Sometimes it makes more sense to completely tear down a house and build a new one, instead of spending massively on renovations. In Vancouver, demolishing a house typically costs $4 to $15 per square foot, which should amount to $30,000 for a 2,000-square foot home. But real-life situations have shown us that the actual amount can go upwards of $60,000. Here’s what you need to know about house demolition costs in Vancouver.
Average Cost of Vancouver House Demolition in 2023
The average cost of demolishing a house in Vancouver is $4 to $15 per square foot, but that rate can increase in many cases. First, take a look at typical costs of house demolition based on size:
- 1000 square foot house – $4,000 to $15,000
- 1,500 square foot house – $6,000 to $22,000
- 2,000 square foot house – $8,000 to $30,000
- 2,500 square foot house – $10,000 to $37,000
- 3,000 square foot house – $12,000 to $45,000.
Note that these are general estimates. It’s quite common for the demolition price to hike up for various reasons, such as if the contractor finds hazardous material in the building. In one real-life case, a Victoria homeowner had to pay $68,000 to tear down their 2,000-square foot house. That amount included a $20,000 charge to remove their vermiculite insulation.
Several other factors can drive up demolition costs, which we’ll discuss below.
Factors Affecting House Demolition Costs in Vancouver
- Demolition permit – As of 2023, the City of Vancouver imposes a demolition fee of $1,340 for a single detached house. If your home is pre-1950 or is a “character house,” it may be subject to a Green Demolition deposit of $14,650. You may get this deposit back if you meet recycling and reusing quotas. Other demolition fees may apply, so ask your contractor about compliance.
- Location – You can expect higher labour quotes if your house is in an urbanised area instead of in a rural location. In addition, the contractor may charge you more if the house is far from the waste disposal site, as they will be hauling away the debris during clean-up.
- Building materials – In general, tearing down metal is easier than demolishing wood or brick, so your contractor will take this into account in their quote. Beyond that, you should think about potential hazardous materials in the structure. Homeowners are often shocked at how much it costs to demolish a house with asbestos, vermiculite, lead, or water damage. These require a removal procedure handled by specialised professionals.
- Home features – If you’re doing a full demolition, property features such as a garage, deck, chimney, driveway, and swimming pool can add to the price tag. A backyard deck, for example, can cost over $2,000 to tear down.
Besides these, you should check your home insurance policy to ensure that you don’t run afoul with any of its provisions. It’s also important to leave room in your budget for unforeseen demolition expenses, as the whole process is often riddled with adjustments. If you need advice on house demolition and rebuilding, or if you’re trying to make a wise choice between renovation and demolition, consult a professional contractor in your area.
Consult with Building Space Custom Homes Today
Building Space Custom Homes, Ltd. has handled hundreds of new home builds and renovations in the Lower Mainland. We’re proud to have earned the trust of Vancouver residents, and it’s all because we’ve made the building process stress-free for them. We take care of everything from conception to construction to completion!
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