Find a demolition specialist
Over 10,000 rated tradespeople
are ready to help you get your job done
Over 3 million happy homeowners
have found a quality tradesperson
Over 1 million ratings
with 88,000 5* ratings in the last 12 months
Join our group of happy customers
Thousands of 5 star reviews
Read real reviews from customers about their service experiences.
Was really quick in attending to this job and was done ease. Very polite and professional.
Karen
Job booked in quickly and carried out professionally for a fair price. Would recommend.
Antonio
Quick, professional and friendly. The team gave me the impression that they are happy to do extra to get the best results. Carl and the team did exactly what they said they would do in the quote in the agreed time.
Daniel
This page has everything you’ll need to know about finding and hiring a local demolition contractors.
Browse Demolition specialists
Take a look at our Demolition specialists profiles, read reviews and request quotes directly.
Find demolition contractors near you with Rated People
Once you’ve taken the decision to demolish an existing structure, there is a process that needs to be followed to ensure the correct permission is granted and all health and safety legislation has been followed. A demolition specialist can help advise on what is (and isn’t) required, as well as timelines, and permissions for what you intend to use the land for after. Once all the paperwork is taken care of, they’ll bring in a team of people to carry out the demolition safely.
Costs for demolition
Costs vary depending on a number of factors, with £60-80 per square metre as a starting point. Demolishing semi-detached or terraced houses will incur additional costs as the adjoining properties will need structural support work after demolition. Ease of access and the volume of waste / hazardous waste disposal required will also affect the costs.
Renovating vs. demolition: some considerations
Considerations for demolition
- Building a brand new home is subject to a zero percent VAT rate. That means demolishing a building and starting from scratch can often be cheaper than building on top of the existing shell of a property (which is subject to VAT). This will typically depend on the amount of work required on what’s left of the existing property.
- Building from the foundations up means you’re in full control. This gives you peace of mind that everything’s been built securely and you’re not relying on the integrity of old walls.
Considerations for renovation
- There may be parts of the existing building that have features you’d like to work into your newly designed home. It’s a popular technique on TV shows like Grand Designs, and can help give your new home real character, while preserving some of the heritage of the existing site.
- Depending on exactly how much of the property could be saved, and your plans for the future size of the property (of which there are likely to be restrictions), it may be more cost effective to work with existing walls and structures.<
- Making alterations to an existing building can be much easier to get planning permission for. While demolition itself doesn’t often need planning permission, the details may need to be agreed with the local council, and a prior approval application will be needed for the new home you plan to build.
Guidance on planning policies
Planning policies will vary depending on where you are in the UK, but generally speaking, planning permission will be granted if you intend to replace an existing structure. It’s important to get planning permission before the demolition of the existing structure – if you remove the existing building, technically there’s nothing to replace, and your case for planning permission becomes weaker.
Whichever option you pursue, and wherever your plot is situated, planning policy is likely to have some of the same considerations such as:
- whether the building of the new property is in keeping with the character of the immediate area
- the size of the new property and/or its location
- services and amenities to neighbouring properties not being adversely affected.
There are the usual caveats here about listed properties or homes in national parks or conservation areas. For further details, check out the Planning Portal website.
Questions to ask a demolition specialist
- What are the pros and cons of demolition specific to your property?
- What advice would they offer regarding planning permission and demolition consent, and to what extent will they help you through this process?
- How long do they expect demolition to take?
- Can they break down the costs between demolition and waste disposal?
- What complications do they foresee and are there any cost implications?
- Will you be able to reuse the existing amenities into the building for your new property?
Gas safe registered Engineer, central Heating and Gas related work, breakdown and repairs, power flushing. Domestic Electrical Installer 18th Edition -LCL Level 3
Thorough, competent and attentive to details.
GARAGE CONVERSION SPECIALISTS with a vast portfolio and customer base, our company has been established 12 years. Fully insured, all employees and sub contractors cscs trained/qualified. All works completed to a high standard at competitive prices
I am very pleased with the work done by JMR. The tradesmen were pleasant and happy to make any changes or additions to the original plans, with the approval of James (the boss). Nic did an amazing job of the plastering, and Tristan applied his many skills to the build. The estimate was reasonable, and was also the final price charged for the original plan. James charged a fair price for the extra work I requested, and was open to discussion on any aspect of the build. A job well done.
We are a small construction company based in South Manchester. We offer a number of services including; refurbishments, extensions, joinery, kitchens, bathrooms, plastering and tiling. All our contractors are independently registered for gas-safe plumbing and NICEIC registered electrical work.
We are really pleased with the work Jay has done. The communication, quality and the project management were all spot on and we would highly recommend Jay and his team.
North South Windows area home improvement company based in Cobham, Surrey. We specialise in the supply and installation of high quality windows and doors in timber, uPVC and aluminium. With over 15 years experience in the industry we pride ourselves on carrying out work of the highest quality. In addition, our team can provide a range of home improvement services from whole extensions to smaller tasks such as kitchen and bathroom renovation.
The guys were very helpful and extremely patient and left me with a perfectly working door.
'%3e%3cpath%20fill-rule='evenodd'%20clip-rule='evenodd'%20d='M12.5%2020.392a1%201%200%2001-.54.888l-5.274%202.73a1%201%200%2001-1.435-1.109l1.494-6.588a1%201%200%2000-.306-.964l-4.723-4.254c-.65-.586-.287-1.666.585-1.74l6.105-.514a1%201%200%2000.846-.629L12.5%200v20.392z'%20fill='%23F7DB34'%20/%3e%3c/g%3e%3c/svg%3e){kind=small}
At Cymraeg Construction, building work has been at the heart of our family for generations with skills, knowledge and training passed on from one to another, even in the day to day running of the business we can call upon over 40 years experience from my father who is an integral part of the company and has made us what we are today with a passion for quality that shines through on every job we undertake. Covering all of South Wales, you can be sure to rely on us to undertake any project you may have from conception to completion, we can take care of all aspects of the build including planning and skilled tradesmen in all trades, let us deal with all the complications and timings as we project manage the process to ensure everything is done correctly and to schedule all while keeping you informed every step of the way. Please feel free to contact us for a free no obligation estimate on any work you may have. Cymraeg Construction.
Gareth and his team were amazing and professional throughout. He was very knowledgable regarding the options available to us. All work was completed quickly and efficiently. Gareth kept in contact with us throughout our garage renovation and even kept in touch afterwards to check everything was ok for the fitment of the garage door. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Gareth and his team and would definitely use them again for any future building work on my home. Great job completed.
WW Property Maintenance provide all types of maintenance and landscaping services through out Herts, Beds & Bucks. We're fully insured and high experienced landscapers and tree surgeons. Our rates are affordable.
I will be using Walter again, and I highly recomend him to others. His work was of a high standard, he was a good comunicator and he went out of his way to ensure I was happy with everything he had done. Alison Jenkins, MK19
Friendly , Many years experience, Good price with Quality. Specialise in work as: Handy Man Painting(Internal & External), Decorating, laminate flooring, flooring, shelves , Patios,Slabs,Fencing and general renovation.we do domestic cleaning . All London areas
Bekim worked really hard on a really extensive job, a big thanks to him. Left a really great outcome.
As one of the most trusted and dependable removal companies in Chichester, Evergreen Removals is here to make your move simple and stress-free. Whether you need help with a local move or are relocating further afield, our experienced team has you covered.
Excellent all round at short notice.
HAWKES JOINERY gives every customer 100% attention to detail on every job big or small. From attic conversions, kitchen & bathroom fitting, and all joinery work, we deliver the highest standard of workmanship and we thrive on reputation by recommendation
JDL REFURBS LTD is a small local business that offers the highest standards of work at a fraction of the cost of all these big company's. we are proud that are customers can read this profile and see what we as a company stand for. CORE VALUES 1) RELIABILITY. you can always rely on JDL to meet target dates or do everything in are power to make sure we take any of ur stress away. 2)CONSISTENCY. Is key having a high standard of work.. an old man once told me ur only as good as ur last job. Employ the best and don't have the job done twice. 3) PASSION. JDL has a real passion to be the best in what we deliver. And hopefully all are reviews reflect this. and most of all HONESTY. JDL Refurbs will always be totally honest with you..
Did a really good job. Friendly.
*****Building the future.... ***Renovating the past...***** TA Building Firm. offers professional services plastering, rendering, and building work. We have years of experience in this line of business. In addition to plastering and new builds, we carry out a vast range of other services including, Our services are: * Single Extensions * Bricklaying & Blocks * Chimney Repairs * Plasterboarding & Plastering * External Rendering * Bathroom Instalments * Wall/Floor Tiling * Roofing & Facials * Block-paving & Landscaping * Kitchen Carpentry * Handyman jobs Our aim is to provide you with a reliable and friendly service.
Taff did a fantastic job renovating 2 bedrooms, including taking back to brick, removing a chimney and skimming walls. Also arranged for electrician to fit lights. Taff is very friendly and personable and always felt comfortable having him nd his team in the house. Would recommend.
Over 20 years' experience High standards of workmanship Fully qualified team of builders and joiners Associated with the Apprenticeship scheme of the Construction Industry Training Board Competitive pricing Free, no obligation quotation
Work done to ery high standard by skilled tradesman Delighted with the result
Offering a wealth of property maintenance knowledge ranging from roofing to silicone installation. Fully trained in bricklaying/painting & decorating/project management among other things. All certification and insurance documents available if requested. I’m a fully established builder with a methodical attention to detail. I have a good imagination when it comes to designing landscapes or renovating inside of a property. I am literate in reading and running builds from architects drawings and can lay any type of drainage from engineers instructions.
A trustworthy and reliable gentleman, and a highly experienced builder who has also helped me with house repairs
We are Boss Plumbing Services. A Plumbing company providing a new modern approach to the industry. We provide a great service, quality workmanship and guarantee customer satisfaction, Boss Plumbing Services are on hand 24 hours a day to ensure all issue can be resolved as soon as possible. We work alongside various companies and other trades making sure that all jobs are completed to the highest standard.
I'm a person with a 10-years experience. I offer pro-efficient services, quality, cleanliness, a very good general service.
We pride ourselves on the quality of our work. Tailored to help you in the construction of projects whatever the size and build value.
Excellent work at the right price. Helpful and timely. Restored my confidence in builders.
MASTERhand A small local business, we have been providing high-quality home improvements and maintenance service in West London and Surry for more than 10 years now and have many satisfied customers.
Arrived on time and did a great job.
Full property renovations, extensions, loft conversions, outbuildings & more.
Andre and team did a great job with the shed /summerhouse construction, and were very accommodating with the request to build it at short notice ( (within 5 days) and alter the layout of the building to meet our requirements. Also were very friendly and professional. Reasonably priced too. Would recommend.
Taylor Made Gardens is a family run, friendly company. All jobs taylor made to suit at reasonable prices. free no obligation quotes. fast and Efficient. all work guaranteed. Fully Insured
So very pleased with the 35 metre feather board fence installed by Taylor Made Gardens. Will certainly use them again. Roger was easy to get along with and worked steadily with total attention to quality. The new fence looks great. Thanks.
IMD&G is a growing company that we started in the U.K.. We offer amazing gardening services, with professionals, all our staff are competent and trained. We can offer our services for anything you require, gardening wise. If you would like to use our services please feel free to exept the quotes and leave it on me
Great communication. After photos show hard work. Great results. Would recommend.
'%20rx='20'%20/%3e%3cg%20fill='%23FFF'%3e%3cpath%20d='M29.376%2016.914c-.555%200-1.006.454-1.006%201.013v37.416c0%20.578.472%201.014%201.097%201.014h34.109a1.007%201.007%200%200%200%20.972-.83%201.012%201.012%200%200%200-.161-.76l-6.446-9.416c-.375-.548-.567-1.085-.586-1.642-.034-.977.516-1.952%201.402-2.483%204.8-2.878%205.808-7.575%205.808-11.009%200-7.335-5.925-13.303-13.207-13.303H29.376ZM63.594%2059.75H29.467c-2.505%200-4.467-1.936-4.467-4.408V17.927c0-2.43%201.963-4.408%204.376-4.408h21.982c9.14%200%2016.577%207.49%2016.577%2016.698%200%205.879-2.46%2010.687-6.944%2013.607l6.17%209.017c1.37%202.002.868%204.752-1.12%206.132a4.336%204.336%200%200%201-2.44.778h-.007Z'%20/%3e%3cpath%20d='M38.767%2027.797c0-.749.603-1.357%201.347-1.357h6.427c3.979%200%206.426%201.72%206.426%205.099v.123c0%203.132-2.325%205.098-6.365%205.098h-3.848l-3.985%203.998V36.76h-.002v-8.963'%20/%3e%3c/g%3e%3cpath%20fill='%23FFF'%20fill-rule='nonzero'%20d='M18.176%2069.2h2.156v3.878h3.976V69.2h2.156V79h-2.156v-3.934h-3.976V79h-2.156v-9.8Zm16.428%207.98c.43%200%20.826-.08%201.19-.238a2.72%202.72%200%200%200%20.931-.658c.257-.28.457-.604.602-.973a3.21%203.21%200%200%200%20.217-1.183V74.1c0-.42-.072-.817-.217-1.19-.145-.373-.35-.7-.616-.98a2.96%202.96%200%200%200-.945-.665%202.873%202.873%200%200%200-1.19-.245c-.439%200-.838.08-1.197.238-.36.159-.667.378-.924.658s-.457.604-.602.973a3.21%203.21%200%200%200-.217%201.183v.028c0%20.42.072.817.217%201.19a2.959%202.959%200%200%200%201.554%201.645c.36.163.758.245%201.197.245Zm-.028%201.988a5.343%205.343%200%200%201-2.086-.399%205.187%205.187%200%200%201-1.645-1.078%204.823%204.823%200%200%201-1.078-1.596%205.029%205.029%200%200%201-.385-1.967V74.1c0-.7.13-1.356.392-1.967a5.075%205.075%200%200%201%201.085-1.61%205.05%205.05%200%200%201%201.652-1.092%205.395%205.395%200%200%201%202.093-.399c.756%200%201.451.133%202.086.399a5.187%205.187%200%200%201%201.645%201.078c.462.453.821.985%201.078%201.596.257.611.385%201.267.385%201.967v.028c0%20.7-.13%201.356-.392%201.967a5.075%205.075%200%200%201-1.085%201.61%205.05%205.05%200%200%201-1.652%201.092%205.395%205.395%200%200%201-2.093.399Zm8.14-9.968h2.324l2.576%204.144%202.576-4.144h2.324V79h-2.142v-6.398l-2.758%204.186h-.056l-2.73-4.144V79h-2.114v-9.8Zm13.152%200h7.392v1.918h-5.25v1.988h4.62v1.918h-4.62v2.058h5.32V79h-7.462v-9.8Zm13.866%209.94a6.49%206.49%200%200%201-2.198-.385%205.817%205.817%200%200%201-1.96-1.183l1.274-1.526c.448.364.908.653%201.379.868.471.215.987.322%201.547.322.448%200%20.796-.082%201.043-.245a.771.771%200%200%200%20.371-.679v-.028a.85.85%200%200%200-.077-.371.778.778%200%200%200-.294-.301%203.079%203.079%200%200%200-.602-.28c-.257-.093-.59-.191-1.001-.294a12.201%2012.201%200%200%201-1.344-.406%203.787%203.787%200%200%201-1.022-.553%202.237%202.237%200%200%201-.651-.819c-.154-.327-.231-.733-.231-1.218v-.028c0-.448.084-.852.252-1.211.168-.36.404-.67.707-.931a3.183%203.183%200%200%201%201.085-.602c.42-.14.882-.21%201.386-.21a5.86%205.86%200%200%201%201.981.322%205.743%205.743%200%200%201%201.659.924l-1.12%201.624a7.1%207.1%200%200%200-1.288-.707%203.292%203.292%200%200%200-1.26-.259c-.42%200-.735.082-.945.245-.21.163-.315.366-.315.609v.028c0%20.159.03.296.091.413.06.117.17.222.329.315s.376.182.651.266c.275.084.623.182%201.043.294.495.13.936.278%201.323.441.387.163.714.36.98.588.266.229.467.497.602.805.135.308.203.677.203%201.106v.028c0%20.485-.089.917-.266%201.295a2.66%202.66%200%200%201-.742.952%203.353%203.353%200%200%201-1.134.588%204.924%204.924%200%200%201-1.456.203Z'%20/%3e%3c/g%3e%3c/svg%3e)
Get our app for homeowners
- Send messages and get notifications from tradespeople
- Add photos to get more accurate quotes
- View tradespeople's profiles