Updated January 23, 2023
On average, commercial building demolition costs around $4-$8 per square foot.
The final cost you pay per square foot of your commercial demolition project could be higher or lower than this average depending on various circumstances.
In this cost guide, we'll cover:
- Commercial Building Demolition Average Cost
- Factors That Affect Commercial Demolition Pricing
- How to Find the Right Commercial Demolition Contractor
Commercial building demolition costs vary based on a number of factors, including the type and size of the structure, the building materials being removed, where the building is located, whether or not hazardous materials are present, and who you hire.
Your exact project cost will depend on these factors, and the best way to get an accurate estimate for your project is to reach out to multiple contractors in your area for a quote.
This not only ensures you get the best price but also allows you to choose the best contractor for the job, not just the cheapest.
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Commercial Building Demolition Average Cost
The national average cost of commercial building demolition is around $24,000, including debris disposal, but can range anywhere from a few thousand dollars to a few hundred thousand depending on the scope of the project.
Generally speaking, you can expect to pay $4-$8 per square foot to demolish a commercial building, but your cost per square foot could be more or less depending on your specific project.
Below are some examples of what real-life customers paid for their commercial building demolition.
Examples of Commercial Building Demolition Costs Throughout the U.S.
| State | City | Square Footage | Project Description | Project Cost |
| California | La Habra | 4,500 sq ft | Demolished single-story building from the 1950s, including foundation and slab | $32,000 |
| California | Lodi | 2,500 sq ft | Demolished single-story restaurant from the 1970s made of wood, including the slab and concrete sidewalk | $13,500 |
| Florida | Callahan | 12,000 sq ft | Demolished two-story commercial building made of brick | $48,000 |
| Florida | St. Petersburg | 20,000 sq ft | Demolished commercial building | $225,000 |
| Georgia | Gainesville | 9,948 sq ft | Demolished bank building from the 1960s made of framed construction | $40,000 |
| Georgia | Lawrenceville | 6,000 sq ft | Demolished single-story commercial building | $20,000 |
| Georgia | Powder Springs | 6,000 sq ft | Demolished commercial building | $35,000 |
| Louisiana | Baton Rouge | 4,500 sq ft | Demolished two-story, 4-plex building and slab | $18,000 |
| Michigan | Augusta | 4,000 sq ft | Demolished commercial building made of cinder blocks and wood | $15,000 |
| Michigan | Dearborn | 1,300 sq ft | Partially demolished two-story commercial building made of concrete, copper, and other metal | $10,000 |
| Michigan | Detroit | 4800 sq ft | Demolished 2.5-story commercial building with asbestos abatement | $13,000 |
| Ohio | Youngstown | 2,640 sq ft | Demolished commercial building made of concrete block, including slab | $5,000 |
| Texas | Beasley | 200 sq ft | Demolished commercial office building | $1,500 |
| Texas | Fort Worth | 2856 sq ft | Demolished two-story, 4-plex building made of brick | $12,500 |
| Texas | Haltom City | 5,600 sq ft | Demolished two commercial buildings and both of their foundations | $24,000 |
| Texas | Hurst | 2000 sq ft | Demolished single-story commercial building from the 1970s with wooden frame, veneer brick, and flat roof on a concrete slab | $13,500 |
| Texas | Lake Jackson | 30,000 sq ft | Demolished metal commercial building | $150,000 |
| Texas | North Richland Hills | 10,400 sq ft | Demolished single-story commercial building down to the slab, made of brick and cinderblocks, with presence of asbestos | $41,600 |
| Texas | White Settlement | 1,200 sq ft | Demolished part of a church made of wood | $6,000 |
| Washington | Shoreline | 2,300 sq ft | Demolished single-story commercial building made of wood, concrete, and metal | $11,000 |
Learn more about commercial demolition:
- How to Estimate the Cost of Commercial Demolition
- Commercial Interior Demolition Cost Guide: Everything You Need to Know About Pricing
- Commercial Demolition FAQs: Your Biggest Questions Answered
- Insider Tips for a Successful Demolition Project
Find commercial demolition professionals in your hometown
Factors that Affect Commercial Demolition Pricing
The amount you end up paying for your commercial demolition project will vary widely depending on:
- The square footage of the building
- Whether or not the building contains asbestos or other hazardous materials
- If you are removing the foundation or not
- How many stories the structure has
- How accessible the property is
- Cost of living in your area
- Who you hire for the job
Most structural demolition quotes will be based on square footage, and the total size of your project will have the biggest influence on final costs.
That said, where you're located will also play a huge role in what is a reasonable price for your demolition based on the cost of living and local disposal fees.
We recommend getting at least three quotes from local contractors to ensure you have a fair and accurate budget expectation.
How to Find the Right Commercial Demolition Contractor
The best way to answer how much your commercial demolition project will cost is to contact qualified demolition contractors in your area and have them give you an estimate.
Depending on the complexities of the project, they may give you an estimate over the phone, but more likely, they will come out to your commercial property and give you the most accurate quote possible after assessing the job site.
Getting multiple quotes will not only ensure that you don't overpay but will also give you an opportunity to see what kind of customer service you can expect before hiring a contractor.
Hometown helps make it easy to find contractors in your area, see customer reviews, and request quotes from as many contractors as you'd like.
Contact local commercial demolition contractors in your area
Learn more about finding the right demolition contractor: