Shed Demolition and Removal 101

Updated March 11, 2024

Removing an old shed from your property has many benefits, from improving your home's value to increasing your usable yard space and making your property a safer place to be in some cases.

Shed demolition isn't complicated, but if you're determining whether or not to tear down your shed, you're likely wondering how it's done, who to hire to get it done, and how much it will cost.

In this shed demolition guide, we'll answer all of your shed removal questions so you can feel prepared and hire the best shed removal company for the best price.

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Shed Removal Process

The shed demolition process is relatively simple, but there's more than one way to get it done.

The two most common ways of removing a shed are:

Demolishing it with a backhoe or excavator
Deconstructing it by hand to salvage materials

Shed Demolition

This is the most common form of shed removal, and most professionals will use a backhoe or an excavator to get the job done.

Of course, your shed should first be emptied of any inside contents that you want to save, like lawn equipment, kids' toys, gardening tools, etc.

Once that's done, the next steps can take place...

Step 1: Disconnect Utilities

If there are any utilities inside the shed, like electricity or plumbing, those will need to be shut off and disconnected first.

Step 2: Clear the Surrounding Area

A final preparation step is clearing the surrounding area of any items or plants you don't want to be damaged in the demolition process.

Step 3: Set up the Disposal Method

The debris that will result from this shed demolition will need to have a place to go. In most cases, that's a temporary roll-off dumpster or a dumpster trailer.

When reaching out to different shed removal pros for quotes, we recommend asking them their plans for debris disposal and whether or not it will be included in the shed demolition quote.

If they don't include debris disposal in their services, you'll have to pay to rent a dumpster or haul the debris to the landfill yourself, which will be something to consider when choosing which contractor's services and pricing are right for you.

Step 4: Demolish the Shed

Now that preparation work is done, the demolition can happen. Typically this is as simple as going at the roof with an excavator or at the side of the shed with a backhoe and completely bulldozing it.

Step 5: Load and Dispose of the Debris

Once demolished—or as it's demolished—the shed debris is loaded into a dumpster so it can be hauled away and properly disposed of, leaving you with a completely clear space.

Read on: Demolition 101: A Beginner's Guide to Demo

Shed Deconstruction

pile of wood debris from shed demolition

If your shed has salvageable materials, deconstructing the shed may be another option worth considering.

When it comes to physically breaking down your shed by hand, it's safest and best practice for the person doing the work to start at the top and work their way down (with the exception of entrances, exits, and windows).

Just like with demolition, if electricity or other utilities run to your shed, you'll need to have them shut off before starting deconstruction.

Step 1: Remove Windows

Remove any trim around the interior and exterior of the window.
Remove any window jambs/frame pieces holding the window panes in place, and carefully remove the window sashes.
Pry the window frame from the wall opening.

Step 2: Take Off Doors

With the door closed, tap the hinge pins loose (they should pop up an inch or two) by tapping on the bottom of the pin with a hammer and nail.
Once loose, pull them out with your fingers, or use a flat-head screwdriver to drive up on the underside of the pin.
Place a piece of cardboard or a protective sheet underneath the door to protect the floor, and carefully lift the door off the hinges.

Step 3: Tear Off Roof

Taking the proper safety precautions, carefully strip shingles off the shed's roof.
Disassemble the wooden framework of your roof be removing nails then prying them up.

Step 4: Tear Down Walls

Remove any existing drywall by first sawing a line from one end of the wall to the other, minding the studs, and then firmly but carefully removing it by hand. With some luck, it will rip off relatively easily, in big pieces.
Once all drywall in the shed is removed, you can begin prying apart/removing the walls one-by-one.

Step 5: Rip Up Floors

If there's wood flooring, pry it up using a pry bar or flooring tool.
If there is no flooring, just a concrete slab, this will have to be broken up and removed (if you don't wish to leave it in place). You can do this by hiring a contractor, or renting the proper equipment and handling it yourself.

Keep reading:

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Average Cost to Remove Shed

The average cost for shed demolition is $600-$2,000 on average, including debris disposal.

However, your exact shed demolition could cost more or less depending on several factors, like:

Size and location of the shed
Materials used to build the shed
Whether the demolition is done using heavy machinery or by hand
Whether or not the shed has a concrete foundation that needs to be removed
Whether or not the shed is empty
Who you hire

Removing a shed that's located in areas with a higher cost of living will be more expensive than doing so in areas with a lower cost of living.

The accessibility of the shed and where your shed is located on your property plays a role in pricing, too. The more accessible the shed is, the easier and less expensive it will be to remove. If your shed is difficult to access with demolition equipment, it will require more effort to complete, and therefore, will be more expensive. If the shed is anchored to a concrete slab, it will be more expensive to have removed.

Also, if the shed has utilities, like plumbing, electricity, or gas, those will have to be disconnected, perhaps removed, and that additional labor will be reflected in the price.

If your municipality requires that your project has a permit, the permit fee may also increase your overall cost.

Your exact project cost will depend on these factors, and the best way to get an accurate estimate for your demolition project is to reach out to multiple contractors in your area for a quote. This will not only help ensure you get the best price but also allows you to choose the best contractor for the job, not just the cheapest.