Wall removal can be an exciting way to spruce up your interior décor.
Fewer internal walls usher more natural light into your home, reducing shadows and dark corners. It also improves your indoor air quality by enhancing air circulation.
Besides, knocking down internal walls lets you create a versatile, open-floor layout that encourages better social interaction. You can monitor your kids playing, keep tabs on the food preparing in the kitchen, and even catch up on your favorite Netflix special, all from the same spot.
However, wall removal isn’t a decision to make on a whim. It calls for an in-depth cost-benefit analysis.
Weigh the aesthetic perks you stand to accrue by demolishing your internal walls vis-à-vis the total renovation costs. To help you make a prudent decision, we’ve prepared a comprehensive guide to the top cost elements associated with wall removal in Perth.
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Preparation Costs
1. Permits
Before flagging off a wall removal project, you must obtain relevant permits. Undertaking wall demolition without proper permits can result in unnecessary fines.
In Western Australia, you’ll require a Demolition Permit known as the BA5 to legally knock down walls in your property.
BA5 constitutes the first element when computing wall removal Perth cost. Standard charges are AUD 110, but may vary depending on the size and structure of the wall being demolished.
Besides a BA5 permit, you may also require WorkSafe Approval for high-risk demolitions. Inquire with the local municipality on the exact costs of a WorkSafe Approval permit.
2. Transport Mark-up
Wall demolition contractors often factor transport markup into their quotes, and then pass it on to their clients.
This shouldn’t be a problem if you’re hiring a company across the street. But if the demolition contractor has to travel several kilometers to get to your property, the transport markup can severely impact the project’s overall cost.
Note that Perth is a fairly large city. The Perth metropolitan area measures 6,418 square kilometres (2,478 square miles), with geographically distant neighborhoods like Singleton and Two Rocks sitting over 100 kilometers apart.
3. House Clearance
If you live in a rather small home, you might need to clear certain items while undertaking wall removal.
Bulkier electrical appliances and furniture may have to sit in the driveway in the meantime. To shield such items from the elements, you’ll require waterproof canvas or tarps.
A basic poly tarp will set you back $10 to $100, while some heavy-duty options can cost up to $400.
While investing in a weatherproof canvas may seem unnecessary, it’s an excellent decision where some of your valuables have to remain outside the house during the demolition work. It saves you from incurring hefty costs in repairing water-damaged household stuff.
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Factors Affecting Actual Wall Removal Costs
1. Wall Size and Complexity
Larger walls typically cost more to knock down than smaller ones. Ensure a wall demolition specialist visits your property and measures the target walls before issuing you with a quote.
Besides sheer size, walls vary in complexity.
Walls in multi-story buildings require more expertise to remove, which translates to higher demolition costs. The charges may even be higher if it’s a load-bearing wall housing plenty of utilities.
Again, insist on having a wall demolition contractor inspect your home before quoting for the project.
2. Wall Age
Older properties may contain traces of asbestos. Removing this toxic substance requires specialized procedures to minimize toxicity.
Therefore, you can expect the cost of demolishing asbestos walls to be substantially higher than regular walls. The standard rates for removing asbestos walls in Perth are $45 – $85 per square meter, with other factors held constant.
Even for non-asbestos walls, demolishing older walls is a high-risk procedure that calls for heightened caution. The target wall could collapse awkwardly and injure the contractors. Moreover, the pounding effect might compromise the integrity of adjacent walls and complicate the renovation project.
Demolition companies will factor all these nuances while quoting for wall removal.
3. Load-bearing versus Non-load-bearing Walls
Load-bearing walls are costlier to remove than non-load-bearing ones, since they require extra skill and manpower.
In most instances, a wall removal technician will make structural modifications to maintain the property’s stability, such as mounting temporary beams and upgrading existing support.
The fees for demolishing load-bearing walls in Perth start from $1,500. However, it can go up to $100,000 based on other parameters.
In contrast, non-load-bearing walls average $300 – $1,000.
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4. Wall Material and Utilities
Timber and drywalls are relatively easier to remove than concrete and brick walls. The easier the work, the lower the demolition fees.
Besides the construction material, consider the utilities in the wall cavity.
Does the wall house electrical wiring, plumbing fixtures, or HVAC systems? If yes, these utilities may have to be rerouted to adjacent walls, compounding the project’s total cost.
Damage to a single electric wire or water pipe can have far-reaching implications. So, you want a contractor who can safely reroute the connections during the wall removal work.
5. Labor Costs
Labor constitutes the most significant wall demolition cost, usually accounting for at least one-third of the project’s total cost.
Wall removal companies in Western Australia typically charge $20 – $30 per square meter. Expectedly, the actual cost will depend on other factors at play, including the project’s scope and complexity.
One way to minimize wall removal charges is to insist on having the work done by the prime contractor rather than a subcontractor.
Before engaging a demolition expert, ensure they have a skilled in-house team to undertake the project.
6. Post-demolition Work
Wall demolition doesn’t end with the mere felling of a wall.
After the removal work is done, a new wall may need to be constructed in the same spot. This is often the case if you’re knocking down an older wall whose continued existence jeopardizes your property’s structural integrity.
Even if you don’t intend to rebuild a new wall, you’ll need to do some plastering and painting work on sections of adjoining walls. All these will impact the total wall removal cost.
It’s best to hire a wall demolition company with expertise in building and construction. That way, you won’t incur significant costs engaging a different home renovation contractor.
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Managing Wall Removal Costs Like a Pro
Wall removal is a resource-intensive home renovation, and costs can quickly run into thousands of dollars. Keeping the above factors in mind will enable you to determine whether to go ahead with a scheduled wall demolition project or not.
Remember to consult widely with a licensed wall removal specialist before working out a suitable budget. Besides, you can manage demolition costs by comparing quotes across multiple contractors and picking the most competitive offer.
