Accurate demolition quoting balances four cost drivers: labour hours, equipment time, waste volume, and disposal fees. Professional Gold Coast and Brisbane strip out crews use square metre rates for standard work, then add line items for variables like access difficulty, asbestos risk and substrate grinding. A reliable fixed-scope quote should itemise each component so the client and contractor agree on exactly what is included before work starts.
The Four Cost Drivers
1. Labour Hours
Labour is typically the largest cost component:
- Crew rate: AUD 80 to 150 per hour per worker
- Typical small job crew: 2 workers
- Typical commercial defit crew: 3 to 6 workers
A 4-hour bathroom demo with 2 workers represents AUD 640 to 1,200 in labour alone.
2. Equipment Time
Specialised equipment is costed by hour or day:
| Equipment | Hire/Use Rate |
|---|---|
| Diamond grinder | AUD 200 to 400 per day |
| Ride-on scraper | AUD 400 to 700 per day |
| Chipping hammer with extraction | AUD 100 to 200 per day |
| HEPA industrial vacuum | AUD 100 to 200 per day |
| Skip bin (4 cubic metre) | AUD 350 to 500 |
| Skip bin (8 cubic metre) | AUD 600 to 900 |
3. Waste Volume
Estimate waste in cubic metres:
| Job Type | Typical Waste Volume |
|---|---|
| Small ensuite | 1 to 2 cubic metres |
| Family bathroom | 2 to 4 cubic metres |
| Kitchen | 2 to 5 cubic metres |
| Single room (40 sqm) flooring removal | 1 to 3 cubic metres |
| Full house strip out | 8 to 20 cubic metres |
| Commercial floor (300 sqm) | 10 to 25 cubic metres |
4. Disposal Fees
Queensland disposal levies as of 2026:
- General construction waste: AUD 75 to 105 per tonne
- Mixed waste: AUD 90 to 120 per tonne
- Asbestos: AUD 200 to 400 per tonne plus handling
Always check current rates with your local waste facility.
Square Metre Rates by Service Type
Industry-standard pricing on the Gold Coast and Brisbane:
| Service | Rate per sqm |
|---|---|
| Carpet removal | AUD 8 to 15 |
| Vinyl removal with adhesive | AUD 15 to 30 |
| Timber/bamboo floor removal | AUD 25 to 45 |
| Tile removal (residential) | AUD 30 to 60 |
| Tile removal (commercial heavy) | AUD 40 to 80 |
| Concrete grinding (light) | AUD 25 to 45 |
| Concrete grinding (epoxy/heavy) | AUD 40 to 80 |
| Wall lining removal | AUD 20 to 40 |
| Ceiling lining removal | AUD 25 to 50 |
Comparison: Quoting Approaches
| Approach | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Hourly rate | Flexible | Risk of scope creep, surprise costs |
| Square metre rate | Predictable per area | Doesn't account for unique conditions |
| Fixed-scope itemised | Clear, no surprises | Requires thorough site assessment |
| Cost-plus | Transparent | Requires trust and documentation |
The fixed-scope itemised approach is best for client-contractor relationships and accuracy.
The Itemised Quote Format
A professional quote should include:
- Site address and contact details
- Scope of works (each task as separate line item)
- Square metre measurements for each component
- Quantity of fixtures or items removed
- Labour hours estimate
- Equipment included
- Waste disposal included
- Exclusions (clearly listed)
- Variations process (how changes are handled)
- Payment terms
- Insurance certificates available on request
- Validity period (usually 30 days)
Common Quoting Mistakes
Underestimating Substrate Issues
Multi-layer flooring, thick mortar bedding, or hidden adhesive can double the time on the floor portion. Always inspect cores or get photos before quoting blind.
Skipping Asbestos Risk Pricing
Pre-1990 homes have asbestos potential. Either include "asbestos testing AUD 350 if required" or quote contingent on no asbestos.
Forgetting Access Time
Small lifts, tight stairs, parking issues add 10 to 30 percent labour time. Include site assessment access notes in the quote.
Underpricing Disposal
Disposal levies have increased significantly. Use current rates, not historical estimates.
No Contingency for Hidden Issues
Add 5 to 10 percent contingency to absorb minor unknowns. Larger surprises (structural damage, asbestos) trigger variations.
Sample Bathroom Demolition Quote Structure
SCOPE:
- Remove all fixtures (vanity, toilet, shower, bath, tapware): AUD 350
- Remove wall tiles and bedding (12 sqm at AUD 50/sqm): AUD 600
- Remove floor tiles and bedding (6 sqm at AUD 60/sqm): AUD 360
- Remove existing waterproofing membrane: AUD 150
- Concrete grinding for substrate prep: AUD 280
- Skip bin and waste disposal (4 cubic metres): AUD 450
- HEPA vacuum and final clean: included
- Site protection and containment: included
SUBTOTAL: AUD 2,190 GST: AUD 219 TOTAL: AUD 2,409
EXCLUDES:
- Plumbing isolation (separate licensed trade)
- Electrical isolation (separate licensed trade)
- Asbestos testing or removal (if discovered)
TIMELINE: 1 day START DATE: confirmed within 24 hours of acceptance PAYMENT: 30% deposit, balance on completion
Why This Matters for Clients
When you receive a vague single-line quote like "Bathroom demolition: AUD 2,000" you have no way to:
- Compare with another quote
- Identify what's missing
- Negotiate specific items
- Hold the contractor to scope
Always request itemised quotes. Reputable contractors provide them on request.
Get a Detailed Itemised Quote
Strip It Out provides itemised, fixed-scope quotes for every Gold Coast and Brisbane project. Send photos and dimensions for a same-day quote. Call 0430 030 633.