Building · Cost Guide
How Much Does Demolition Cost in Ontario?
Demolition costs in Ontario range from $2,000 – $5,000 per floor. Prices vary by scope, city, and site conditions.
$2,000+
Starting price
1-10 days
Timeline
15%
Recommended contingency
Demolition Cost Breakdown
| Scope | Low | High | Unit | Labour | Material |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interior strip-out (basement or floor) | $2,000 | $5,000 | per floor | 75% | 25% |
| Kitchen demolition | $1,000 | $3,000 | per kitchen | 80% | 20% |
| Bathroom demolition | $800 | $2,000 | per bathroom | 80% | 20% |
| Garage demolition (detached) | $3,000 | $8,000 | per structure | 65% | 35% |
| Concrete removal (driveway/slab) | $3 | $6 | per sq ft | 60% | 40% |
Price Ranges at a Glance
Interior strip-out (basement or floor)
Kitchen demolition
Bathroom demolition
Garage demolition (detached)
Concrete removal (driveway/slab)
What's Included vs Not Included
Typically Included
- Selective demolition and removal
- Debris containerization and disposal
- Dust containment and protection
- Utility disconnection coordination
- Basic site clean-up
Not Included (Extra Cost)
- Asbestos testing and abatement ($3,000-$10,000)
- Structural shoring during removal
- Permit fees for full structure demolition
- Hazardous material disposal (lead paint, mold)
- Landscaping restoration
- Utility reconnection
Demolition Cost by City
Prices adjusted for local labour rates and material costs across 15 GTA cities.
| City | Low | High | vs Toronto | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Toronto City of Toronto | $2,000 | $5,000 | 0% | View |
Mississauga Peel Region | $1,885 | $4,713 | -5% | View |
Brampton Peel Region | $1,830 | $4,575 | -8% | View |
Vaughan York Region | $1,935 | $4,838 | -3% | View |
Markham York Region | $1,920 | $4,800 | -3% | View |
Richmond Hill York Region | $1,915 | $4,787 | -4% | View |
Aurora York Region | $1,865 | $4,663 | -6% | View |
Oakville Halton Region | $2,045 | $5,113 | +2% | View |
Burlington Halton Region | $1,910 | $4,775 | -4% | View |
Milton Halton Region | $1,830 | $4,575 | -8% | View |
Ajax Durham Region | $1,795 | $4,488 | -9% | View |
Pickering Durham Region | $1,830 | $4,575 | -8% | View |
Oshawa Durham Region | $1,745 | $4,363 | -12% | View |
Whitby Durham Region | $1,780 | $4,450 | -10% | View |
Hamilton City of Hamilton | $1,775 | $4,438 | -10% | View |
Permit & Engineering Costs
Building Permit (Structural Demolition)
Municipal building department
Required for load-bearing wall removal, structural modifications, or full building demolition. Non-structural interior demo typically does not require a permit.
$200-$800
Asbestos Abatement Notification
Ministry of Labour (MOL)
Required under O.Reg 278/05 if disturbing >1 m² or >1 linear meter of asbestos-containing material. Certified abatement contractor files notification 24-48 hours before work.
$0 (notification is free)
Demolition Permit (Full Building)
Municipal building department
Required for tearing down entire structures (houses, garages). Some municipalities require archaeology assessment or heritage review before issuing permit.
$500-$2,000
Electrical Disconnection Permit
ESA
Required if permanently disconnecting electrical service during full building demolition. Utility company disconnects at meter; ESA inspects.
$100-$200
Money-Saving Tips
Test for asbestos before demolishing anything built before 1990 — removal is 3-5x more expensive if found mid-project.
Salvage reusable materials (doors, fixtures, trim) — donation receipts provide tax deductions.
Interior demo is often DIY-able — do it yourself and save $2,000-$5,000 in labour.
Rent a dumpster directly ($400-$800) instead of paying contractor disposal markup.
Protect finishes you want to keep — dust from demo penetrates everywhere.
Related Cost Guides
Demolition Cost FAQs
How do I know if a wall is load-bearing?
Follow the load path. Start at the roof: if rafters or trusses bear on a wall, it's load-bearing. Look in the basement: if a wall sits directly over a beam, it's likely bearing load from above. Walls running perpendicular to floor joists are often bearing; walls parallel to joists are usually partition walls (non-bearing). Interior walls in the center of a house are often bearing — they support the middle span of joists. If you're unsure, hire a structural engineer ($300-$800 for a site visit and assessment). The cost is minor compared to the risk of removing the wrong wall.
Can I remove asbestos myself to save money?
Legally, no — not if you're disturbing more than 1 square meter. Ontario Regulation 278/05 requires certified abatement contractors for projects exceeding that threshold. The regulation exists because asbestos fibers are microscopic, remain airborne for hours, and cause mesothelioma and lung cancer decades after exposure. DIY asbestos removal risks your health, your family's health, and future occupants (fibers settle in HVAC ducts, carpet, and remain hazardous). Certified contractors use containment, HEPA filtration, PPE, and certified disposal. Cost: $50-$100 per square meter. Your lungs are worth more.
What's the difference between a steel beam and an LVL beam for load-bearing wall removal?
Steel W-beams (W8, W10, W12) are stronger per inch of depth — a W10x22 (10" deep, 22 lbs per foot) can span 18-20 feet carrying typical residential loads. LVL (laminated veneer lumber) beams are engineered wood — lighter, easier to cut and fasten, but require more depth for the same span. A triple 2x12 LVL might replace a W10 steel beam, but it's 11.25" deep vs 10". Steel is better for long spans or heavy loads; LVL is easier to work with and hides in standard 2x12 wall framing. Cost is similar ($1,500-$4,000 for a typical residential beam). Your structural engineer will specify based on loads and span.
Do I need a permit to remove a non-bearing wall?
Usually no — non-structural interior alterations (removing partition walls, cabinets, flooring) typically don't require permits in most Ontario municipalities. BUT: if you're wrong about the wall being non-bearing, you've now made an unpermitted structural change. If you sell the house and a home inspector notices a sagging floor or cracks near the removed wall, you'll be asked for permits and engineer letters. If you can't provide them, the buyer may demand repairs or walk away. Play it safe: if there's any doubt, get an engineer assessment and pull a permit. Cost: $300-$800 for assessment, $200-$500 for permit. Cheap insurance.
Can I dispose of asbestos or lead waste in regular construction bins?
No. Asbestos waste must be double-bagged in 6-mil poly bags, labeled with asbestos warning labels, and disposed of at approved facilities (not regular landfills). Your abatement contractor handles this — disposal cost is included in their quote. Lead-painted materials (wood, drywall) are usually accepted at municipal landfills, but some jurisdictions have restrictions — check local rules. Mixing asbestos or lead waste with regular construction debris risks fines (MOL can issue $50,000-$100,000 fines for improper asbestos disposal) and exposes landfill workers and the environment.
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