This guide covers how to estimate both selective (interior) demolition for renovations and tenant improvements, and full building demolition.
Where demolition sits in CSI MasterFormat
Demolition is in Division 02 – Existing Conditions:
- 02 41 13 Selective Site Demolition (paving, curbs, site features)
- 02 41 16 Structure Demolition (full buildings)
- 02 41 19 Selective Demolition (interior walls, ceilings, finishes, MEP)
- 02 80 00 Facility Remediation (hazardous material abatement)
On renovation projects, many specifications also put demolition notes in each trade division. Read both.
Step 1: Read the demolition plans and notes
Demo plans use dashed lines and keyed notes. Build a list of every keyed note and every item marked "remove," "remove and salvage" or "remove and reinstall." Salvage and reinstall items cost more than plain removal, because they need careful handling and storage.
Also check:
- The existing conditions survey and photos
- The hazardous materials report, if one exists
- Phasing notes for occupied buildings
- Which items the owner keeps
Step 2: Take off quantities by item
| Item | Unit |
|---|---|
| Partitions (stud and drywall, CMU) | LF or SF, by height |
| Ceilings (ACT, drywall) | SF |
| Flooring (carpet, VCT, tile, wood) | SF |
| Doors and frames | EA |
| Plumbing fixtures, casework, equipment | EA or LF |
| Concrete slab saw cutting and removal | LF of cut, SF or CY of removal |
| Roofing | SF (squares) |
| MEP removal (ductwork, piping, conduit) | LF or allowance |
Step 3: Convert to debris volume and loads
Each demolished item becomes debris. Convert in-place quantities to loose cubic yards using a swell factor, then divide by your dumpster or truck capacity. This gives you the number of containers, pulls and trips, which is often a bigger cost than the labor.
Step 4: Price labor and equipment
Price labor by crew productivity for each item. Then adjust for:
- Working floors above grade (debris chutes, hoisting, elevator protection)
- Occupied buildings, night work and noise limits
- Dust control and temporary partitions
- Small equipment: skid steers, mini excavators, concrete saws, scissor lifts
For full building demolition, price the excavator and attachment days, operators, trucks and site restoration.
Step 5: Add disposal and recycling
Landfill tipping fees vary widely by region and by material. Concrete and metals can often be recycled, sometimes for a credit on metals. Check local rates rather than using a national average.
Items most often missed
- Utility disconnects and caps before demolition starts
- Protection of finishes and areas that stay
- Shoring or temporary support when walls or structure are removed
- Patching where demolition ends: floors, walls and ceilings
- Permit fees and engineering surveys for structure demolition
- Hazardous materials found after work starts (carry an exclusion or allowance)
Need a demolition takeoff?
Premium Estimating prepares selective and full demolition estimates for demolition contractors, GCs and renovation contractors. You get quantities by item, debris volumes, labor and disposal in Excel with marked-up plans. See our demolition estimating service or send us your plans.