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Demolition FAQ
Sydney & Newcastle

Everything you need to know about house demolition — costs, permits, asbestos, timeline and more.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does house demolition cost in Sydney?

House demolition in Sydney costs between $18,000 and $28,000 for a standard 3-bedroom home, depending on construction type (single brick, double brick, fibro), size and site conditions. All Direct Demolition prices include asbestos removal, concrete removal, site clearance and a clearance certificate.

Is asbestos removal included in the price?

At Direct Demolition, yes — always. Asbestos removal is included in every demolition quote. You will not receive a surprise bill for asbestos. We are licensed to remove both bonded and friable asbestos.

Do I need council approval to demolish a house in NSW?

Yes. In NSW you need either a Complying Development Certificate (CDC) or a Development Application (DA) approved before demolition can begin. Most standard knockdowns qualify for a CDC which is faster — typically 10 business days.

How long does demolition take?

The physical demolition of a standard house takes 2–5 days. The full process from booking to cleared site — including permits, service disconnections and asbestos work — typically takes 3–6 weeks.

Do I need to disconnect utilities before demolition?

Yes. Gas, electricity, water and NBN must be disconnected before demolition starts. We'll advise you on which providers to contact as part of your free quote.

Do you demolish fibro houses?

Yes. We demolish fibro houses daily across Sydney and Newcastle. Fibro homes built before 1987 almost always contain asbestos — which is included in our fixed price. No extra charges.

Can you remove just the pool without demolishing the house?

Yes. Pool-only removal starts from $5,500 inc. GST. We break up the concrete shell, remove all equipment, fill and compact the void ready for your landscaper or builder.

Do you provide a clearance certificate after demolition?

Yes — included in every demolition. Your builder and certifier will need this before construction can begin.

Do you remove the concrete slab?

Yes. Concrete slab and footings removal is included in our standard pricing. The site is cleared and levelled, ready for your builder.

Can you work with my builder directly?

Yes. We coordinate with KDR builders regularly and can deliver the clearance certificate your builder needs to start construction.

What areas do you service?

All of Sydney — Hills District, Western Sydney, Parramatta, Penrith, Liverpool, Blacktown, North Shore, Eastern Suburbs and Inner West. Plus Newcastle, Maitland, Lake Macquarie, Cessnock and the Hunter Valley.

Are you licensed and insured?

Yes. Licensed demolisher Nasr Boumerhi, Licence No. AD214611. Direct Demolition Pty Ltd holds $20M public liability insurance.

How quickly can I get a quote?

Written fixed-price quotes within 24 hours. Call 0451 117 275 or fill in the form below.

What happens if asbestos is found during demolition?

We assess all homes before starting. Because asbestos removal is included in our quote, there are no surprise charges. We are fully licensed to handle and dispose of it safely and legally.

What's the difference between a CDC and a DA?

A CDC is faster (10 business days) and suits most standard knockdowns. A DA is required for heritage-listed properties, complex sites or when council discretion is needed — it can take 2–6 months. We'll advise which one you need.

Still Have Questions?

Get a free written quote and we'll answer everything on the call. No obligation.

✅ Fixed-price written quote within 24hrs
✅ Asbestos removal always included
✅ Licensed demolisher AD214611