This page provides general practical guidance and does not replace project-specific legal, engineering, planning, ecological, asbestos or waste advice.
The short answer
Two buildings with similar floor areas can have materially different demolition costs. The variables that drive cost are often invisible in a photograph: the construction of the structure, the presence of reinforcement or specialist materials, access for plant and waste, retained elements that must be protected, and the condition required when work is complete. A written quotation should reflect the specific project — not a generic rate.
Why it matters
Generic price-per-square-metre figures do not account for the factors that actually drive cost on a specific project. A contractor pricing from photographs and a floor area is making assumptions about construction, access, waste and scope that may not hold once work begins. The more accurately the scope is defined at the outset, the more reliable the quotation.
Information that may be needed
Photographs, dimensions, drawings, asbestos information, service information, structural details and the required handover condition all help establish an accurate scope. Where retained elements are involved, their extent should be clearly identified before quoting.
What can affect the scope
Labour, building construction and materials, size and quantities, demolition method, plant requirements, waste type and volume, access and loading, service disconnections, surveys and asbestos, structural requirements and temporary works, protection of retained elements, restricted working hours, programme length, travel and logistics, additional handling for restricted access, and hidden construction found during the work can all affect cost.
When specialist input may be needed
An asbestos professional, structural engineer, utility provider or other specialist may be required depending on the project. Their involvement affects both cost and programme and should be identified before the scope is finalised.