The math for 3,000 square feet
These ranges multiply national per-square-foot figures from Angi, HomeAdvisor and HomeGuide by 3,000. They're planning numbers, not quotes. Your price depends on the house, the lot and your city.
| Scenario | Cost per sq ft | 3,000 sq ft total |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation left in place | $3 to $7 | $9,000 to $21,000 |
| Typical wood-frame house | $4 to $10 | $12,000 to $30,000 |
| Concrete block, brick or masonry | Up to about $17 | Up to about $51,000 |
| With asbestos or lead abatement | Up to about $25 | Up to about $75,000 |
What drives the price
- Construction typeConcrete block and stucco, standard in much of Broward County, is heavier and slower to take down than wood frame, and costs more to haul.
- Hazardous materialsHomes built before the 1980s may contain asbestos. A survey is required before demolition, and abatement by licensed specialists can be the single biggest add-on.
- Foundation and slabRemoving the slab or foundation adds cost. Leaving it for the new build is cheaper.
- Debris and disposalA 3,000 sq ft house produces many truckloads of debris, and landfill fees are charged by weight.
- Access and lotTight lots, overhead lines, trees and neighbors close by slow the work down.
- Permits and utilitiesDemolition permits, utility disconnects and county asbestos paperwork all have fees and lead times.
What's usually not in the base price
Most full-demolition quotes cover the teardown and debris removal. Asbestos testing and abatement, permit fees, utility disconnects, removing trees, pools, driveways or septic systems, and final grading are often priced separately. Ask every contractor to itemize so the quotes can be compared fairly.
Ways to bring the cost down
- Empty the house completely before the demolition crew arrives, so you're not paying heavy-equipment rates to move furniture.
- Salvage or donate cabinets, doors, appliances and fixtures first.
- Get the asbestos survey done early, so there are no surprises mid-project.
- Get at least three itemized quotes from licensed, insured demolition contractors.
Where Sunshine Demolition fits
We don't knock down whole houses. That's a job for a licensed demolition contractor with heavy equipment. What we do is the work before and around it: emptying a house of furniture, appliances and junk ahead of a teardown, stripping interiors, removing sheds, fences, decks and hot tubs on the lot, and cleaning up debris. Clearing a house first can shorten the demolition crew's time on site.
Common questions
Is it cheaper to demolish a house or renovate it?
It depends on the condition of the structure. Demolition plus a new build almost always costs more up front than renovation, but when the foundation, framing or roof are failing, rebuilding can make more sense long term. A contractor or engineer can assess the structure.
How long does it take to demolish a 3,000 sq ft house?
The physical teardown is often one to a few days. Permits, utility disconnects, asbestos surveys and any abatement usually take much longer than the demolition itself.
Do I need an asbestos survey before demolishing a house in Broward County?
Broward County's asbestos program requires a survey and notification before demolition of structures subject to its rules, and individual cities set their own permit checklists. Check with your city's building department and the county asbestos program before scheduling.
Can you clear out the house before it's demolished?
Yes. We empty houses of furniture, appliances and junk, and remove outdoor structures, so the demolition crew starts with a clean shell.