures so the demolition contractor starts with an empty shell.