Deck & Shed Demolition Guide | Middlesex County

Decks and sheds are the two most common demolition projects we handle in Middlesex County. If you have a rotting deck, a collapsing shed, or just need to clear space in your yard, here is everything you need to know.

Deck Demolition: What to Expect

The Process

• Assessment — We look at the deck size, height, construction type, and access. Are there concrete footings? Electrical connections? Attached to the house?
• Permit check — Most towns require a demolition permit. We advise you on the process.
• Demo day — Our crew arrives with tools, tears the deck apart section by section, and stacks debris for loading.
• Footing removal — If requested, we dig out concrete footings and piers.
• Cleanup — Debris loaded, nails collected, yard raked. Ready for landscaping or a new deck.

Deck Demo Cost Breakdown

| Deck Type | Typical Cost |

|-----------|-------------|

| Ground-level wood deck (12x16) | $500 - $1,000 |

| Elevated deck with stairs | $1,000 - $1,800 |

| Large multi-level deck | $1,800 - $2,500 |

| Screened porch | $1,200 - $2,000 |

| Concrete footing removal (add-on) | $200 - $500 |

When to Demo Your Deck

Spring (April-May) and Fall (September-October) are the best times for deck demolition in Massachusetts:

• Spring: Get the old deck down before building season. Contractors are booking new deck builds — have your site ready.
• Fall: Remove a rotting deck before winter snow adds weight and creates a safety hazard.
• Avoid: Deep winter (frozen ground makes footing removal harder) and peak summer (when you might actually want to use outdoor space).

Shed Demolition: What to Expect

The Process

• Assessment — Shed size, material (wood, metal, plastic), contents, foundation type
• Contents removal — We haul away everything inside the shed too. No need to empty it first.
• Structure teardown — We disassemble or demolish the structure
• Foundation removal — Concrete pad, pavers, or gravel base removed if requested
• Cleanup — Site left clean and level

Shed Demo Cost Breakdown

| Shed Type | Typical Cost |

|-----------|-------------|

| Small wood shed (8x8 or smaller) | $300 - $500 |

| Medium wood shed (8x10 to 10x12) | $500 - $800 |

| Large wood shed (12x16+) | $800 - $1,200 |

| Metal shed (any size) | $400 - $1,000 |

| Concrete pad removal (add-on) | $200 - $500 |

| Large barn or outbuilding | $1,200 - $1,500+ |

Common Reasons for Shed Demolition

• Rotting or collapsing — wood sheds in New England take a beating from weather
• Clearing yard space — making room for a pool, patio, or play area
• Property sale — buyers do not want a falling-down shed in the yard
• HOA requirements — some HOAs require structures to be maintained or removed
• Pest problems — old sheds attract rodents, carpenter ants, and wasps
• Upgrading — replacing an old shed with a new, better one

Permit Information by Town

| Town | Permit Required? | Where to Apply |

|------|-----------------|----------------|

| Billerica | Usually yes for structures | Building Department, Town Hall |

| Chelmsford | Yes for most structures | Building Department |

| Lowell | Yes | Inspectional Services |

| Tewksbury | Varies by project | Building Department |

| Wilmington | Usually yes | Building Department |

For sheds under a certain size (typically under 100-120 sq ft), some towns do not require a permit. We can advise you on your specific situation.

Why Choose McDumpsters for Deck & Shed Demolition?

We are not just a demolition crew — we are also a waste hauling company. That means:

• Debris hauling is always included — we do not leave piles of wood in your yard
• We own our trucks — no subcontractors, no middlemen
• Local knowledge — we know permit requirements for all 13 towns we serve
• Dumpster add-on — if you are doing other cleanup alongside the demo, we can drop a dumpster too

Call (978) 375-2272 for a free estimate on deck or shed demolition anywhere in Middlesex County.