Demolition: what bids leave out
Demolition bids are often priced from a walk-through, and the exclusions do the real work. One bidder includes slab removal, utility cap-offs and dumpsters. Another prices interior gut only and excludes hazardous materials, utility disconnects, protection of what stays, and anything below the floor. Write down exactly what comes out before you compare.
Level your demolition bids with this checklist →
Standard scope checklist
Send this to every bidder and ask them to mark each line Included, Excluded or give an Add $. Silence is not inclusion.
| # | Scope item |
|---|---|
| 1 | Demolition scope per drawings: what is removed and what stays |
| 2 | Hazardous material survey (asbestos, lead) before demolition |
| 3 | Asbestos / lead abatement (often a separate licensed contractor) |
| 4 | Utility disconnects and cap-offs (electrical, gas, water, sewer) |
| 5 | Make-safe of electrical in areas being demolished |
| 6 | Interior partitions, ceilings and finishes |
| 7 | Flooring removal, including adhesive / mastic |
| 8 | Slab saw cutting and removal |
| 9 | Exterior structures, foundations and footings |
| 10 | Site paving, curbs and sidewalks |
| 11 | Protection of existing work to remain |
| 12 | Temporary shoring or bracing |
| 13 | Dust control and barriers in occupied buildings |
| 14 | Dumpsters, haul-off and disposal / tipping fees |
| 15 | Recycling or diversion documentation (if required) |
| 16 | Salvage of owner-retained items |
| 17 | Backfill of excavations after foundation removal |
| 18 | Demolition permits |
| 19 | Work hours and noise restrictions |
| 20 | Sales tax, bond and prevailing wage |
Common exclusions and how they are worded
| Exclusion | Typical wording | Why it matters | Typical cost to cover |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hazardous materials |
| Older buildings can contain asbestos or lead. A pre-demolition survey is commonly required, and abatement is usually a separate licensed contractor. Budget for both. | TBD |
| Utility disconnects |
| Power, gas and water must be safely disconnected before demolition. The demo contractor usually isn't licensed for that, so it falls to electrical, plumbing or the utility. | TBD |
| Slab & below-grade work |
| Interior-only bids often stop at the floor. Foundations and slabs are a different, more expensive scope. | TBD |
| Flooring & mastic |
| Old adhesive left on the slab can stop new flooring from going down. It can also be a hazardous material in older buildings. | TBD |
| Protection of existing work |
| On TIs, you need to protect whatever stays. Be clear about who protects it and who pays for damage. | TBD |
| Haul-off & disposal |
| Hauling and tipping fees can be a large part of the cost. A bid without them isn't a demo price. | TBD |
| Shoring & structural |
| Removing walls or structure may need temporary support and an engineer. If it isn't priced, demo can stall. | TBD |
| Salvage |
| If you want anything back (fixtures, doors, equipment), list it. Otherwise it goes in the dumpster. | TBD |
| Permits & hours |
| Demo permits and noise or hours restrictions in occupied or urban buildings affect cost and schedule. | TBD |
“Typical cost to cover” is TBD. We will publish ranges only once we have real, sourced data. Until then, use your own estimate or a confirmed add price from a bidder.
Questions to ask bidders
- Has a hazardous materials survey been done? Is any abatement in your number?
- Who disconnects and caps utilities, and who makes electrical safe?
- Does your scope include slab, foundation and footing removal? How much?
- Is flooring adhesive removal included?
- How will you protect items that remain, and who pays for damage?
- Are dumpsters, haul-off and tipping fees included?
- Is any shoring or engineering needed, and is it included?
- Which owner items will you salvage, and where will they go?
Bid-ready demolition contractors
Contractors who agree to price against the standard checklist above, with exclusions spelled out line by line. Listings are not live yet.
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Bids on the BidGaps checklist
Featured listing
Your company · City, ST
Bids on the BidGaps checklist