How to Quote a Demolition Job

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Updated: 10/31/2018

When putting together a quote for a demolition job, there are some important factors to consider. Use these tips to develop the winning bid.

Four Key Takeaways

1. When preparing a quote for a job, make sure to explain the scope of work in great detail. Protect yourself by putting everything in writing.

2. Don't forget about your overhead costs. That includes insurance, worker's compensation, equipment maintenance, and many other things. If you want to make a profit on the job, you can't forget about these expenses.

3. In your quote, clearly define your payment terms. When is payment due? Do you accept cash or credit? Do you expect 50% of the total amount in advance?

4. If you can, visit the job site in person! Spend time looking around to see if there are any conditions that may make the job more dangerous or time-consuming. Giving bids over the phone is challenging. You don't want to be surprised when you show up for day one of demolition.

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Important Items to Consider When Estimating a Demolition Job:

1. Size and scope of project. Is this an interior demolition job or an exterior demolition job? Is this a commercial or residential project? How large is the kitchen that you need to demo? How many stories is the home you are knocking down?

2. Travel time to job site. How much gas are you using to get to the job site everyday?

3. Job location. Are you working in downtown Washington, DC or rural Tennessee? The location of the project should have an impact on the cost of labor and materials.

4. Site conditions. Is the lot mostly flat or will you working on hilly terrain? Is there a fence blocking access to the yard? Is the building in close proximity to another building? Are there power lines nearby that may make things difficult? Is there enough room to bring in large, heavy-duty equipment?

5. Permitting. What type of permits will you need to secure? What the costs associated with these demolition permits?

6. Type of equipment required. What type of demolition equipment will you need?

7. Asbestos testing. If you suspect that there is asbestos present in the property, that needs to be handled before demolition can begin. Asbestos abatement can cost thousands and thousands of dollars.

8. Reuse and recycle. Are any materials salvageable? Can they be reused for another project? Recycled? Donated to a good cause?

9. Crew size required for the job. Is this a job you can handle on your own or will you need a big team?

10. Dumpster rental. What size dumpster does the job require? Will you need more than one roll-off dumpster?

11. Haul away and disposal. How much material needs to be hauled away? What type of material needs to be removed from the job site? Are there any "dump fees" that you will need to pay? Make sure to include these in your quote. If not, disposal costs can eat away at your profits.

12. Excavation, grading, and site leveling. Once the demolition work is done, do you need to do any additional site preparation? How long will the work take? What type of equipment is needed?

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BONUS TIPS:

If you are not sure where to get started or you don't feel comfortable doing it on your own, you may want to think about buying a bid proposal template. You can customize that template to fit your needs.

Before you go, make sure to check out ProMatcher's Demolition Cost Report. You will get a chance to see how much other demolition contractors in your area are charging for their services.

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