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Once you’ve taken the decision to demolish an existing structure, there is a process that needs to be followed to ensure the correct permission is granted and all health and safety legislation has been followed. A demolition specialist can help advise on what is (and isn’t) required, as well as timelines, and permissions for what you intend to use the land for after. Once all the paperwork is taken care of, they’ll bring in a team of people to carry out the demolition safely.

Costs for demolition

Costs vary depending on a number of factors, with £60-80 per square metre as a starting point. Demolishing semi-detached or terraced houses will incur additional costs as the adjoining properties will need structural support work after demolition. Ease of access and the volume of waste / hazardous waste disposal required will also affect the costs.

Renovating vs. demolition: some considerations

Considerations for demolition

  • Building a brand new home is subject to a zero percent VAT rate. That means demolishing a building and starting from scratch can often be cheaper than building on top of the existing shell of a property (which is subject to VAT). This will typically depend on the amount of work required on what’s left of the existing property.
  • Building from the foundations up means you’re in full control. This gives you peace of mind that everything’s been built securely and you’re not relying on the integrity of old walls.

Considerations for renovation

  • There may be parts of the existing building that have features you’d like to work into your newly designed home. It’s a popular technique on TV shows like Grand Designs, and can help give your new home real character, while preserving some of the heritage of the existing site.
  • Depending on exactly how much of the property could be saved, and your plans for the future size of the property (of which there are likely to be restrictions), it may be more cost effective to work with existing walls and structures.<
  • Making alterations to an existing building can be much easier to get planning permission for. While demolition itself doesn’t often need planning permission, the details may need to be agreed with the local council, and a prior approval application will be needed for the new home you plan to build.

Guidance on planning policies

Planning policies will vary depending on where you are in the UK, but generally speaking, planning permission will be granted if you intend to replace an existing structure. It’s important to get planning permission before the demolition of the existing structure – if you remove the existing building, technically there’s nothing to replace, and your case for planning permission becomes weaker.

Whichever option you pursue, and wherever your plot is situated, planning policy is likely to have some of the same considerations such as:

  • whether the building of the new property is in keeping with the character of the immediate area
  • the size of the new property and/or its location
  • services and amenities to neighbouring properties not being adversely affected.

There are the usual caveats here about listed properties or homes in national parks or conservation areas. For further details, check out the Planning Portal website.

Questions to ask a demolition specialist

  • What are the pros and cons of demolition specific to your property?
  • What advice would they offer regarding planning permission and demolition consent, and to what extent will they help you through this process?
  • How long do they expect demolition to take?
  • Can they break down the costs between demolition and waste disposal?
  • What complications do they foresee and are there any cost implications?
  • Will you be able to reuse the existing amenities into the building for your new property?

I am the proprietor of riverside property services. we are a family run business since 1973.We specialise in all types of specialist removal,building works and all types of roofing works undertaken Licences to take and carry all types of rubbish from household to bi hazard and asbestos. We specialise in all types of demolition works private and commercial. We are a reliable company with offices based in Surrey and covering all areas. No obligation free quotation for all works. Fully insured tradesmen

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Reviewed by Henry on 1/9/2025

Lightelectrics.co.uk Light electrics & renovations bring excellence to the electrical industry whether thats changing a socket, installing spot lights to a full house rewire! We cover everything! With our latest expansion we are now able to offer complete refurbishments on properties as well as construction and building requirements. With a combined 30 years experience across these industries, there’s nothing we can’t handle!

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Reviewed by Mary on 18/11/2025

RLH driveways have been successfully installing driveways, patios and other paving solutions in Scotland for over 10 years. We have a reputation for quality service and a professional skilled workforce. We will provide you with a driveway or patio you can be proud of and add value to your home.

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Reviewed by James on 1/2/2025

If you are thinking of extending, converting, or in any way structurally altering your home, we can assist you with any or every stage of your project.  

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Reviewed by Kyle on 3/7/2025

Paul did an excellent job of removing the old storm porch that was attached to my front door. Everything removed, rubble taken away, great chat & well priced. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Paul to anyone looking to get some demolition work done! Thanks Paul!

CH constServices takes great pride in the work we do and the competitive prices we offer. We are always aiming to make sure our customers are satisfied and that they return to us. We are fully guaranteed on any job we do and willing to work any size job.

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Reviewed by Andrew on 1/5/2024

Very pleased with the finished results of our flat renovation.

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Reviewed by Nathaniel on 14/2/2013

Was very pleased with AtoZ. Paul was there on time as discussed and was able to get things done ontime, on the same day. Very pleased with his work and would recommend him to other people.

Here at Garden And Property Services, we specialise in complete garden transformations. We provide a wide range of services, accompanied with years of knowledge and passion. Please contact me for a free competitive quote at your convenience.

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Reviewed by Julia on 17/3/2021

Very helpful, friendly and easy to get on with. Did everything they could to keep my costs down.

i have been a self employed builder since 1997 i have one employed labourer but i am able to get all trades as i do extentions, my main work is roofing but am also a good general builder, i am based in stockport but have worked all around greater manchester

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Reviewed by Lisa on 13/4/2024

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Reviewed by Mark on 28/11/2011

Darren provided practical solutions to an unusual build, and a proper estimate. As the work was about to start the spec' changed a few times, and Darren was helpful with that. We agreed a new price and signed a straightforward agreement. Security was never an issue - we had no issue with giving Darren keys and access. He turned up when he said he would and always went through the issues of the day and the progress of the day on site and on the phone. The project has worked out really well, and it has been a very good working relationship. We have no hesitation in recommending Darren - he was helpful throughout, including managing the occassional curved ball. He runs work from a joinery led perspective, and has a wide range of understanding about the other trades and what should happen when. A pleasure to work with!

Hi I have been in the building trade for over 25 years I have run my own business for 15 years I am very honest and totally reliable as my rating will prove .

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Reviewed by NOFX on 30/6/2025

The gentleman that came worked really hard to get it finished. He made a good job of it despite the poor instructors. So grateful for what he did.

Local company established 1968, all works personally undertaken and supervised, We carry out Tarmac - asphalt -slabs - decking - ground works -fencing -astroturf- concrete works and general groundworks - free estimates and friendly no pressure service

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Reviewed by Nicola on 12/1/2024

Brilliant communication with the work they were going to do. Completed the job on time and tidied up. Would definitely recommend and use again.

No job to small an eye for detail and professional advice and design assistance

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Reviewed by Simon on 13/11/2025

30 years of practice in construction. Building education

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Reviewed by Steve on 15/12/2021

An excellent job, professionally and tidily completed. Would recommend him to anyone.

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Reviewed by Angela on 21/3/2012

A very reliable, hardworking, clean and tidy couple of young men ( very hard to find today). Nothing too much trouble for them and very eager to please. Would have no hesitation in recommending to others. Although our wall seemed only a smallish job (front garden wall) the work carried out was first class. Thanks again Tim and Steve for a brilliant job well done!

Welcome to Fife Roofing and Repointing. we specialize in all aspects of roof coverings, in Fife, Lothians, dundee and Perthshire. References always available, H&S documentation, 10 year insurance backed guarantee on all new & re-roofing jobs and Atleast a 20 year guarantee from us. We also specialise in natural hydraulic lime pointing. We are fully insured and cover a 50 mile radius outside of Glenrothes.

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Reviewed by Jason on 3/8/2025

RT Property ServicesAREA(Leeds , Halifax, Huddersfield, Manchester, Bradford-all Yorkshire)-renovations, Painting &decorating , Wallpaper hanging, Plumbing, tilling, flooring-laminate/carpets, bathrooms installation , Fencing, maintenance Services.

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Reviewed by Denys on 15/11/2025

Rafa did an excellent job decorating the downstairs rooms of my house. He is very hardworking and thorough and cleaned up afterwards so that it was easy for me to put things back in place. I would certainly recommend him with confidence that he will do a great job for all his customers.

I HAVE BEEN IN BUSINESS FOR THE LAST 18 YEARS AND HAVE BUILT UP A GOOD REPUTATION IN ABERDEEN AND THE SURROUNDING AREA.I PRIDE MYSELF ON VALUE FOR MONEY,RELIABILITY AND EXCELLENT SERVICE.I CARRY OUT ALL ASPECTS OF BUILDING WORK AND ROOFING SERVICES.I SPECIALISE IN PATIOS AND LANDSCAPING.I ALSO UNDERTAKE MOST ASPECTS OF PLUMBING.

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Reviewed by Curt on 31/1/2024

Job completed quickly to a very good standard

We provide all types of Construction work: New Build Houses Property Renovation Garage, Loft and Barn Conversions All work is done to the highest standard

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Reviewed by Katy on 8/5/2023

Dave and Keith did a fantastic job on our extension and garage conversion. All work was completed at the agreed costs and to a high standard. Nice guys to work with, highly recommended.

We refurbish properties, be it a bathroom/ kitchen conversion including floor and wall tiling or aqua boarding, we can turn a large bedroom into a bedroom with en-suite. We can give you a full or part house clad with cement or composite board or a facia board and soffit removal and replacement or just a simple painting and refresh job, we also construct decking from start to finish using the very best materials. So in short we can accommodate most areas of refurbishment and for areas we cannot tackle we have time served contractors who we have used for several years who’s work we guarantee, we are also fully insured for that extra piece of mind.

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Reviewed by John on 6/10/2025

Excellent work carried out on my property , everything left clean and tidy , would definitely recommend , very friendly and easy to speak to , thankyou so much Wayne for all your hard work

We are a family owned business ,specialising in roofing and roofing repairs along with general maintenance and building.With over 80 years experience combined.We always strive to carry out your work requirements noto a especially high standard and take pride in our 5 star ratings and trusted trader quality.

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Reviewed by Tony on 1/10/2025

Job well done by a tradesman that takes pride in their work. Would be pleased to use Matty again on future jobs.

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