Whether you are opening up a kitchen, adding an ensuite, or re-imagining a living space, removing an interior wall is often the first move. Yet many homeowners are surprised by the wide range of wall demolition cost figures they hear from contractors. At CountBricks, we generate real-time voice-driven estimates that clarify every expense before the first hammer swings. This guide breaks down those costs and shows how CountBricks keeps your budget on target.
• Load-bearing walls require temporary supports, structural engineering and extensive inspections.
• Non-load-bearing walls involve simpler removal and patching work.
• Standard drywall on wood studs costs less to demolish than plaster, brick veneer or concrete block.
• Taller or extra-thick walls increase debris volume and labor hours.
• Plumbing stacks, HVAC ducting and electrical runs hidden inside the wall must be relocated or capped.
• CountBricks AI instantly pulls current trade labor rates so you see the exact premium for licensed specialists.
• Tight hallways, finished flooring that needs protection, and multi-story access all influence setup time.
• Our on-site voice capture lets you note challenges while CountBricks recalculates totals in seconds.
• Cities such as Los Angeles often require a demolition permit and proof of safe disposal.
• Dump fees are calculated by weight; older plaster walls with wire lath weigh up to 12 lbs per sq ft.
Using thousands of projects in the CountBricks database, we see these typical 2024 price brackets:
• Non-load-bearing drywall partition: $8 – $12 per square foot
• Load-bearing stud wall with beam install: $18 – $25 per square foot
• Brick or block wall removal: $25 – $40 per square foot
These figures include labor, debris haul-off, basic surface patching and site protection. They exclude structural beams, finish carpentry and repainting, which are added automatically when you build a full scope in the CountBricks app.
• Asbestos or lead abatement in pre-1980 surfaces
• Upgraded electrical panels when circuits are redistributed
• Floor refinishing where wall plates are removed
• Engineering letters required by mortgage lenders
Because CountBricks cross-checks local code libraries and material assemblies, our estimates flag these extras early—saving painful change orders later.
1. Open a new project in the CountBricks mobile or desktop dashboard.
2. Speak your room dimensions; AI speech recognition converts them into takeoff measurements.
3. Identify the wall type (“2×4 load-bearing with drywall both sides” or “3½-inch CMU partition”).
4. Note any visible MEP services; CountBricks auto-applies the correct trade allowances.
5. Instantly receive a line-item estimate with labor hours, debris weight, permit pricing and contingency.
6. Generate a branded PDF quote or export to your accounting software with one click.
• Salvage existing studs for minor non-load-bearing removals when possible.
• Schedule demolition and beam installation on the same day to reduce temporary support rental.
• Combine multiple wall removals in one permit to avoid duplicate fees.
• Request off-peak dump hours for lower tipping charges in some municipalities.
• Remove baseboard and electrical plates yourself to cut labor minutes.
• Lay down reusable hardboard instead of disposable plastic sheeting.
• Photograph hidden utilities before closing walls—future remodels become easier.
• Rent a HEPA air scrubber; dust mitigation helps avoid costly cleaning bills.
• Always keep structural inspection reports for resale disclosure.
• Live voice entry speeds up the walk-through by 40 % compared to manual note-taking.
• AI cost engine updates regional labor rates weekly, reflecting union changes and fuel surcharges.
• Seamless hand-off to CountBricks.com/services for permit filing, engineering and full remodel packages.
• Transparent audit trail increases homeowner trust and wins more bids.
If you have a wall standing between your current layout and your dream floor plan, let CountBricks show you the financial roadmap. Visit CountBricks.com/consultation to book a free 15-minute call, or explore recent transformations in our project gallery at CountBricks.com/portfolio.
A Los Angeles homeowner asked CountBricks to remove two adjoining non-load-bearing partitions separating the kitchen, dining and living rooms. The goals were improved sightlines and space for a kitchen island.
• Partition drywall and framing removal: 280 sq ft at $10.20 per sq ft
• Utility relocation (one HVAC return, two electrical circuits): $1,450
• Permit and inspection package: $540
• Debris haul-off (2.3 tons at local rate): $285
• Surface patching and texture blend: $960
Total wall demolition cost forecast by CountBricks: $6,185
1. Voice-driven takeoff completed on-site in under five minutes.
2. CountBricks integrated the city’s new Clean Fuel surcharge automatically, avoiding a mid-project surprise.
3. Real-time collaboration with the electrician updated the estimate while walking the site, shortening approval cycles by two days.
• Walls down and rough utilities rerouted in one workweek.
• Homeowner gained 178 sq ft of contiguous living space.
• Final invoice matched the original CountBricks estimate within 1.8 %—well below industry variance averages.
• Engage a structural engineer even for non-load walls if roof trusses bear nearby; their letter protects resale value.
• Schedule demolition during material lead times for cabinetry or flooring to compress the overall timeline.
• Use the CountBricks blueprint upload feature to pre-spot potential conflicts before stepping on site.
Visit CountBricks.com/services to explore our end-to-end remodel solutions, or connect directly with a demolition specialist through CountBricks.com/consultation. Accurate numbers today lead to smoother builds tomorrow.
