Learn more about building-demolition services on our dedicated page with a full price list and project portfolio. In this article we explain exactly how a demolition budget is formed, why quotes differ from one contractor to another, and what you—as the client—can do to optimise costs without sacrificing safety or deadlines.
Why do price quotes vary so much?
Comparing proposals from different contractors, you may notice price differences of up to 30 %. Это is perfectly normal: each company has its own equipment fleet, staff rates, insurance package and costing method. Yet the core cost drivers are identical for everyone—let us examine them.
Main cost-forming factors
1. Type and strength of the structure
A steel-reinforced concrete high-rise is far more expensive to dismantle than a timber cottage. Concrete and steel require heavy breakers, diamond cutting and reinforced safety measures.
2. Footprint and height of the building
A country house of 80 m² can be demolished by a small crew in two to three days. Removing a fifteen-storey dormitory will call for a tower crane, a long-arm excavator and an on-site crushing/screening unit—timelines and budgets rise accordingly.
3. Site accessibility
In historic city centres equipment struggles with narrow streets and limited swing radius. Contractors must coordinate road closures, use compact machinery and work to a strict municipal schedule.
4. Presence of utilities
All electricity, gas, water and data lines must be officially disconnected before work starts. Utility companies charge their own fees for shut-off and sealing.
5. Waste haulage and disposal
Demolition debris occupies large volumes. Ukrainian regulations require that it be transported to licensed landfills or recycling plants. The budget therefore includes container hire, loading, transport and disposal or recycling fees.
6. Demolition method
- Manual—more expensive per square metre but vital when adjoining load-bearing walls must remain intact.
- Mechanical—faster and cheaper on large sites, but possible only if there is free access for heavy plant.
- Combined—optimal balance: machines remove bulk sections, while a crew dismantles delicate areas by hand.
What a typical estimate includes
- Technical survey and demolition plan.
- Permits and local authority approvals.
- Site preparation: fencing, utility disconnects, equipment removal.
- Main demolition phase (mechanical / manual).
- Sorting and loading of construction debris.
- Transportation, disposal or recycling of waste.
- Final site clean-up.
Average price ranges by object type
- Timber house up to 100 m² — from 25 000 UAH
- Brick house (1–2 storeys) — from 45 000–60 000 UAH
- Industrial workshop or warehouse — from 90 000 UAH
- Multi-storey building — from 150 000 UAH
The figures are indicative. A detailed quote is issued after an engineer’s site visit.
Real-world case studies
Case 1. Timber cottage 70 m²
- Duration — 2 days
- Crew — 5 people, partly mechanised method
- Waste removed — 35 m³ in two truckloads
- Budget — 28 000 UAH
Case 2. Brick workshop 600 m²
- Duration — 8 days
- Equipment — 22-t excavator with breaker, wheel loader
- Waste — 450 m³, concrete crushed into aggregate
- Budget — 310 000 UAH
Case 3. Partial removal of a third floor in an office block
- Duration — 5 night shifts (ground-floor tenants were operating)
- Method — mainly manual with diamond-saw cutting
- Debris taken down via lift into containers
- Budget — 140 000 UAH
Common client mistakes
- Savings on project documentation. Lack of an approved plan often leads to fines or work stoppages.
- Ignoring underground utilities. Damaging a cable or gas main can double the budget overnight.
- No on-site waste sorting. Mixed debris is more expensive to dispose of.
- Hiring ad-hoc crews. Delays and hidden costs are almost guaranteed.
How to reduce overall costs
- Provide clear access for machinery and space for containers.
- Recycle concrete where possible—contractors often discount when they keep the rubble for aggregate.
- Bundle demolition and new-build services with one contractor.
- Fix scope and price in the contract to avoid overruns.
FAQ
Is waste haulage included in the price? Usually yes, but excess container trips are billed separately.
What documents will I receive? Work completion act, waste disposal certificates and photographic evidence of the cleared site.
Is design-author supervision required? For structures taller than 12 m we recommend involving a structural engineer to oversee staged load removal.
Conclusions
The cost of building demolition depends on materials, size, chosen method and waste logistics. Selecting a professional contractor with transparent budgets and modern machinery saves time and prevents unexpected expenses.
Need building demolition in Kyiv or nationwide?
Contact us for professional building-demolition services delivered on time and on budget. Initial consultation and engineer site visit are free of charge.