Knockdown rebuild? Clearing an old house for redevelopment? Tearing down a garage or shed? You need a professional demolition company — not a bloke with a sledgehammer. At Dial A Tipper, we provide licensed, insured demolition services across Canberra and surrounding areas. From small internal strip-outs to full house demolitions, we handle the job safely, legally, and with minimal impact on your neighbours.
From $69 per 4.5 cubic metre tipper load for waste removal. Full demolition projects quoted on scope.
Call 1300 716 716 for a free quote — we assess your site and provide a fixed price with no surprises.
What Demolition Services Do We Provide?
Dial A Tipper provides licensed, insured residential and commercial demolition services across Canberra, including full house demolition, garage and shed demolition, internal strip-outs, partial demolition, and swimming pool removal. We also handle commercial demolition including office strip-outs, retail defits, warehouse clearances, and restaurant fitouts. Site clearance services cover concrete removal, fence demolition, tree removal, and asbestos coordination.
We handle demolition projects of all sizes across Canberra:
Residential demolition:
- Full house demolition — single-storey and double-storey homes
- Garage and shed demolition — standalone garages, carports, garden sheds
- Internal strip-outs — removing non-structural walls, ceilings, floors, and fixtures
- Partial demolition — removing extensions, verandahs, or specific rooms
- Swimming pool demolition — filling in or removing old pools
Commercial demolition:
- Office strip-outs — partitions, workstations, ceiling grids, flooring
- Retail defits — shop fittings, shelving, signage, counters
- Warehouse and industrial — mezzanines, racking, partitions
- Restaurant and hospitality — kitchen equipment, bar fitouts, dining furniture
Site clearance:
- Concrete and slab removal — driveways, footpaths, foundations
- Fence demolition — timber, Colorbond, brick, and concrete fences
- Tree and stump removal — clearing blocks for development
- Asbestos removal coordination — we work with licensed asbestos and hazardous materials disposal specialists
For office-specific strip-outs, see our office strip out Canberra guide.
How Much Does Demolition Cost in Canberra?
Demolition costs in Canberra range from $1,500–$5,500 for a single room internal strip-out to $25,000–$70,000 for a two-storey house demolition. The average house demolition in Canberra costs around $20,000, or roughly $40–$150 per square metre depending on size and access. Asbestos removal adds $3,500–$25,000+ if present in pre-1990 homes. Dial A Tipper quotes per project — call 1300 716 716 for a site assessment and fixed-price quote.
Demolition costs depend on the size of the structure, materials, access, and whether hazardous materials are present. Here is the 2026 pricing for the ACT:
| Demolition Type | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Internal strip-out (single room) | $1,500–$5,500 |
| Whole-house internal strip-out | $6,000–$25,000 |
| Garage and shed demolition | $3,500–$15,000 |
| Single-storey house demolition | $15,000–$45,000 |
| Two-storey house demolition | $25,000–$70,000 |
| Average house demolition (Canberra) | ~$20,000 |
Industry sources indicate that demolishing a standard three-bedroom home in Australia costs around $17,000 on average, or roughly $40–$150 per square metre depending on size, access, and construction type. Canberra tends to sit at the higher end due to stricter ACT regulations and the prevalence of asbestos in older homes.
What affects the price:
- Size of the structure — larger buildings mean more labour, more waste, and more time
- Construction materials — brick and concrete cost more to demolish than timber
- Asbestos presence — pre-1990 Canberra homes almost always contain asbestos, which adds $3,500–$25,000+ to the project
- Access — tight blocks, narrow streets, and overhead power lines complicate demolition
- Permits and compliance — ACT demolition permits, asbestos clearances, and safety requirements
- Waste disposal — all demolition waste must go to licensed facilities
At Dial A Tipper, we quote per project. Call 1300 716 716 for a site assessment and fixed-price quote.
Do I Need a Demolition Permit in Canberra?
Yes — any structural demolition in Canberra requires Development Approval (DA) followed by Building Approval (BA) through ACT Planning, and you must notify WorkSafe ACT at least 5 business days before demolition begins. This applies to removing load-bearing walls, demolishing entire buildings, and removing garages, sheds, or carports. Internal strip-outs of non-structural walls, ceilings, and fixtures generally do not need DA/BA approval.
Yes — for any structural demolition. The ACT requires Development Approval (DA) and Building Approval (BA) before work begins, plus advance notice to WorkSafe ACT. Here is what you need to know:
When you need DA and BA:
- Removing load-bearing walls
- Demolishing an entire building or structure
- Removing a garage, shed, or carport
- Partial demolition that affects structural elements
When you do NOT need approval:
- Internal strip-outs (non-structural walls, ceilings, floors)
- Removing fixtures, fittings, and cabinetry
- Removing non-structural fences (under certain conditions)
Approval process:
- Engage a licensed demolition contractor and, for BA, a licensed building certifier
- Obtain an asbestos assessment (mandatory for pre-1990 buildings)
- Lodge a Development Application (DA) with ACT Planning
- Once DA is approved, obtain Building Approval (BA) and a commencement notice
- Notify WorkSafe ACT at least 5 business days before demolition work begins
- Disconnect services (power, gas, water, telecoms) before work starts
Fees for DA and BA vary depending on the scope and value of the project — Access Canberra can confirm current fees for your application. Processing times vary, so allow several weeks for approvals before demolition can begin.
The Capital Demolition Services Canberra guide has detailed information on ACT demolition requirements.
What About Asbestos in Canberra Homes?
If your Canberra home was built before 1990, it almost certainly contains asbestos in fibro wall sheeting, eaves, ceiling tiles, vinyl floor tiles, or bathroom waterproofing membranes. Before any demolition, you must get an asbestos assessment ($300–$600), engage a licensed asbestos removalist ($3,500–$25,000+), and obtain a clearance certificate. Disturbing asbestos without proper assessment is illegal under ACT WorkSafe regulations.
If your home was built before 1990, it almost certainly contains asbestos. Canberra has a high rate of asbestos-containing materials in homes from the 1940s through the 1980s. Common locations include:
- Fibro wall sheeting (internal and external)
- Eaves and soffits
- Ceiling tiles and insulation
- Vinyl floor tiles and backing
- Bathroom waterproofing membranes
- Fencing materials
Before any demolition:
- Get an asbestos assessment — a licensed assessor inspects the property and identifies all asbestos-containing materials ($300–$600)
- Engage a licensed asbestos removalist — they remove and dispose of asbestos safely ($3,500–$25,000+ depending on extent)
- Obtain a clearance certificate — the assessor confirms all asbestos has been removed before demolition begins
Disturbing asbestos without proper assessment is illegal under ACT WorkSafe regulations. Fines can be significant, and more importantly, asbestos fibres cause serious lung diseases including mesothelioma.
We coordinate with licensed asbestos removalists across Canberra. We handle the general demolition and waste removal once asbestos has been safely cleared.
What Happens to Demolition Waste?
Demolition waste is sorted for recycling at licensed Canberra facilities including Mugga Lane Resource Management Centre, Mitchell Resource Management Centre, and Canberra Construction Recyclers (CCR). Over 80% of a typical demolition can be recycled or reused — concrete and masonry are crushed for fill, metal goes to recyclers, clean timber goes to recycling or biomass processing, and plasterboard goes to gypsum recycling.
Demolition generates a lot of waste — concrete, brick, timber, metal, plasterboard, and mixed debris. We sort everything.
- Concrete and masonry — crushed and reused as fill or aggregate at licensed facilities
- Metal — steel, copper, aluminium all go to metal recyclers
- Timber — clean timber goes to recycling or biomass processing. Treated timber goes to licensed disposal
- Plasterboard — gypsum recycling where facilities accept it
- Green waste — trees, stumps, and vegetation go to green waste processing
- General waste — only items that cannot be recycled go to licensed landfill
We use Mugga Lane Resource Management Centre, Mitchell Resource Management Centre, and Canberra Construction Recyclers (CCR) for disposal. All waste is tracked and disposed of in compliance with ACT EPA regulations.
We recycle what we can — demolition waste has one of the highest recycling rates of any waste stream. Over 80% of a typical demolition can be recycled or reused. Read more about our sustainable demolitionpractices.
How Long Does a Demolition Take?
A garage or shed demolition in Canberra takes 1–2 days, a single-storey house demolition takes 3–5 days, and a two-storey house demolition takes 5–10 days. Commercial strip-outs range from 2–5 days for small projects to 2–4 weeks for full commercial demolition. These timelines do not include asbestos removal, permit processing, or site remediation — allow extra time for these.
| Project | Duration |
|---|---|
| Garage or shed demolition | 1–2 days |
| Single-storey house demolition | 3–5 days |
| Two-storey house demolition | 5–10 days |
| Commercial strip-out (small) | 2–5 days |
| Commercial strip-out (large floor) | 1–2 weeks |
| Full commercial demolition | 2–4 weeks |
Timelines do not include asbestos removal, permit processing, or site remediation. Allow extra time for these.
Why Choose a Licensed Demolition Company?
A licensed, insured demolition company protects you, your property, and your neighbours from the dangers of falling debris, asbestos exposure, structural collapse, and heavy machinery risks. Dial A Tipper has been providing demolition and waste removal services across Canberra for over 10 years — fully licensed, insured, and experienced in ACT regulations. Look for an ACT demolition licence, public liability insurance, asbestos coordination capability, and waste compliance at licensed facilities.
Demolition is dangerous work. Falling debris, asbestos exposure, structural collapse, and heavy machinery all pose serious risks. A licensed, insured demolition company protects you, your property, and your neighbours.
What to look for:
- Licensed — holds a current ACT demolition licence
- Insured — public liability and workers compensation insurance
- Asbestos-capable — can coordinate asbestos assessment and removal
- Waste-compliant — disposes of all waste at licensed facilities
- Local experience — understands ACT regulations, council requirements, and Canberra conditions
- References — can provide examples of similar completed projects
Dial A Tipper has been providing demolition and waste removal services across Canberra for over 10 years. We are fully licensed and insured, and we handle every project with safety and compliance as our top priorities.
Demolition Services Across Canberra
Dial A Tipper provides demolition services across every Canberra district, including Belconnen, Tuggeranong, Gungahlin, Woden Valley, Inner North, Inner South, and new development areas like Denman Prospect, Whitlam, Wright, and Coombs. We also service Queanbeyan, Jerrabomberra, Googong, and Karabar. Our team understands ACT regulations, council requirements, and Canberra conditions.
We provide demolition services across every Canberra district:
- Belconnen — Belconnen, Bruce, Cook, Florey, Hawker, Higgins, Holt, Latham, Macgregor, Page, Scullin
- Tuggeranong — Tuggeranong, Calwell, Chisholm, Conder, Fadden, Gilmore, Kambah, Monash, Wanniassa
- Gungahlin — Gungahlin, Amaroo, Bonner, Casey, Crace, Franklin, Forde, Harrison, Ngunnawal, Nicholls
- Woden Valley — Woden, Curtin, Farrer, Hughes, Lyons, Mawson, Pearce, Phillip, Torrens
- Inner North — Braddon, Dickson, Downer, Lyneham, O’Connor, Reid, Turner, Ainslie
- Inner South — Kingston, Manuka, Griffith, Narrabundah, Barton, Forrest, Deakin, Red Hill
- New developments — Denman Prospect, Whitlam, Wright, Coombs, Molonglo Valley, Throsby, Taylor
- Queanbeyan and surrounds — Queanbeyan, Jerrabomberra, Googong, Karabar
Need demolition services in Canberra? We cover the entire ACT and surrounding NSW regions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to demolish a house in Canberra?
A standard single-storey house demolition costs $15,000–$45,000. The average in Canberra is around $20,000. Two-storey homes cost $25,000–$70,000. Asbestos removal adds $3,500–$25,000+ if present.
Do I need a permit to demolish a house in Canberra?
Yes. Any structural demolition requires Development Approval (DA) and Building Approval (BA) through ACT Planning, plus at least 5 business days’ notice to WorkSafe ACT before work begins. Internal strip-outs (non-structural) generally do not need approval. Fees vary by project scope — Access Canberra can confirm current fees.
How long does it take to demolish a house?
A single-storey house takes 3–5 days of physical demolition. Two-storey homes take 5–10 days. Allow extra time for asbestos removal, permits, and site remediation.
Can you handle asbestos during demolition?
We coordinate with licensed asbestos removalists who handle the asbestos before we begin demolition. We do not remove asbestos directly — that requires a specialist licence.
What happens to the demolition waste?
We sort all waste — concrete, metal, timber, and plasterboard are recycled. Only true waste goes to licensed landfill. Over 80% of a typical demolition is recycled or reused.
Do you do partial demolition?
Yes. We handle partial demolition including removing extensions, verandahs, specific rooms, garages, and sheds. We also do internal strip-outs for renovation preparation.
Key Takeaways
- Professional demolition in Canberra costs $15,000–$45,000 for a single-storey house and $25,000–$70,000 for two-storey.
- Asbestos assessment is mandatory for any building constructed before 1990.
- Development Approval (DA) and Building Approval (BA) from ACT Planning are required for structural demolition, plus 5 business days’ notice to WorkSafe ACT before work begins.
- Over 80% of demolition waste can be recycled — concrete, metal, timber, and plasterboard.
- Dial A Tipper provides licensed, insured demolition and waste removal across Canberra.
- Call 1300 716 716 for a site assessment and fixed-price quote.
Planning a demolition project? Let us assess your site and provide a fixed-price quote. Call Dial A Tipper on 1300 716 716 — licensed, insured, and experienced in Canberra demolition.