Demolition estimating services are not a single lump sum line. A demolition cost estimate is a takeoff built from removal method, structure type, and disposal route. We price selective and full demolition, plus site clearing, by the same units your field crew uses: LF of partition, SF of slab on grade, CY of construction and demolition debris, TON of scrap, and LB of regulated waste. If you are bidding a gut renovation, a tear-down, or a phased demolition with facade retention, you need quantities that separate hand work from machine work and track each waste stream to its disposal facility.
- Deliverable
- Excel estimate + marked-up PDF plans
- Organized by
- CSI MasterFormat section
- Turnaround
- 24–48 hours for most projects
- Pricing
- ZIP-code-adjusted material and labor pricing
- Software
- Bluebeam Revu, PlanSwift, RSMeans data
We organize every demolition takeoff by CSI MasterFormat Division 02, with support scope in Division 01 74 19 for construction waste management and Division 31 23 16 for excavation and backfill of removed foundation walls and pile caps. That structure lets you drop our numbers into your bid form and compare your productivity rates to ours. For projects that combine demolition with new construction, we coordinate the demo scope with Concrete Estimating Services and Structural Steel Estimating so the removal limits match the new work.
Most demolition estimates are delivered in 24–48 hours as Excel and PDF files with marked-up plan sets. We use Bluebeam Revu, PlanSwift, and RSMeans data with ZIP-code-adjusted material and labor pricing. A demolition estimator on our team reviews the plan set for utility disconnection, hazardous materials abatement scope, and debris box placement before pricing. If your project also includes sitework, we can align the demo takeoff with Sitework Estimating Services for a single bid package. Start by sending your plans to our get an estimate page.
What our demolition cost estimating covers
We take off selective and full demolition from your drawings and specifications, then price each line by removal method and disposal route. The estimate separates hand demolition from machine demolition, tracks hazardous materials by weight, and includes haul and tipping as separate line items. You get a Division 02 takeoff that shows exactly what is removed, how it comes out, and where it goes.
Selective Interior Demolition
Measure and price removal of partitions, ceilings, and floor finishes by SF, including hand work and protection.
SF · LF · EAStructural Demolition
Take off slabs, decks, beams, and columns by SF, CY, or TON, separating machine and hand methods.
SF · CY · TONPaving Removal
Quantify asphalt and concrete paving, base, and curb removal by SF and SY, including hauling.
SF · SY · CYSteel Salvage
Identify and price reinforcing and structural steel separation, cutting, and salvage credit by TON.
TON · EARoofing Removal
Measure roofing membrane, ballast, and insulation removal by SF, including disposal and deck repair.
SF · CYMEP Removal
Take off duct, pipe, conduit, and fixture removal by LF and EA, including capping and disposal.
LF · EAHazardous Abatement
Price asbestos-containing material and other regulated waste abatement by SF and LB, with disposal documentation.
SF · LB · EAFoundation Breakout
Quantify foundation, footing, and slab-on-grade breakout by CY, including excavation and backfill.
CY · SFWhat every demolition estimating takeoff includes
- Selective interior demolition of partitions, ceilings, and floor finishes by SF
- Structural demolition of slabs, decks, beams, and columns by SF, CY, or TON
- Asphalt and concrete paving removal by SF and SY, including base and curb
- Reinforcing steel and structural steel separation and salvage by TON
- Roofing and membrane removal by SF, including ballast and insulation
- MEP removal: duct, pipe, conduit, and fixtures by LF and EA
- Asbestos-containing material abatement and disposal by SF and LB
- Interior and exterior wall removal by LF and SF, load-bearing and non-load-bearing
- Foundation, footing, and slab-on-grade breakout by CY
- Equipment and tank removal, including cutting, rigging, and disposal by EA
- Temporary shoring, bracing, and dust partition installation by LF and SF
- Dumpster, roll-off, and trucking by CY and haul count
How we take off demolition quantities
- Review hazmat and scopeWe start with the hazardous material survey and the demolition scope narrative. If the survey is missing, we flag it as a bid qualification. We mark asbestos-containing materials, lead paint, and other regulated waste on the plan set and separate them into their own line items so abatement is not buried in general demolition. We also check the survey report for material condition and quantity, cross-referencing with specification section 02 82 00 to confirm who carries abatement and disposal costs.
- Separate selective vs. fullOn selective demolition, we trace each partition, ceiling, and finish removal boundary on the architectural plans. On full demolition, we work from structural plans to identify members by size and material. This separation drives the production rate: hand work for selective, machine work for full, and saw-cutting at the transition. We also note any phasing or sequencing requirements shown on the demolition plan, such as retaining a wall for temporary support.
- Measure by removal methodWe measure LF of partition by height, SF of slab by thickness, and TON of steel by member weight. For concrete, we convert SF and thickness to CY, then apply a swell factor for haul. For steel, we use AISC weight per foot and separate salvage value from disposal cost. We also account for reinforcing steel in concrete by using typical rebar densities per cubic yard, and we measure openings and deductions per standard takeoff rules.
- Price disposal and haulEach waste stream gets its own haul and tipping line. We calculate truckloads from debris volume and truck capacity, then apply ZIP-code-adjusted landfill tipping fees. Recycling credits are tracked separately for concrete, asphalt, and scrap metal. This is where most demolition bids lose money. We also include any special handling requirements, such as manifesting for regulated waste or scheduling restrictions at the landfill.
- Check support scopeWe review temporary shoring, dust partitions, utility disconnects, and protection of adjacent structures. These items often sit in Division 01 or in general requirements, not Division 02. We pull them into the estimate so your bid reflects the full cost of keeping the building standing while you tear part of it down. We also verify that the demolition sequence is constructible and flag any conflicts with the structural drawings.
- Deliver marked-up setYou receive an Excel workbook and PDF organized by CSI MasterFormat division, with marked-up plan sets showing removal limits, hazmat locations, and haul routes. Quantities are traceable to sheet references so your estimator can audit any line before submitting the bid. We also include a summary of assumptions and qualifications, such as missing surveys or unclear utility scope, to help you decide what to carry in your bid.
What we need from you
- Demolition plansArchitectural and structural sheets showing removal limits, partitions, and structural members. PDF or DWG.
- Hazmat surveyAsbestos, lead, and other regulated material report. If unavailable, we note it as a qualification.
- SpecificationsDivision 02 sections and Division 01 74 19 for waste management. We need salvage and recycling requirements.
- Site logisticsDumpster locations, haul routes, loading dock restrictions, and working hours. These drive production rates.
- Utility informationDisconnect points for water, sewer, gas, and electric. Capping and temporary service requirements.
- Bid formYour bid form or schedule of values so we can format the estimate to match your submission.
Sample demolition quantity takeoff
A partial takeoff from a mid-size commercial gut renovation. Quantities are illustrative and show the format we deliver.
| Section | Line item | Qty | Unit | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 02 41 19 | Selective demolition of gypsum board partitions, 8 ft high | 1,250 | LF | A-201 |
| 02 41 16 | Slab-on-grade breakout, 6 in thick, reinforced | 4,800 | SF | S-101 |
| 02 41 16 | Structural steel beam removal, W18×50 | 18.5 | TON | S-301 |
| 02 41 13 | Asphalt paving removal, 3 in thick, including base | 2,400 | SY | C-101 |
| 02 82 33 | ACM floor tile and mastic removal and disposal | 3,200 | SF | H-101 |
| 02 41 19 | Metal stud partition removal, non-load-bearing | 850 | LF | A-202 |
| 02 41 16 | Concrete footing breakout, 3 ft × 3 ft × 1 ft | 12 | EA | S-102 |
| 02 41 19 | Suspended ceiling removal, including grid and tiles | 5,600 | SF | A-203 |
| 02 41 16 | Concrete curb removal, 6 in × 18 in | 320 | LF | C-102 |
| 02 41 19 | Door and frame removal, including hardware | 24 | EA | A-204 |
Units of measure in our demolition takeoff
Demolition quantities are only useful if the unit matches the removal method. We measure each item the way it is priced and hauled.
| Item | Unit | How it's measured |
|---|---|---|
| Slab, deck, roof, and wall area removed | SF | Measured from architectural and structural plans, deducting openings over 10 SF |
| Concrete, masonry, and debris by volume | CY | Calculated from thickness and area; includes void space for mixed debris |
| Wall, curb, pipe, conduit, and fence removed | LF | Taken off centerline or face, with height noted for volume conversion |
| Fixtures, doors, windows, equipment, and tanks | EA | Counted from floor plans and schedules, tagged for salvage or disposal |
| Structural steel, rebar, and scrap metal | TON | Converted from LF or SF using member weight per foot from AISC tables |
| Asbestos-containing material and regulated waste | LB | Measured from hazmat survey by material type and condition |
| Haul volume and truckload counts | CY | Converted from debris volume using truck capacity and swell factor |
| Permit, notification, and stand-by time | LS | Allowance based on jurisdiction and inspection requirements |
Worked example: selective demolition of a partition and slab opening
This example shows how we take off a small selective demolition scope: removing a non-load-bearing gypsum board partition and cutting a slab opening for a new stair. All dimensions are illustrative and do not represent a specific project.
Step 1 – Partition removal
- From architectural plan A-201, partition runs 42 LF at 9 ft high.
- Wall area = 42 LF × 9 ft = 378 SF.
- Deduct door opening: 1 opening 3 ft × 7 ft = 21 SF.
- Net wall area = 378 − 21 = 357 SF.
- Convert to volume for haul: 357 SF × 0.375 ft (4-5/8 in stud wall) = 133.9 CF.
- Volume in CY = 133.9 / 27 = 4.96 CY.
Step 2 – Slab opening
- Opening size 10 ft × 12 ft = 120 SF.
- Slab thickness 6 in = 0.5 ft.
- Volume = 120 SF × 0.5 ft = 60 CF.
- Convert to CY = 60 / 27 = 2.22 CY.
- Add saw cutting: perimeter = 2 × (10 + 12) = 44 LF.
Step 3 – Waste factor
- Apply 15% waste to partition debris: 4.96 CY × 1.15 = 5.70 CY.
- Apply 10% waste to concrete debris: 2.22 CY × 1.10 = 2.44 CY.
- Waste is shown as a separate line, not buried in the net quantity.
Step 4 – Haul and disposal
- Total debris volume = 5.70 + 2.44 = 8.14 CY.
- Assume 20 CY roll-off container: 8.14 / 20 = 0.41 containers → 1 container.
- Truckloads: 1 load.
- Tipping fee at local landfill: apply ZIP-code-adjusted rate per ton.
- Estimated weight: partition debris ~ 5.70 CY × 0.15 ton/CY = 0.86 ton; concrete ~ 2.44 CY × 2.0 ton/CY = 4.88 ton; total = 5.74 ton.
Step 5 – Salvage and special handling
- Metal studs: 42 LF × 9 ft × 0.5 lb/ft = 189 lb → 0.09 ton. Salvage credit tracked separately.
- No asbestos-containing material identified in this scope.
Step 6 – Support items
- Temporary dust partition: 42 LF × 10 ft high = 420 SF.
- Negative air machine: 1 EA for duration.
- Saw cutting: 44 LF.
This takeoff is delivered as line items under CSI sections 02 41 19 (Selective Structure Demolition) and 02 41 16 (Structure Demolition). The waste factor, haul, and salvage are separate lines so you can adjust them to your own disposal rates. For projects that also include new concrete or steel, we coordinate removal limits with Concrete Estimating Services and Structural Steel Estimating.
What drives demolition bid estimating
Relative impact on a typical estimate for this trade, based on estimator judgment. Select a bar for details.
Removal method
Hand demolition costs more per unit than machine demolition but is required where structure remains or access is tight. Saw-cutting and coring add labor and equipment. We price each area by the method your means and methods specify, not a blended rate.
Hand demolition costs more per unit than machine demolition but is required where structure remains or access is tight. Saw-cutting and coring add labor and equipment. We price each area by the method your means and methods specify, not a blended rate.
Landfill tipping fees vary by ZIP code and waste stream. Concrete and asphalt may go to a crusher for recycling, while mixed debris goes to a transfer station. Haul distance and truck capacity determine the number of loads, which is often the largest variable in the bid.
Asbestos and lead abatement require licensed contractors, containment, and third-party clearance. The cost is driven by material type, condition, and square footage or linear footage. We price abatement separately so you can carry it as a dedicated line with its own markup.
Load-bearing wall removal, facade retention, and temporary shoring add engineering and labor. The sequence of removal matters: you cannot remove a column before the beam above is supported. We include shoring and bracing as separate line items based on the demolition sequence.
Urban sites with limited staging, protected sidewalks, and adjacent structures require dust partitions, negative air machines, and daily cleanup. These costs scale with the perimeter and duration of the work, not just the volume of debris removed.
Specifications often require separating concrete, metal, wood, and gypsum board for recycling. This adds labor for sorting and separate containers, but can reduce tipping fees. We price the labor for separation and the container count by stream.
Demolition permits, utility disconnect notices, and inspector stand-by time vary by jurisdiction. Some cities require a pre-demolition survey or a waste management plan. We include allowances based on the local requirements and flag any missing documentation.
Common scope gaps we catch in a demolition estimate
Demolition bids are lost on items that never appear on the demolition sheet. We review the full document set to find them before you submit.
- Hazardous material survey, testing, and notification costs often sit in Division 01 or in a separate abatement contract. We check the survey report and specification section 02 82 00 to confirm who carries them.
- Temporary shoring, bracing, and facade retention for selective demolition are frequently shown only on the structural sheets, not on the demolition plan. We trace the removal limits against the structural drawings.
- Dust control, negative air machines, and wet demolition water are sometimes in Division 01 general requirements. We pull them into the estimate as separate line items by SF of containment.
- Utility disconnects, capping, and temporary services are often left to the owner or a separate trade. We list them as qualifications if the scope is unclear.
- Dumpster pulls, haul distance, and landfill tipping fees by waste stream are rarely broken out. We calculate truckloads and apply ZIP-code-adjusted tipping fees per stream.
- Recycling and salvage credit tracking is required by specification but not priced. We add a line for documentation and tracking.
- Permit fees, demolition notifications, and inspector stand-by time are sometimes omitted. We include a LS allowance based on the jurisdiction.
- Protection of adjacent structures, sidewalks, and landscaping is often missing from the demolition plan. We add line items for temporary protection and repairs.
- Dewatering and groundwater control during excavation of removed foundations are sometimes overlooked. We include pumping and disposal if the scope requires it.
Removal method and disposal route by material
Each material stream has its own production rate and disposal path. We price them separately so you can see where the cost sits.
| Material | Typical removal method | Unit of measure | Disposal route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gypsum board partitions | Hand demolition, manual loading | SF, CY | Mixed debris landfill or gypsum recycling |
| Concrete slab and footings | Machine breakout, saw cutting | CY, SF | Concrete recycling or landfill |
| Structural steel | Torch cutting, crane pick | TON | Scrap metal recycling |
| Asphalt paving | Milling or breakout | SY, TON | Asphalt recycling or landfill |
| Asbestos-containing materials | Licensed abatement, containment | SF, LB | Regulated landfill with manifest |
| Duct and piping | Hand or machine removal | LF, EA | Scrap metal or mixed debris |
| Wood framing and millwork | Hand demolition | LF, SF | Wood recycling or landfill |
| Suspended ceiling systems | Hand demolition | SF | Metal recycling and tile disposal |
Codes and standards that affect demolition estimates
Model codes
Demolition work is governed by the International Building Code (IBC) Chapter 33, which covers safeguards during demolition, and the International Existing Building Code (IEBC) for alterations. The IEBC classifies work as repair, alteration, or change of occupancy, which affects how much demolition is required. The International Fire Code (IFC) regulates hot work and impairment of fire protection systems during demolition. The NEC (NFPA 70) applies to temporary power and utility disconnects. Confirm the adopted code edition with the local building department.
Industry standards
ASTM E1368 covers visual inspection for asbestos, and ASTM E2356 covers comprehensive building surveys. ACI 318 and ACI 301 govern concrete removal and shoring. AISC 303 and AISC 360 apply to steel demolition and temporary bracing. SMACNA guidelines cover duct removal. NRCA guidelines cover roofing removal. These standards influence quantities by setting testing requirements, allowable removal methods, and safety provisions.
Specification sections
CSI Division 02 sections are the core: 02 41 13 Selective Site Demolition, 02 41 16 Structure Demolition, 02 41 19 Selective Structure Demolition, 02 41 91 Selective Demolition and Salvage, 02 82 00 Asbestos Remediation, and 02 82 33 Removal and Disposal of Asbestos-Containing Materials. Division 01 74 19 Construction Waste Management and Disposal sets recycling and reporting requirements. Division 31 23 16 Excavation and Fill and 31 23 23 13 Trench Backfill apply to backfilling removed foundation areas. Read these sections for salvage requirements, disposal restrictions, and testing obligations that change cost.
Local amendments
Adopted code editions vary by state and municipality. Some jurisdictions require a pre-demolition asbestos survey, a waste management plan, or specific recycling rates. Local amendments may restrict working hours, dust control measures, or haul routes. Always confirm the adopted edition and any amendments with the local building department. For projects in specific states, see our Texas estimating, California estimating, Florida estimating, New York estimating, and North Carolina estimating pages.
Demolition estimating for owners and subcontractors
General contractors
You need a Division 02 number that matches your bid form and separates abatement, haul, and salvage. We format the estimate so you can drop it into your schedule of values and see where your production rates differ.
Demolition subcontractors
You bid multiple projects a week and need a second set of quantities to check your own takeoff. Our marked-up plan sets show removal limits and hazmat locations so you can catch a missed partition or an unmarked ACM.
Developers and owners
You are comparing demolition bids and need to know why they vary. Our estimate breaks out removal method, disposal route, and hazardous material handling so you can see which bid is missing scope.
Architects
You need a cost check on the demolition scope before issuing the final drawings. Our takeoff shows the volume of debris and the number of truckloads, which helps you adjust the waste management plan and recycling goals.