Introduction To Mobile Home Demolition.
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Mobile home demolition and removal. The saying “all good things must come to an end” definitely applies to mobile homes especially homes made 20 or 30 years that suffer storm damage, or those old homes with particleboard floors in the kitchens and bathrooms.
Unless the home has received some love and attention over the years there comes a point where it no longer makes sense to carry out the necessary repairs.
Mobile Home Removal Versus Demolition.
When it comes time to call it a day there are basically two options, demolition on-site or transportation to a landfill location close by.
Both of these options do cost money.
Reasons To Remove the Home.
- You want to move the structure to another site.
- The mobile home can be re used or repurposed.
- The home has been sold.
- It has been traded for a new home.
- Bank Repossession.
- Land clearing/new project.
Reasons To Demolish On-Site.
- No local disposal facilities available.
- The structure is not roadworthy.
- No suitable transportation routes.
- Expense of moving gates, fences, trees or other structures.
- Time constraints.
Sometimes you may find a local contractor will consider taking a house for free if it can be repaired or has recycling potential. He will usually pay for the removal in exchange for a clean title. These mobile home contractors usually advertise “Mobile Homes Moved For Free!”
Mobile Home Removal Services on Site
Sometimes I visit the home site where the mobile homeowner has been doing their best to fight back the ravages of time. Covering holes in the ceiling with plastic where needed.
The type of ceiling in the image below is just fine until it gets wet, it has a 1 inch thick insulated backing onto a cardboard facing. When wet it continues to soak up the water until the board can no longer hold the weight and it falls through to the floor making a big mess.
There comes a point where there is more repair than a good ceiling. Probably time for a good session of serious thinking about the future of your home.
Click here to read: How To Replace A Mobile Home Front Door- Easy DIY Instructions.
How To Demolish A Mobile Home On Site.
Onsite demolition involves the complete removal of everything on the job sites with the exception of concrete pads and driveways which are in reasonable condition and can be utilized by the new homeowner.
The old home is crushed using an excavator with a special attachment claw. The “I” beams are usually cut into pieces using an oxy/acetylene cutting torch. The concrete blocks and anchors are also removed from the site along with utility pipes electrical wires, air conditioning units, and ductwork.
Most of the debris will be crushed by a front end loader or a powerful bobcat and placed into dumpsters. The average doublewide home will fill three to four 30 yard dumpsters.
Some materials may be recycled for future use or sold for scrap but that will be up to the demolition contractor who will be doing all of the work and will usually not make a concession against the contract cost.
This process usually takes longer, is more labor-intensive, and still involves the cost of machinery, dumpsters, and landfill disposal fees.
Mobile Home Disposal and Removal to a Land Fill.
The most important consideration is that the old mobile home must be in good enough condition to allow transportation to the nearest landfill site. Once there it will be flipped on its side to allow the removal of the I beams, wheels, and axles prior to crushing.
The setup crew will be needed to separate the sections and place them on wheels and axles. The old hitches will probably not be serviceable and new hitches will need to be purchased and welded to the frame prior to break down.
The home may need to be rolled/moved prior to hooking up the toter.
Escort cars and oversize load signs may be required for wider homes.
There are breakdown fees, axles, tires, transportation, and disposal fees.
Mobile Home Demolition costs.
The method chosen will need to take into consideration time factors, the distance to the nearest landfill, and the financial position of the homeowner. Contracts need to specify the extent of the work and leave no doubt as to the responsibilities of the parties.
The cost of a mobile home demolition or disposal can and will vary widely.
To help with working out the cost to remove a mobile home I will list the components of the job with an estimate in the State of Florida:
| Item |
Low Cost |
High Cost |
| Heavy machinery inc. drop off and pickup | 750 |
1550 |
| One Driver | 250 | 400 |
| Dumpsters x 3 $10-15 per yard | 1200 | 1800 |
| Labor – Three man break down/clean up crew | 600 | 750 |
| Sub Total | 2800 | 4500 |
| Contractor Profit 15% | 420 |
675 |
|
Total |
2940 | 4560 |
Also check: Mobile Home Setup-How Much Will It Cost To Setup My Mobile Home?