Demolition Costs and Permits

[Joshua Berliner]

Hi BP community! 

I recently purchased my first project in Santa Monica and am pretty much in the dark regarding demolition costs. 

I've been receiving quotes from contractors, but the price range has been fairly wide. 

There are two questions I would love to hear your thoughts on:

1) What is an appropriate price for demolition on a 2 floor, 1400sqft condo. Includes removing flooring, exposing top of walls to gain insight on whether low bearing or not, and kitchen cabinetry. 

2) Is there a way for a proactive homeowner to reduce demo costs, i.e., pulling permit from city, knocking down cabinetry?

Can't wait to hear all your thoughts! Thanks in advance! 

Best,

Josh

[Seth Borman]

The permit is usually very cheap. I've pulled four of them over the years (in Washington state) and paid no more than $200 to remove a building. I've seen permits in Los Angeles that are even lower.

For interior demolition of the kind you are doing I would be self performing if at all possible. The biggest issue is waste removal. You need a solid plan and estimate before you start.