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Demolition Contractor Cost Calculator & Price Guide — Australia 2026

Choose your job and answer a few questions. The price range changes with each answer, so you know what to expect before you talk to anyone. When you are ready, you can ask up to three local demolition contractors to quote.

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We’ll show a range from similar jobs, then tighten it as you answer.

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Demolition

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Prices include GST. They come from SureQuote's pricing for each job, updated October 2026.

Understand typical demolition contractor costs, key price drivers, and after-hours pricing before you request quotes.

Hourly rate (ex GST)
$95/hr
Call-out fee
Varies — ask when you get quotes
After-hours
1.5x – 2.0x

Price Ranges

Common demolition contractor jobs & costs

Prices based on Australian market data. Most jobs are quoted as fixed price rather than hourly.

Bathroom Stripout$897 – $2,657
Hazardous materials and containment
Structural precautions and engineer liaison
Waste removal and skip/bin hire
Site access and protection needs
Timing and after‑hours attendance
Price this job
Kitchen Stripout$1,007 – $2,657
Price this job
Internal Demolition$800 – $6,100
Price this job
Shed Demolition$479 – $1,172
Price this job
Concrete break-up and removal$839 – $2,398
Slab thickness and structural status
Reinforcement and concrete density
Site access and working space
Mechanical plant or specialist cutting
Disposal and hazardous-material handling
Price this job
General & other demolition jobs$638 – $2,888
Price this job

Prices include GST. They are indicative ranges for a typical job, from SureQuote's pricing for each job, updated October 2026. Your quote can differ for your specific job. Price yours in the calculator, then matched tradies can reach out to quote.

Learn the rules for hiring demolition contractors in your state

Licences, contracts and deposits for demolition work differ across the country. Check yours before you sign.

RuleNSWVICQLDSAWATASNTACT
LicenceWhat the register calls itDemolition licenceDemolisher registrationDemolition work licenceBuilding work contractor's licenceDemolition licenceBuilder licence (Demolisher class)No licence neededBuilder licence with demolition endorsement
Licence needed fromJob value that triggers itDepends on the work1Any job value2Depends on the work3Any job value4Depends on the work5Depends on the work6NeverAny job value7
Check the registerThe official public registerSafeWork NSW registerBuilding and Plumbing Commission registerWorkplace Health and Safety Queensland registerConsumer and Business Services registerWorkSafe WA (Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety) registerConsumer Affairs Tasmania registerNot listedAccess Canberra — ACT Construction Occupations Registrar register
Written contractRequired aboveVaries by work891011Over $10,00012Over $3,300 · Level 2 regulated contract (full written contract) from $20,000From $20,000Over $7,500Does not apply13Does not applyDoes not apply
Deposit capMost you can be asked forVaries by work14151011Not listedNot listedUp to 5%16Up to 6.5%17Does not apply13Does not applyDoes not apply
Warranty insuranceBuilder must hold it aboveVaries by work18191011Over $20,00012Does not applyFrom $20,000 · minimum cover $250,000Does not applyDoes not applyDoes not applyFrom $12,000 · minimum cover $200,000
Cooling-offAfter you signVaries by work202110115 business days · on contracts over $10,000125 business days · on contracts over $3,3005 business days · on contracts over $20,000Does not applyDoes not apply13Does not applyDoes not apply
  1. 1NSW · Licence needed from: Larger demolition jobs need a licence, such as structures at least 6 metres high. Work with explosives also needs one.
  2. 2VIC · Licence needed from: Reblocking, restumping and moving a home need this registration too.
  3. 3QLD · Licence needed from: Hand demolition of a house, garage or carport needs no licence. Using an excavator or other machinery does.
  4. 4SA · Licence needed from: You need no licence to demolish your own home, unless you build to sell or rent.
  5. 5WA · Licence needed from: Demolishing a structure 2 metres or higher needs a licence, unless it is a single storey house. Low fences and walls need none.
  6. 6TAS · Licence needed from: Demolishing a small structure an owner could build as low-risk work needs no licence. Other demolition needs a licensed builder or demolisher.
  7. 7ACT · Licence needed from: Demolition needs a licensed builder whose licence carries the demolition endorsement.
  8. 8NSW · Written contract: Demolition in a contract with other building work Applies only in some cases.
  9. 9NSW · Written contract: Demolition under its own contract Doesn't apply to this work.
  10. 10NSW · A contract only for demolition does not get these protections.
  11. 11NSW · A contract that also includes other building work gets these protections.
  12. 12VIC · You get these protections for demolishing or removing a home, not other buildings.
  13. 13TAS · A contract just for demolition does not get these protections. Demolition within a bigger building contract does.
  14. 14NSW · Deposit cap: Demolition in a contract with other building work Applies only in some cases.
  15. 15NSW · Deposit cap: Demolition under its own contract Doesn't apply to this work.
  16. 16SA · Deposit cap: Does not apply to a contract just for demolition, only to demolition within a bigger building contract.
  17. 17WA · Deposit cap: This limit applies to jobs that cost more than $7,500 and less than $500,000.
  18. 18NSW · Warranty insurance: Demolition in a contract with other building work Applies only in some cases.
  19. 19NSW · Warranty insurance: Demolition under its own contract Doesn't apply to this work.
  20. 20NSW · Cooling-off: Demolition in a contract with other building work Applies only in some cases.
  21. 21NSW · Cooling-off: Demolition under its own contract Doesn't apply to this work.

NSW Sources: service.nsw.gov.au, Work Health and Safety Regulation 2025, safework.nsw.gov.au, Home Building Regulation 2014, Home Building Act 1989, nsw.gov.au. Checked 15 Oct 2026.

VIC Sources: consumer.vic.gov.au, bpc.vic.gov.au, Building Regulations 2018, Domestic Building Contracts Act 1995, Building Act 1993. Checked 16 Oct 2026.

QLD Sources: worksafe.qld.gov.au, Queensland Building and Construction Commission Act 1991. Checked 16 Oct 2026.

SA Sources: cbs.sa.gov.au, sa.gov.au, Building Work Contractors Regulations 2026, Building Work Contractors Act 1995. Checked 16 Oct 2026.

WA Sources: worksafe.wa.gov.au, Home Building Contracts Regulations 1992, Home Building Contracts Act 1991, wa.gov.au. Checked 16 Oct 2026.

TAS Sources: Occupational Licensing Act 2005, consumeraffairs.tas.gov.au, Residential Building Work Contracts and Dispute Resolution Act 2016. Checked 16 Oct 2026.

NT Sources: Building Regulations 1993, Building Act 1993, Building (RBI and Fidelity Fund Schemes) Regulations 2012. Checked 17 Oct 2026.

ACT Sources: planning.act.gov.au, accesscanberra.act.gov.au, Building (General) Regulation 2008. Checked 16 Oct 2026.

Common Questions

Demolition Contractor pricing FAQ

How much do demolition contractors typically charge?
Costs for demolition contractors vary widely depending on the job's scope and complexity. Simple non-hazardous stripouts are generally much less than jobs involving structural work or hazardous-material removal, and factors like site access, waste disposal and after-hours attendance can increase costs. The live pricing shown on this page can help you compare current quotes.
Do demolition contractors charge call-out fees?
Call-out fees are common and often cover travel and the initial assessment, typically separate from hourly labour rates. After-hours or emergency attendance usually attracts higher labour rates or loadings. It's worth confirming any call-out, minimum charge or after-hours rates when requesting quotes.
Do demolition contractors need a licence in Australia?
Yes. Demolition contractors require a state demolition licence or registration in every Australian state and territory, and in NSW the regulator is SafeWork NSW. Where asbestos is present, an appropriate asbestos removal licence (Class A or B) is generally needed; also check for an ABN, adequate public liability insurance and workers' compensation cover if staff are employed.
How accurate is the instant estimate?
Our estimates are built from research across thousands of local jobs and real pricing data. Use them as a guide when speaking to demolition contractors — your actual quote will depend on your specific job.
How many quotes will I get?
We'll match you with up to 3 demolition contractors initially. If you'd like more options, you can request additional matches.
Do I pay anything to get quotes?
No — the service is 100% free for homeowners.
Why do you need photos?
Clear photos cut surprises and price blowouts, saving you money.

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