W hen is it necessary to demolish an old house?

The decision to demolishan old houseis not an easy one. Many homeowners wonder whether it is better to renovate or tear it down and build something new. However, in some cases, demolition is the only logical option.

If the building:

  • It has serious damage to its statics, making it dangerous to live in.
  • Does not meet modern energy and operational requirements.
  • Does not allow extensions or configurations that you need.
  • Located on a plot where you want to build from scratch.

Then, demolition is the best solution. But how much does it cost and what factors affect its price?

Why proceed with demolition?

Demolishing an old house is an important decision that can arise for a variety of reasons:

  • The building is uninhabitabledue to damage or age.
  • Renovation costs more than a new construction.
  • The plot is intended for commercial or other use.
  • Removal of hazardous materials, such as asbestos, is required.

Whatever the reason, it's important to understand how much the process costs and what to consider before you get started.

How much does it cost to demolish an old house?

The cost of demolishing an old house varies significantly depending on various factors.

General cost estimate

  • Small house (up to 50 sq m): €2,000 – €5,000
  • Medium house (50-150 sq m): €5,000 – €12,000
  • Large house (150+ sq m): 12.000€+

Important: The cost does not include possible additional expenses, such as special permits or removal of hazardous materials.

What factors affect the final cost?

To better understand the price of demolition, let's look at what affects the overall cost.

Construction material

  • Wooden or prefabricated houses are more easily demolished.
  • Stone or concrete buildings require heavier machinery and more labor.

Size and volume of debris

The larger the house, the more materials must be removed, increasing the cost.

Legislation and permits

Depending on the region, different permits may be required, which affects the final cost.

Demolition process step by step

If you are wondering how an old house is demolished, below is the basic (indicative) process. Here we should note that the process and plan for each building is formed by the competent professional who will study the needs of the project individually.

  • Preliminary inspection. An engineer evaluates the building and the necessity of a permit.
  • Issuance of permits. If required, a demolition permit is issued by the Urban Planning Department.
  • Disconnection of networks. Water, electricity and telecommunications outages.
  • Demolition. Use of appropriate machinery or manual dismantling.
  • Waste management. Transportation of garbage to authorized areas.

Tip: If the house contains asbestos, a special removal process is required, increasing the cost.

Demolition and legal obligations. Do you need a permit?

Yes, in most cases a demolition permit is required. Exceptions may exist for very small or arbitrary constructions, but a legal check must be made.

Required supporting documents

  • Topographic chart
  • Property title
  • Static study (if required)
  • Environmental permit (if hazardous material is present)

Can demolition make a profit?

It may sound strange, but demolishing an old house can reduce the cost of a new construction!

How;

  • Recycling materials. If the house has wood, metal or stone, these can be sold or reused.
  • Reduction in transportation costs. If some materials are reused, the amount of waste is reduced.

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