Average Shed Removal Cost
The cost of shed removal can vary significantly due to several factors, influencing prices that typically range between $200 and $2000.
On average, shed removal costs around $650 statewide.
However, costs can be as low as $170 if you opt to dismantle a small wooden shed yourself or as high as $3,500 if you hire professional contractors for a large and sturdy structure.
Ultimately, the total cost of shed removal depends on factors such as shed size, condition, materials, and other variables.
Note: Elimination and demolition, while distinct actions, often go hand in hand when it comes to sheds. Therefore, we will consider combined pricing for both.
3 Key Takeaways
- The cost of shed removal typically falls between $200 and $2000, varying based on several factors.
- Key factors influencing the shed removal cost include location, accessibility, size, construction type, materials used, foundation type, and labor expenses.
- You can save money on shed removal by reusing materials, selling the shed, doing the removal yourself, obtaining an online site plan (if applicable in your state), or looking for available discounts.
Factors Influencing the Cost of Shed Removal
Factors influencing the cost of shed removal are numerous and they determine the price.
While shed removal prices can vary from state to state, the factors influencing them remain consistent across the USA.
The primary factors that affect shed tear down and removal costs are:
- Location and Accessibility of Shed
- Shed Size
- Shed Condition
- Shed Material
- Shed Foundation Type
- Labor Cost
1. Location & Accessibility of Shed
If the shed is situated in a location that is difficult for vehicles and demolition equipment to access, or if it is surrounded by obstacles, the cost to remove the shed will increase.
Why?
The demolition crew will require additional time and labor to transport the dismantled sections across the yard to reach the dumpster truck, resulting in a higher shed removal price purely due to time constraints.
To avoid these extra contractor fees in the future, consider investing in a comprehensive site plan that will guide you in building your shed in the optimal location.
2. Shed Size
It’s fairly intuitive: the smaller the shed, the lower the shed’s destruction and elimination costs.
Smaller sheds, which do not require a permit (typically single-story, attached sheds with 48-120 square feet) – need no special equipment, involve less labor, require fewer workers, and generate less debris (an important factor we will speak about later) compared to larger sheds (usually multi-story, detached sheds with 160-288 square feet).
In the table below, you can see how shed removal prices per square foot differ from state to state.
| State | City | Shed Size | Project Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | Little Rock | 100 sq ft | $650 |
| California | Chino | 72 sq ft | $1,500 |
| Connecticut | New London | 80 sq ft (including contents) | $2,850 |
| Illinois | Olympia Fields | 24 sq ft | $560 |
| Maine | Portland | 120 sq ft | $1,500 |
| Maryland | Edgewater | 300 sq ft | $1,500 |
| Massachusetts | Framingham | 120 sq ft | $650 |
| Michigan | Holly | 120 sq ft | $1,100 |
| Minnesota | Minneapolis | 225 sq ft (including slab) | $1,500 |
| New Jeresy | Kendall Park | 96 sq ft | $600 |
| New York | Sheldon | 120 sq ft | $1,200 |
| North Carolina | Asheville | 216 sq ft | $2,200 |
| Ohio | Mentor | 160 sq ft | $500 |
| Texas | Baytown | 120 sq ft | $800 |
| Virginia | Centreville | 35 sq ft | $1,200 |
To calculate square footage, simply multiply the width by the length.
Although shed demolition costs typically range from $3.5 to $11.5 per square foot, many companies have minimum flat-rate fees starting around $250.
This is an important consideration for owners of very small sheds.
3. Shed Condition
This can be counterintuitive: newer sheds may be more challenging to remove and require more time to dismantle due to their good condition and sturdiness.
If your shed is in good condition, you might also consider selling it, but we’ll cover more tips on that later.
Although they may be easier to remove, additional charges may be necessary to ensure the safety of the workers, thereby increasing the cost of removing an old shed.
4. Shed Material
The cost of tearing down a shed largely depends on the type of material it’s made of—whether brick, metal, wood, or vinyl—and what you plan to do with it. Each material requires a specific approach.
Metal shed removal costs can be particularly high due to the care needed and increased dumping fees owing to their weight.
Additionally, if you plan to keep or recycle materials (like metal), it can lead to additional demolition costs, as workers must take extra care when dismantling the structure, especially if your shed is complex or custom-built.
5. Shed Foundation Type
If your shed has a gravel foundation or wooden skids, elimination is relatively straightforward.
However, a concrete foundation significantly increases the shed demolition cost. Breaking down concrete requires more equipment and tools, with costs typically ranging between $2 and $6 per square foot.
Additionally, if the foundation contains plumbing pipes, electrical wiring, or gas lines, this can further escalate the cost of removing the shed (more on that later in the article).
6. Labor Cost
Labor costs vary significantly based on geographic location and the local cost of living.
Generally, rates range from $50 to $100 per hour, depending on the complexity of the demolition and the amount of work involved.
As mentioned earlier, some workers may also charge per square foot. To find reliable businesses, you can search on the Better Business Bureau.
Besides these common factors, there are some that usually go under the radar but can significantly increase the shed demolish cost.
What Else Affects Shed Demolition and Removal Cost?
In addition to the most common factors mentioned above, there are others that often go overlooked but can significantly affect the shed demolition and removal cost.
The following factors should be taken into consideration for your shed removal cost calculations:
Disconnecting Utilities
If the shed is equipped with electricity or plumbing, you need to hire an electrician or plumber to safely disconnect utilities before dismantling.
This can further increase shed removal costs, as hiring trained professionals costs between $50-$100 per hour.
Waste Disposal Fees
Contractor fees may include debris disposal in their project estimate, or they may bill it separately.
Disposal and cleanup fees generally vary between $300 and $1,800, based on the volume and type of debris requiring removal.
Some contractors engage a dedicated hauling or debris removal service, with costs typically ranging from $400 to $800 per truckload.
In general, wood and plastic are cheaper for disposal than metal and bricks due to their weight.
Proper disposal of hazardous waste incurs additional charges.
Removal of Items
Removing a shed filled with reusable or recyclable items like windows, doors, wood beams, and shelving requires careful handling, increasing labor costs and time.
Additionally, more items inside mean heavier debris removal, which can hike demolition shed costs significantly, especially if hazardous materials are present.
Disposal expenses typically range from $150 to over $500, depending on local fees and seasonal demand.
Yet, before considering all these factors and starting to calculate shed demo costs, you first have to find out if your municipality requires a shed removal permit.
Do You Need a Permit and How Does It Affect the Cost of Shed Demolition?
Whether you need a permit to demolish and remove a shed depends on local regulations.
In most states, a demolition permit is required. Permits are essential whenever a building is constructed, modified, or demolished, especially in major urban centers.
However, some municipalities may not enforce this requirement. To ensure compliance and avoid penalties, it’s advisable to verify with the local Building Department.
The cost of a permit to tear down a shed typically ranges from $100 to $450, so be sure to factor this expense into your budget if a permit is required.
Still, remember that if a permit is required, you will first need a site plan, which usually costs between $90 and $200. Luckily, you can get a professionally drawn site plan easily and quickly, as there’s an option to obtain it online within 24 hours.
Nevertheless, after you have gathered all the expenses, you can put everything on paper and start calculating.
Shed Removal Cost Calculator
Now that we’ve discussed all the factors that can affect the shed removal price, you can estimate your budget more effectively.
Consider using the following factors to calculate a rough estimate:
- Shed Size: Measure the dimensions of your shed (width x length) in square feet.
- Location: Consider the accessibility of your shed. Is it easy to reach with demolition equipment?
- Materials: Determine the type of materials your shed is made of (wood, metal, vinyl, etc.).
- Condition: Assess the condition of your shed (good, fair, or deteriorated).
- Additional Services: Include any extra services you may need, such as disconnecting utilities, hazardous waste disposal, or obtaining a permit.
Cost Formula:
TotalCost = BaseCost + (Cost per square foot x Shed Size) + Additional Services Cost
Example Calculation:
- Base Cost: $250 (typical minimum fee)
- Cost per square foot: $3.5 to $11.5 (depending on materials and condition)
- Additional Services Cost: Estimate based on local rates (utilities disconnect, waste disposal, etc.)
By using this shed removal cost calculator, you can get a rough idea of what you might expect to pay for shed removal based on your unique circumstances.
Yet, remember that rates vary widely by location and specific project details so for a precise estimate of how much it costs to remove a shed, consult with local contractors or use online cost estimators specific to your area.
Nevertheless, there are always ways to save money, such as those described in the text below.
4 Cost-Saving Tips for Shed Tear Down and Removal
Shed tear-down and removal costs can be significantly reduced if you meticulously plan and capture all the details that can save you money.
Given that this task can be time-consuming and daunting, we have curated the best money-saving tips for you to consider:
- Reuse Existing Materials – Some materials used in your old shed, such as aluminum, can be recycled or even reused if removed carefully. Alternatively, if these materials are in good condition, they can be sold to construction companies.
- Market Your Shed – If your shed is in good condition, you should consider selling it. You can arrange with the buyer for them to remove it from your property, or you can hire someone to move it intact and then list it for sale.
- Try Discounts – Inquire with service providers about potential discounts for students, senior citizens, or military personnel. Additionally, discuss project specifics with contractors to explore flexible pricing options. Remember, if you don’t ask, you won’t know what options are available.
- DIY – If you opt to minimize shed demo costs and save as much money as possible, you may consider demolishing and removing the shed yourself. Besides being cost-effective, it can also be rewarding.
Speaking of doing it yourself, there are several specific advantages and disadvantages to this method, which we will discuss below.
Shed Demolition and Removal – Hiring a Pro or DIY?
As mentioned earlier, opting to demolish and remove the shed yourself can be a viable choice if you’re well-equipped (with a screwdriver, utility knife, ladder, cordless drill, safety goggles, etc.) and looking to minimize the cost of tearing down the shed.
However, it won’t eliminate all costs since you’ll still need to pay for junk removal services or rent a dumpster (costing between $240 and $380).
Another critical factor to consider is the potential for injury or property damage.
Working on a roof, handling collapsing heavy metal walls, or improperly dismantling utilities all pose significant risks.
Furthermore, if you have an old shed, there’s a higher chance it contains hazardous materials such as asbestos or lead, which pose even greater health threats.
In contrast, professional contractors are experienced, well-equipped and proactive crews covered by their employer’s insurance against health risks.
Considering these factors, unless your shed is small and lacks utilities, attempting to save a few bucks with DIY demolition isn’t worth the potential dangers associated with this physically demanding job.
Shed removal cost FAQs
When Should You Tear Down a Shed?
You should tear down your shed if it becomes too costly to repair, remains unused, contains hazardous materials like asbestos, or becomes a home for animals or pests.
What is the Duration Required to Dismantle a Shed?
The duration required to dismantle a shed varies based on its construction type, site conditions, size, and materials. Depending on these factors, dismantling can take anywhere from a few hours to two full days.
Give Your Yard a New Look
Before deciding to tear down a shed or construct a new one, it’s crucial to obtain a custom, detailed site plan.
This step can prevent organizational headaches that might delay your project or lead to additional costs.
Our team of experts at GetASitePlan, with more than 20 years of experience, can help you with a site plan for permit, ensuring you get a professionally drawn site plan with a click within 24 hours. With a well-planned site, future construction projects can benefit from a fully organized and functional space, ensuring that you avoid any future demolition mess in your courtyard.
