Find a demolition specialist

Post your job for free. Get quotes. Read reviews.

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?

"Here at AAR plastering & building services we have a wealth of knowledge throughout all the plastering and building sector, please get in touch for your free no obligation quotation today"

Latest homeowner review
full starfull starfull starfull starfull star
Reviewed by John on 23/3/2025

Bathroom ceiling painted, Alan did a great job with the best quality materials. He is very trustworthy and friendly. I would highly recommend and will be putting more work his way in the near future.

Latest homeowner review
full starfull starfull starfull starfull star
Reviewed by Claire on 31/3/2019

Very fast service. Well within my budget.

We are a family run business specializing in various types of gardening/landscaping/tree/property maintenance services/roofing, lawn care, garden designing, pressure washing, patios, driveways and much more. Please contact us for more in depth information and advice or for a no obligation quotation.

Latest homeowner review
full starfull starfull starfull starfull star
Reviewed by Jennifer on 15/4/2025

We used Kingz for clearance of a very overgrown garden and new fencing. They did exactly what they said they would do in their quote. They worked hard, left the garden tidy, and took away all the waste. They were very pleasant and Emma, in particular, gave good advice regarding ongoing after care of the garden. We were very happy with the results and would definitely recommend this family team!

R E General Builders - We have 12 years of experience in all types of roofing and building services and we take pride in our work and always work to the highest standard aiming to satisfy our customers. We are committed to providing a friendly, approachable and professional service. We offer free no obligation estimates so just give us a call.

Its quality time! With over 10 years experience, tens of finished jobs and tens of happy clients, I am a landscaper who can manage any job. Big or small, easy or complicated is never a problem for me. For any details don't hesitate to contact me.

Latest homeowner review
full starfull starfull starfull starfull star
Reviewed by Ketan on 6/4/2024

Work that took place was amazing and recommend IA trader to anyone that needs work done.

Hi, We are a small local company with over 35 years of trading behind us in the building industry. Our website has loads of customer reviews, and you can speak with previous clients where we have carried out work, and also visit some of our completed projects. You are guaranteed an excellent service, reliable and trustworthy guidance, and will be totally satisfied with any work which we carry out for you. My aim is to please 100% every time, and you will not be disappointed. Our specialist work currently is garage conversions to habitable rooms. We can also offer remedial advice on condensation and damp issues. We love a challenge! Anything unusual is welcome. You can trust us to work in and around your home. I assure you of my personal attention at all times.

Latest homeowner review
full starfull starfull starfull starfull star
Reviewed by Jean on 10/9/2022

Dean and his team completed several jobs for me including solar outside lights, putting up blinds, TV on wall, garden mirror., taps dripping and sink leaking, and replacement taps. Great to get all these jobs done at the same. Friendly and professional service. Would recommend Jean Pierce, Hockley

We are a local family run business with over 25yrs of experience , I pride myself in my work and completing each project to highest standard thanks danny

Latest homeowner review
full starfull starfull starfull starfull star
Reviewed by Volkan on 6/1/2025

Experience in: Tiling Plastering Painting Laminating Bathrooms Roofing Block paving Brick work Garage conversion Extension Mould Treatment END MORE

Latest homeowner review
full starfull starfull starfull starfull star
Reviewed by Kehinde on 3/5/2025

Goldsmith's building services for reliable tradesmen , professionalism and quality workmanship.

Latest homeowner review
full starfull starfull starfull starfull star
Reviewed by Aaron on 27/4/2024

Did a great job measuring and putting up my blinds. Showed up on time, very reasonable price and a nice bloke

Based in Bath, Father's House Carpentry/ Painting & Decorating is a trusted, rated and reliable team of Carpentry specialist.

Latest homeowner review
full starfull starfull starfull starfull star
Reviewed by Janet on 18/11/2024

Kris did a great job for the whole house decorating. He’s thoughtful, transparent, knowledgeable and very professional. My house has not been professionally painted for a decade, some places were long overdue. Kris worked very hard, he kept me updated all the time. Kris is a kind person and I trust him.

I'm a fully qualified builder & plasterer working on old and new properties. We specialise in Garage Conversions start to finish. New UPVC Conservatories. Single Extensions. Full Renovations. Building Alterations. All building work. All plastering work. - Artex ceilings covered. Plaster-boarding. Skimming. Patching. Building alterations. - Knock-throughs. Lintel installs. Stud walls. Repointing. Refurbishments. Conservatories. - Start to finish. Extensions. - Start to finish to current building regulations. No job too big or small. Always work in the cleanest safest way possible. Top quality assured. Fully insured/public liability. Free quotes and advice.

Latest homeowner review
full starfull starfull starfull starfull star
Reviewed by Avala on 13/1/2025

I hired Tom trading as Plaster Master to repair bedroom ceiling and board the loft and install loft ladder and replace the loft hatch. He gave an honest estimate for the work and the time line needed to complete the project which he did on time. I won't hesitate to use his services again.He was extremely reliable and professional arrived at the time he said and he tidied up at the end of each day’s work. I thoroughly recommend him! A job extremely well done.Definitely a 5 star review

Im a builder/plumber with experience in kitchen and bathroom refurbishment and full house renovation.

Latest homeowner review
full starfull starfull starfull starfull star
Reviewed by Lindsay on 26/8/2024

Lucasz did a brilliant job for us he was timely tidy and took a real pride in his work coming up with a great solution for the issues with our kitchen. I cannot recommend him enough to you excellent in all respects and a fair price

Latest homeowner review
full starfull starfull starfull starfull star
Reviewed by Richard on 12/6/2024

If only all tradesmen were like Norman and his team. He turned up when he said he would and kept me in the loop with what he was planning to do and what his team were doing. His team is made up of friendly guys and they've done a great job!

I am an independent builder with 24 years of experience and cover most areas in the construction industry. I have a good team of friendly workers who work very hard and we get the work done in good time and to a high standard.

Latest homeowner review
full starfull starfull starfull starfull star
Reviewed by Carissa on 2/11/2021

Lovely job, really happy with my new laminate flooring! I would highly recommend Ben.

At Summer Gardens landscape and Building contractors,we’re perfectionists who pride ourselves on customer service! Just ask our clients! We offer hard and Soft Landscaping, Gardening, Extensions and Outbuildings, Property Maintenance and lots more! Send us a message to find out how we can help you!

Latest homeowner review
full starfull starfull starfull starfull star
Reviewed by Jenni on 19/5/2025

Reliable and super helpful!

Free quotes. Free Advice. Public Liability Insurance. Clean & Tidy Worker. Over 25yrs Experience in the building trade. We are a friendly family run business. We cover All roofing work undertaken, repairs to complete Re-Roof. Flat Roof. Chimney repairs. Fascia. Soffits. Guttering. Pointing. Also Landscaping. Patios. Blockpaving. Driveways. Fencing. External & Internal Painting. Brickwork. Extensions. Small jobs are welcome.

Latest homeowner review
full starfull starfull starfull starfull star
Reviewed by Phil on 23/4/2025

A really good job. Very happy with the finished product. Waiting on a quote for something else now.

Our company Construction and Renovation work of 25 years. At this time, we have gained a wealth of experience backed by references received from our customers. Cost estimates are free of charge. Professionalism guaranteed.

Latest homeowner review
full starfull starfull starfull starfull star
Reviewed by Sarah on 2/11/2016

Greg is a very helpful and professional. Arrived when he said he would and gave sound advice on a very tricky guttering problem.

“I am a versatile handyman with expertise in a wide range of home repairs, maintenance tasks, and gardening services. From fencing repairs, build,patio and paving to carpentry and painting, I bring a strong attention to detail and craftsmanship to every project. With my 5 years experience on private jobs,and all the customers been very happy about my services, i am pleased to introduce my self with confidence and enthusiasm! Additionally, I have experience in gardening, including landscaping, plant care, and garden maintenance. I am committed to delivering high-quality work that ensures both your home and outdoor spaces look their best.” I am new on this site,app, and I don’t have any reviews yet, but definitely they will come!

Latest homeowner review
full starfull starfull starfull starfull star
Reviewed by Ola on 27/4/2025

So pleased with the work Ciprian did for me. He sourced the security gate and found a great reasonable price for me. He communicated throughout and arrived promptly to my home to install the gate. He was very professional and polite at all times. He demonstrated how to use the gate and fully explained the whole process. I would recommend Ciprian and am very grateful for the work he completed.

Post your job for free

app-icon

Get our app for homeowners

  • Send messages and get notifications from tradespeople
  • Add photos to get more accurate quotes
  • View tradespeople's profiles