When a house has deteriorated beyond repair, when a property needs to be cleared for new construction, or when storm damage has made a structure uninhabitable, the next step is finding a licensed demolition contractor who knows the city. Big Easy Demolition handles residential demolition throughout the New Orleans metro, from full-structure teardowns to partial and selective demo for renovations. We handle permits, coordinate utility disconnects, and leave the site clean and ready for whatever comes next.
New Orleans has one of the oldest and most architecturally complex residential housing stocks in the country. Before we touch a structure, we need to understand what we’re working with.
Raised pier-and-beam construction is the dominant form in older New Orleans neighborhoods, from the Lower Ninth Ward to Uptown to Mid-City. A raised home sits three to six feet above grade on wooden or concrete piers. Demolishing a raised structure requires a different approach than a slab-on-grade home. The structure must be lowered off the piers carefully, the piers themselves removed, and the soil beneath backfilled and graded. Rushing this process creates safety hazards and leaves a site that isn’t ready for new construction.
Shotgun houses and camelback doubles present a party wall challenge that’s unique to New Orleans. When one half of a shotgun double or camelback needs to be demolished while the other half stays standing, the shared wall has to be handled with precision. Cutting the connection improperly can compromise the structural integrity of the remaining unit. We’ve done this work before, and we know where the risks are.
Historic districts cover large sections of the city. Properties in HDLC (Historic District Landmarks Commission) or VCC (Vieux Carré Commission) oversight areas require a Certificate of Appropriateness before demolition can proceed. Properties in the National Register Demolition Review District require additional City Planning Commission review on top of the standard permit process. We identify which review applies to your property during the planning phase.
The majority of New Orleans residential buildings were constructed before 1980. That means most contain asbestos-containing materials (ACM), including floor tiles, pipe insulation, exterior siding (transite), popcorn ceilings, roofing felt, and joint compound. Under Louisiana DEQ regulations, a licensed asbestos survey must be completed before any demolition work begins on a structure of this age. If regulated ACM is found, a licensed abatement contractor must remove and dispose of it before demolition can proceed.
We coordinate with licensed abatement contractors to sequence this work correctly. Skipping the survey is not only illegal but creates liability for the property owner and the contractor. We will not begin demolition on a pre-1980 structure without documentation that the asbestos survey has been completed and any required abatement is done.
Residential demolition in New Orleans requires a permit from the City’s Safety and Permits office. The application requires photographs of all four sides of the structure, a waste disposal plan, and in some cases a redevelopment plan for the site. Additional reviews from HDLC, VCC, or City Planning add time and documentation requirements depending on the property’s location and status.
Here’s a realistic breakdown of permit fees for a standard residential demolition job:
For properties in HDLC or VCC districts, add a 50% surcharge on all fees and plan for additional review weeks. We manage the permit application process as part of our service. You don’t have to figure out One Stop App or track down the right office. We do that.
Every job follows the same sequence:
How much does it cost to demolish a house in New Orleans?
Most single-family residential demolitions in New Orleans run between $8,000 and $20,000 depending on structure size, access, pier type, and whether hazardous materials require abatement. Larger or more complex structures, including raised multistory homes or properties requiring HDLC review, can run higher. We provide firm quotes after a site visit.
How long does residential demolition take?
The physical demolition of a single-story home typically takes one to two days. A larger two-story raised structure may take three to four days. Add two to three weeks for permits on a standard non-historic property, and four to eight weeks if historic review is required.
Does the demolition contractor pull the permit, or do I?
We pull the permit as the licensed contractor. You don’t need to navigate the City’s permitting system yourself.
Do I need an asbestos inspection before demolishing my home?
Yes, if the structure was built before 1980. This is a Louisiana DEQ requirement, not optional. We’ll coordinate the inspection and, if abatement is required, schedule a licensed abatement contractor before demolition begins.
Can you demolish just part of my house?
Yes. Partial and selective demolition is common for renovation projects, including removing an addition, opening up walls, or taking down a rear structure while the main house stands. We assess the structural impact of partial removal before we begin to make sure the remaining structure is stable.
Can a historic home in New Orleans be demolished?
In most cases, yes, but the review process is more involved. Properties in HDLC or VCC districts require a Certificate of Appropriateness. The City may require documentation of the structure’s condition, evidence that rehabilitation isn’t feasible, or a redevelopment plan before approval is granted. We’ll tell you what applies to your property.
Call us at 504-688-4399 to discuss your project. We’ll schedule a site visit, review any permit or review requirements that apply to your property, and provide a complete scope and price. We serve New Orleans, Metairie, Kenner, Harahan, Covington, Mandeville, Slidell, Gretna, and surrounding areas.
“Big Easy Demolition was very quick to respond and provided excellent demo services at very short notice. I recommend them to anyone in need of demolition service at a very reasonable rate.”
“Big Easy Demolition is the way to go! I had renovation debris and they cleaned everything up nicely. They were very professional and they showed great service and care.”
“We hired Big Easy Demolition for an interior demolition project. They started and completed the job on time and cleaned up at the end of each day. They are easy to deal will and go the extra mile for you.”
“They handled the demolition of our old commercial building efficiently and safely. Their team managed everything from obtaining permits to clearing the debris, ensuring a smooth process from start to finish. Highly recommended for anyone looking for complete demolition services!”
“We needed selective demolition and interior gutting for our historic home renovation, and they exceeded our expectations. They were meticulous in preserving the original features while removing the old materials. Their expertise made all the difference!”
“After some major landscaping changes, Big Easy Demolition came through with concrete removal and site cleanup. Their crew worked efficiently and left our yard looking pristine. Their attention to detail and quick turnaround time were impressive!”
“Big Easy Demolition did an excellent job clearing land and excavating for our new home construction. They worked with precision, ensuring all the stumps, rocks, and debris were completely removed. The site preparation was perfect, and we couldn’t have asked for better service!”
“We called Big Easy Demolition for an emergency demolition after a storm severely damaged our garage. They responded promptly, securing the site and safely removing the structure in no time. Their professionalism and urgency made a stressful situation much easier to handle!”
