Concrete Removal Cost

Typical costs:

• Unreinforced concrete can be removed with a prybar and sledgehammer; with power tools such as an electric jackhammer and/or a concrete saw; or heavy equipment such as a backhoe or mini-excavator (sometimes called a skid-steer or bobcat) with a breaker attachment. Do-it-yourself costs can be zero or $50-$500 or more depending on how much time the project takes; whether equipment needs to to bought or rented; local recycling/dump fees; the size of the area being removed and whether it's attached to something that must be preserved; and the thickness of the concrete. Prices vary, but renting an electric jackhammer can be about $50-$100 a day; a concrete saw about $30-$50 (with possibly $50-$150 more for wear on a diamond-tipped blade); and a small skid-steer with a breaker attachment can be $150-$350 a day. Three friends^[1] broke a 9x22-foot concrete patio (about 6 inches thick) into manageable chunks in about two hours using a rented jackhammer.
• The biggest part of a do-it-yourself removal job will be hauling away and disposing of the debris. In some parts of the country recycling fees for concrete are relatively low, but in other areas dump/disposal costs can be $300-$800 or more for the concrete from a typical two-car driveway.
• For small jobs removing unreinforced concrete (no rebar) you can often hire a local day laborer or handyman to manually break up and haul away the concrete for $100-$400 for a small area such as a patio or $500-$900 for a 500-600 square foot (unreinforced) driveway.
• Contractors' prices for 2-4 hours with heavy equipment removing a small area of concrete (such as a 8x10-foot patio 4-8 inches thick) start around $250-$550 and go up. Removing an average driveway is $1,000-$2,500 and up, particularly if it's reinforced concrete. Prices vary considerably by region.
• Concrete foundation removal can run $600-$4,000 or more for a simple slab, and $1,500-$5,000 or more for a typical home basement.

• At least two business days before doing any digging, call 811 (the free national Call Before You Dig service) to have utility companies mark any underground lines on your property. And check with your local planning department -- many require a demolition permit and/or inspections, depending on the size and nature of the concrete removal project.
• Depave.org provides a detailed overview^[2] . RentalHQ.com gives tips for using a rented skid-steer or concrete saw, and a video^[3] shows the use of a mini-excavator to remove a concrete sidewalk.
• A heavy equipment operator can usually remove a typical concrete driveway in about 5-8 hours, depending on the thickness, whether it's reinforced and ease of access. If included in the contract, the contractor may add a layer of topsoil and grade (level) the site.

• If required, a demolition permit often costs only $15-$50, but can be much more in some areas.

• Some concrete supply companies accept broken-up concrete for free or for a small fee, then grind it up and reuse it, and Some contractors use broken-up concrete as fill for other projects.

• Removal work can be done by day laborers or a local handyman. For larger or more complex projects requiring heavy machinery, paving companies often also do removal. Referrals are available through the National Pavement Contractors Association and the National Demolition Association^[4] .
• Get several estimates. Ask about specific experience with this type of project. The estimator/contractor should walk the site with you, discussing any potential problems with access, underground utility lines or final grading/drainage. Be sure you understand exactly what's included in each estimate, such as how the area will be left when the work is done. Ask for and check references.
• Make sure the company is properly insured, bonded and licensed^[5] (demolition licensing requirements vary by state). Check for complaints with the Better Business Bureau^[6] .

1.  ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/remodel/msg0918594915499.html
2.  depave.org/learn/how-to-depave/
3.  www.youtube.com/watch?v=QjSYljIuJN0
4.  207.150.194.71/nda_criteria.aspx?mem=1
5.  www.contractors-license.org/
6.  www.bbb.org/en/us/search

Check Out All Costs for Home and Garden		How Much Does a Furnace Cost?		How Much Does Garden Service Cost?		How Much Does a Kitchen Remodeling Cost?

Today's Featured Cost Articles

November is Child Safety Awareness Month. Is your home baby-proofed? Be ready if the worst weather hits -- a portable generator means fewer power outages. Change the batteries on the smoke alarm the same time you set the clocks back for Daylight Savings. After eating all that candy, is it time to see your dentist? Repair leaks before the rain starts pouring.

About CostHelper

CostHelper is based in Silicon Valley and provides consumers with unbiased price information about thousands of goods and services. Our writers are experienced journalists who adhere to our strict editorial ethics policy.

CostHelper Community

Bat bite Paid: 0.00 On October 25th I was bitten by a bat during mid morning, animal control told me to get the rabies shots due to the fact that several rabid bats had been found in the area... [more] -Rita W Rabies Vaccine Cost 7 stitches to shin Paid: 371.00 My son had 7 Stitches to his shin he fell in the woods and was cut by a old fence. They were super nice in and out, in about one hour. 155.00 for the visit and the remainder was for the Stitches ... [more] -Tavanna Stitches Cost 2 Car Garage Paid: 1700.00 Looks FANTASTIC! The guys done a fabulous job and did it in one day! Highly recommend! 615-739-2146... [more] -Chad Dunn Epoxy Flooring Cost Commercial Real Estate Brochure Paid: 200.00 Quick turn around time! 4 revisions with PDF and hyperlinks embedded. Website management available too... [more] [email protected] Graphic Designer Cost Fairly priced Paid: 0.00 My baby boy choked on some food this evening. While we were on the phone to the emergency services the blockage cleared. Ambulance was sent anyway to make sure everything was ok... [more] -Thank you NHS Ambulance Cost Ripped Off Paid: 46.00 I asked the nail technician how much for a full set. He said he will let me know as soon as he gets the nails on my fingers (WTH?) ... anyway on the board the price said $28 and up...... [more] -Kay. Manicures and Pedicures Cost