Commercial demolition is the careful process of destroying a building down to rubble and removing the debris to get the ground ready for the next construction project. Commercial buildings come in all shapes and sizes, and each demolition process is different.
When you search for trusted demolition companies, be sure to look for a history of commercial building demolition experience. Even if they just have residential demolition experience, it is not enough to ensure your project goes on without a hitch.
If you are searching for commercial demolition cost per square foot, this article will take you through what you need to know. When you have the knowledge of what goes into calculating the price, you will be able to find the best deal for your project.
Commercial Demolition Cost Per Square Footage
Remember that the cheapest estimate is not always the contractor to choose. Building demolition costs vary from contractor to contractor, and if you get a low-ball estimate, you may want to look for red flags. If someone is not experienced in building demolition costs, they may not accurately calculate what the project will cost.
You will also run the risk of low-quality work by going with the cheapest offer. Commercial demolition cost per square foot is essential, but it’s also vital to get the job done safely and correctly without delays.
The cost to demolish a commercial building can range anywhere from $4-8 per square foot. The price can vary based on a few factors:
- Geographic Location: Throughout the United States, costs vary concerning labor, materials, and construction costs. Be sure to compare prices within the New Jersey area to get the most accurate estimate comparison for commercial demolition cost per square foot.
- Size of the Building: Use the size of the base of the building to calculate commercial demolition cost per square foot. A small office suite will cost less to demolish than a large library or hospital.
- How Many Stories: How tall is the building? This will affect the method used for demolition. If you are looking for commercial demolition cost per square foot for a high-rise building, you will get a much different estimate than a two-story building. The taller the building, the higher the price.
- Accessibility of the Building: The demolition contractor will take into account the access they have to the building to bring in excavators, wrecking balls, and controlled explosives for some cases. The costs will be higher if the building is on a busy downtown road sandwiched between two buildings.
- Presence of Hazardous Materials: If asbestos or other hazardous materials are present, they are required to be removed before demolition. This process can add a high commercial demolition cost per square foot.
When considering which estimate to go with for commercial demolition cost per square foot, take these factors into account. It may not be easy to choose the right team, but after reading this article, you will be steps ahead.
Checking for Asbestos
One of the first steps in the commercial demolition process is checking for asbestos. Your contracting team should take this step very seriously, being well aware of the environmental implications of demolishing a building with the asbestos present.
The asbestos removal process is tedious and can cost as much as $2-3 per square foot. While it adds a hefty price tag to the overall commercial demolition cost per square foot, it is absolutely necessary.
Obtaining Permits, Licenses, and Other Policies
Before starting the demolition, your contractor will obtain the right demolition permits. While these permits can cost $200 in some cases, for the more extensive projects, permits can be as high as $10,000. You cannot start on a demolition project without obtaining permits.
If you have a contractor who tries to leave the permit process up to you, that is a red flag. Permits require showing licenses and experience with commercial demolition, which is only under the contractor’s possession. Permits are only given to those qualified to get the job done safely.
Safety protocols for commercial demolition should be thoroughly presented before the construction begins. In addition, every question you can ask about safety should be confidently answered with proof of past safety measures by their company.
Other Steps Before Demolition
Consider other preliminary steps while researching commercial demolition cost per square foot. What else has to be done before the demolition takes place?
- Recycle and Reuse of Building Materials: Before demolishing a building, all working appliances, decent furniture, and materials will be salvaged for reuse. In addition, a vast majority of the materials that come out of a demolished building are used again for future construction projects.
- Building Blocked Off: For safety reasons, the building needs to be thoroughly checked and chained up so that no one can enter the building before the demolition begins.
- Demolition Dates Posted on All Doors: Each of the doors needs to have clear notices posted for weeks leading up to the building demolition to give people the chance to remove their belongings. List the date the destruction will happen, along with the final date that people can enter the building.
- Sidewalks and Nearby Area Off Limits: Construction crews should tape off the surrounding areas around the building to ensure no one enters a space where they could be in danger. Curious bystanders cannot come too close to the construction site and make themselves vulnerable to hazardous conditions.
- Dumpster Rental for Rubble Removal: Before starting on demolition, the team will order the dumpster rentals to have ready for junk removal once the building is grounded. The rubble removal to recycling centers is a vital and lengthy step in the demolition process. Once the debris is cleared, the team can prepare the land for the next construction project.
With these preparatory processes in place, your team will be ready to start the commercial demolition. Remember that getting a commercial demolition cost per square foot estimate is just one step in deciding which contractor to choose.
Commercial Demolition Contractors in NJ
Choosing our team at Mikula Contracting ensures that you have a team experienced in commercial demolition. In addition, our team can give you an estimate for the commercial demolition cost per square foot and get you started on your demolition service.
If you are unsure where to start when it comes to your demolition project, you can count on Mikula Contracting to answer any questions you might have. Our family-owned company has been in business for over 70 years and has seen it all in the commercial demolition arena. So contact our team today to set up your consultation.
