How Much Does It Cost to Demolish a House in Edmonton? (A 2025 Cost Guide)

If you're planning a new build or an infill project in Edmonton, one of the first and most critical questions you'll ask is: "How much will it cost to demolish the existing house?" It's a crucial number for budgeting, and while every project is unique, understanding the factors that influence the price is key.

As Edmonton's trusted demolition experts, we at All West Demolition believe in transparency. While some contractors might give you a vague, lowball number over the phone, the reality is that an accurate estimate requires a closer look. This guide will break down the key factors that determine the real cost of residential demolition in Edmonton and across Alberta, so you can budget with confidence.

The Short Answer: What’s the Ballpark Range?

For a standard single-family home in the Edmonton area, the cost of demolition can typically range from $10,000 to $30,000+.

This is a wide range because nearly every project has unique variables. A simple, small bungalow on an open lot will be on the lower end, while a large, complex home with hazardous materials in a tight infill neighbourhood will be at the higher end. Let's break down exactly where that money goes.

The Key Factors That Determine Your Demolition Cost in Edmonton

Your final quote will be a combination of the following critical elements. A professional demolition contractor will assess each of these during a site visit.

1. Size and Type of the House

This is the most straightforward factor. A larger, 2,500 sq. ft. two-story home requires more labour, larger equipment, and creates more debris than a 900 sq. ft. bungalow. The complexity of the structure, including attached garages or multiple additions, also plays a significant role.

2. Foundation Type (Basement or Slab?)

Removing a home built on a concrete slab is relatively simple. However, most homes in Edmonton have a full basement. The cost will increase to account for breaking up and removing the concrete foundation walls and floor, followed by excavating and backfilling the hole with clean fill to properly grade the lot.

3. Hazardous Materials (The Biggest Variable)

This is the most critical factor for both safety and cost, especially in Edmonton’s older homes.

• Asbestos: If your home was built before 1990, it is highly likely to contain asbestos. Alberta’s Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) regulations legally require that a home be tested for hazardous materials before demolition. If asbestos is found, a certified abatement team must be brought in for safe removal and disposal before demolition can begin. This is a specialized process that significantly impacts the final cost but is non-negotiable for safety and legal compliance.

• Other Hazards: Materials like lead paint, mould, and old oil tanks also require special handling and disposal, adding to the project cost.

4. Site Accessibility

How easily can we get heavy equipment to your property? A house on an open suburban lot is more accessible than a new infill project in a mature neighbourhood like Strathearn or Westmount, where tight property lines, overhead power lines, and protecting neighbouring homes require more precision, time, and planning.

5. Permits and City of Edmonton Fees

A demolition permit from the City of Edmonton is required for any project. The fees for these permits, along with potential utility disconnection charges, will be factored into the overall cost. A professional contractor will handle the entire permitting process for you.

6. Debris Disposal vs. Recycling

Simply hauling all materials to the landfill is one option, but modern, sustainable demolition involves much more. At All West Demolition, we prioritize recycling. We separate materials like wood, metal, and concrete on-site. We can even crush concrete into reusable aggregate, which is an environmentally friendly practice that can help offset high landfill tipping fees, ultimately providing better value for your project.

What Should a Professional Demolition Quote Include?

When you receive a quote from a reputable contractor, it shouldn’t be a single number on a napkin. It should be a detailed breakdown that includes:

• Cost of permits and fees

• Cost of any required hazardous material abatement

• Labour and equipment costs for the demolition

• Debris hauling and disposal/recycling fees

• Cost of backfilling and final site grading

• Proof of insurance and WCB coverage

Get an Accurate Quote for Your Edmonton Demolition Project

As you can see, the cost to demolish a house in Edmonton is more complex than a simple square-footage calculation. The only way to get a true, reliable number is to have a professional assess your specific property.

Don't risk your budget or safety on a guess. Choose a COR-certified and experienced local partner.

Contact All West Demolition today for a detailed, no-obligation estimate for your property in Edmonton or the surrounding Alberta area. We’ll provide a transparent quote that covers every aspect of your project, ensuring a safe and successful start to your new build.