Licensed Demolishers in Canberra, ACT
Demolisher Directory — Canberra, ACT
| Name | Licence # | Class | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| ANDREW HEGEDUES | 201493 | Class B | Expired |
| ASBESTOS REMOVAL PROJECTS PTY LTD | 2014164 | Class A | Expired |
Hiring a Demolisher in Canberra
Before hiring any demolisher in Canberra, use this checklist to protect yourself and ensure you're working with a properly licensed and insured professional.
- Confirm they hold the correct demolition licence class for the scope of work — Demolition licensing is tiered by scope. In Queensland, QBCC issues a Demolisher licence for structural demolition. In NSW, SafeWork issues Demolition Licences (Class 1 for unrestricted, Class 2 for up to 4 storeys). Confirm the licence class matches the scale of your project — a licence for low-rise strip-outs does not authorise multi-storey structural demolition.
- Ask to see the asbestos survey report before work starts — Australian WHS regulations require a hazardous materials survey before demolition of any structure built before 1990. The survey must be conducted by a licensed asbestos assessor, not by the demolition contractor themselves. Ask for a copy of the survey report and confirm the demolition methodology addresses any asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) identified.
- Check their Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) for your project — Demolition is classified as high-risk construction work under the model WHS Act. The demolisher must prepare a site-specific SWMS before work commences. Review the SWMS to confirm it addresses dust suppression, vibration management for neighbouring properties, traffic management, and an emergency response plan.
- Verify public liability insurance with a minimum $20 million cover — Demolition carries significant risk of damage to neighbouring properties from vibration, falling debris, and dust. Industry best practice is public liability insurance of at least $10–$20 million. Ask for a current certificate of currency and confirm the policy period covers your project dates.
- Ask about waste disposal and recycling rates — Responsible demolishers sort and recycle materials — timber, steel, concrete, and brick can all be recycled, reducing landfill levies that would otherwise increase your cost. Ask what percentage of materials they typically divert from landfill and where waste is disposed of. A reputable demolisher should achieve 70–90% recycling on a standard house demolition.
Get at least three quotes and compare not just price, but response time, warranty on workmanship, and whether the quote includes parts.
- Wants to start demolition without an asbestos survey — Any demolisher who proposes to begin work without a pre-demolition asbestos survey for a building constructed before 1990 is violating WHS regulations. This is not just a procedural issue — disturbing asbestos without proper controls creates a serious health risk for workers and neighbours. Walk away and report the contractor to your state WHS regulator.
- Cannot produce a current demolition licence — Unlicensed demolition is illegal in most Australian jurisdictions above certain thresholds. If the contractor cannot produce a current, verifiable demolition licence for the scope of your project, they are not legally authorised to perform the work — and your insurance may not cover any resulting damage.
- No written SWMS or site safety plan — Demolition is high-risk construction work. If a demolisher cannot provide a site-specific Safe Work Method Statement before work begins, it suggests a lack of safety management systems. This exposes you to liability as the property owner if a worker is injured on your site.
- Offers to dump waste "cheaply" at an unspecified location — Illegal dumping of demolition waste attracts significant fines that can follow the property owner as well as the contractor. If the demolisher is vague about where waste is going, cannot name the licensed waste facility, or quotes a suspiciously low price for waste disposal, they may be planning to dump illegally.
Typical Demolisher Costs in ACT
Hourly Rate
$75 – $130
Callout Fee
$105 – $215
Common Jobs
| Job | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Internal wall removal (non-structural) | $535 – $2140 |
| Bathroom strip-out | $1070 – $3210 |
| Full house demolition | $10700 – $32100 |
Related Directories
Demolishers in Nearby Suburbs
Other Trades in Canberra
Broader Areas
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to demolish a house in Australia?
A standard single-storey house demolition costs $12,000–$30,000 depending on size, location, access, and whether asbestos is present. Asbestos removal can add $5,000–$20,000 or more. A double-storey demolition typically costs $25,000–$50,000. Pool demolition and fill ranges from $5,000–$15,000. These prices include council permits, disconnection of services, and waste disposal but vary significantly between metro and regional areas.
Do I need council approval to demolish a house?
Yes. In most Australian councils, you need either a Development Application (DA) or a Complying Development Certificate (CDC) before demolishing a dwelling. The application typically requires a site plan, asbestos survey report, waste management plan, and in some areas, a dilapidation report of neighbouring properties. Heritage-listed properties may have additional restrictions or may not be approved for demolition at all.
What happens if asbestos is found during demolition?
If asbestos-containing materials are identified (which is likely for any Australian building constructed before 1990), work must stop until a licensed asbestos removalist handles the material. Friable asbestos (crumbly, higher risk) requires a Class A asbestos removal licence. Non-friable (bonded) asbestos, such as fibro sheeting, requires a Class B licence. The removalist must follow strict containment, air monitoring, and disposal procedures.
How long does a house demolition take?
A standard single-storey house demolition typically takes 3–7 working days from mobilisation to site clearance. This includes 1–2 days for asbestos removal (if present), 1–2 days for structural demolition, and 1–2 days for sorting, loading, and removing debris. Larger or multi-storey demolitions may take 2–4 weeks. Service disconnections (electricity, gas, water, sewer, telecommunications) must be completed before demolition begins and can take 2–6 weeks to arrange.
How do I verify a demolisher's licence in ACT?
You can verify any demolisher's licence using TradieVerify's free search tool or directly through the Access Canberra register. Enter the demolisher's name or licence number to confirm their licence status, class, and any disciplinary history.
How many licensed demolishers are in Canberra?
There are currently 2 licensed demolishers registered in Canberra, ACT. This data is sourced directly from the Access Canberra register and updated regularly.