What to Look for When Hiring a Demolition Contractor in NZ
- Asbestos survey before any demolition on pre-2000 buildings
- WorkSafe asbestos removal licence if required
- Consent to demolish from council
- Waste disposal plan with documentation
- Neighbour and utility notification process
Red Flags to Watch Out For
- No asbestos survey offered for pre-2000 buildings
- No council consent mentioned
- Suspiciously cheap quote (skipping asbestos process)
- No waste manifest documentation
Typical Costs Across NZ
Internal strip-out: $3,000β$12,000. House demolition (small): $15,000β$35,000+. Asbestos removal: $80β$200/mΒ²
Costs vary significantly by city β Auckland and Queenstown are typically the most expensive, while Invercargill and Dunedin are among the most affordable.
Licensing Requirements
Asbestos removal over 10mΒ² requires a Class B or Class A asbestos removal licence from WorkSafe. Check the register β