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Most people only hire a demolition contractor once or twice in their lifetime, so knowing what’s fair, what’s required by law, and what the real numbers look like is important. Demolition pricing online can feel inconsistent or confusing, especially when you’re getting quotes that range from “a few thousand dollars” all the way up to fifteen or twenty thousand.

This guide breaks down what demolition normally costs in Central Arkansas, what affects the price, and what happens from the moment you reach out to the final cleanup.

This is a practical, straightforward walkthrough with no upsells or filler — just accurate information that homeowners can use to make informed decisions.

What Happens After You Request a Quote

Demolition companies start by gathering the basic information needed to understand the job. Most will ask for:

• The address

• The type of structure

• Size/square footage

• Whether it’s burned, damaged, or still full of contents

• A few photos showing all sides

From this, the contractor can estimate debris volume, safety concerns, landfill needs, and equipment requirements. If the home is older, an asbestos inspection must be done before demolition.

Understanding the Asbestos Requirement in Arkansas

Arkansas law requires an asbestos inspection before any residential or commercial demolition unless the home falls under specific exemptions. Most structures do not qualify for exemptions, so inspection is standard.

Testing is done by a licensed environmental firm, not the demolition contractor. The results typically come back within a few days. If asbestos is present, the material must be properly removed before demo can begin.

Utility Verification and Safety Steps

Before demolition day, utilities must be handled correctly. This includes:

• Electricity disconnected

• Gas capped or shut off at the main

• Water shut off

• Septic or sewer considerations

• Confirmation everything is safe

No reputable contractor will begin work until utilities are verified.

The 10-Day Intent to Demolish

Most counties and cities in Arkansas require a 10-day notification before a structure can be torn down. This applies even when the building is already burned or collapsed. The notice is part of the legally required process and built into standard scheduling.

Scheduling the Demolition

Once asbestos testing, utility confirmation, and the Intent to Demolish have been completed, the demolition date is scheduled. Most mobile home demolitions and smaller houses can be completed in one day. Larger, burned, or debris-heavy structures may take longer.

What Happens on Demo Day

A typical demolition includes:

• Controlled teardown using an excavator or skid steer

• Sorting metal, wood, concrete, and waste

• Loading debris into dumpsters or trucks

• Hauling debris to approved landfills or recycling sites

• Removing or breaking up slabs depending on the scope

• Rough grading the lot so it’s left clean and even

Before the crew leaves, a walkthrough is usually done to confirm the job is completed to scope.

Average Pricing for Mobile Home and House Demolition

Demolition pricing varies because each job produces different amounts of debris and requires different disposal methods. Here are the realistic ranges commonly seen in Central Arkansas — not inflated numbers or unrealistic national averages.

Mobile Home Demolition

Single-wide: $4,000–$6,500

Double-wide: $6,500–$9,500

Pricing depends on:

• Whether it’s burned or collapsed

• Whether it’s full of furniture and belongings

• Lot access

• Number of dumpsters needed

• Whether the frame must be hauled off separately

Mobile homes full of contents or severely damaged can generate two to three times the debris of a standard teardown.

Residential House Demolition

Most homes between 800–2,000 sq ft fall in the range of:

$8,000–$15,000

The factors affecting price include:

• Total debris volume

• Number of dumpsters

• Landfill fees

• Foundation removal

• Burn damage

• Additions, garages, or outbuildings

• Concrete or driveway removal

• Tight or difficult access for equipment

These costs generally include teardown, hauling, landfill fees, equipment time, and rough grading.

Why Prices Vary Even on Same-Size Homes

Two houses with the same square footage can have completely different debris volumes.

Examples:

• A home built in the 1960s may contain heavier, denser materials than a home built in the 2000s.

• Burned homes produce far more debris than intact structures.

• Homes filled with furniture can double the total waste.

• Homes with additions or multiple roof layers weigh significantly more.

This is why most reputable contractors ask to see photos or conduct a brief site visit before quoting.

Before the Job Is Considered Finished

A demolition job isn’t complete until:

• All debris is removed

• Slab or foundation work is addressed per the scope

• Metal is separated and recycled

• The pad is graded

• The property is cleaned and leveled

• A final walkthrough is done

This ensures the site is ready for new construction, sale, or long-term vacancy.

Final Thoughts: What Homeowners Should Know

Demolition pricing is based on real expenses — debris, landfill rates, equipment, fuel, and required safety steps. The numbers shared above are not “discount specials” or unrealistic estimates. They represent what most homeowners in Central Arkansas can expect to pay for legal, safe, fully compliant demolition work.

Anyone giving extremely low demolition prices is usually skipping critical steps like asbestos testing, utility verification, proper disposal, or pulling the required notifications — all things that can create serious legal or environmental issues for a homeowner.

Being informed is the best way to avoid surprises and make sure the job is done correctly.