Bidding strategy for restaurant demolition with basement and on-site concrete crushing

[MikePhua]

Quick answer
Demolishing a 12,000 sq ft stick-built restaurant with an 11,100 sq ft basement and on-site concrete crushing requires careful cost modeling. Equipment mobilization, landfill fees, and crushing logistics can swing the bid by tens of thousands. A competitive bid should range between $85,000 and $140,000, depending on local disposal rates and concrete reuse value.
Project scope and structural overview
The target structure is a single-story restaurant with three main rooms—two dining areas and a kitchen—built using conventional wood framing. Beneath it lies a substantial basement with 9-foot concrete walls, totaling over 11,000 square feet. All building debris is destined for landfill, while the concrete will be crushed on-site and reused as base material for a future parking lot.
This dual-phase approach—demolition followed by material processing—adds complexity but also potential savings if the crushed concrete offsets future aggregate purchases.
Equipment selection and production rates
The demolition will be executed using:

• A 450-class excavator (typically 90,000–105,000 lbs) equipped with a muncher or hydraulic shear for structural teardown
  
• A 135-class excavator (30,000–35,000 lbs) for sorting, cleanup, and basement wall handling
  
• A 24x36 jaw crusher to reduce concrete to 5-inch breaker run
  

Production estimates:

• Demolition: 5–7 days depending on crew size and weather
  
• Concrete crushing: 2–3 days, assuming 1,500–2,000 tons of material
  
• Mobilization and setup: 1–2 days for crusher and safety fencing
  

Cost breakdown and bid modeling
Key cost components include:

• Mobilization: $6,000–$10,000 for hauling equipment and crusher
  
• Labor: $12,000–$18,000 for a 7–10 day crew
  
• Fuel and wear: $4,000–$6,000 for excavators and crusher
  
• Landfill tipping fees: $25–$60 per ton, with estimated 80–100 tons of wood, drywall, and mixed debris
  
• Permits and insurance: $3,000–$5,000 depending on jurisdiction
  
• Crusher rental or ownership cost: $8,000–$15,000 depending on usage and transport
  

Total estimated bid range: $85,000–$140,000, with potential savings if crushed concrete replaces purchased base rock.
Crushing logistics and economic viability
Some contractors argue that mobilizing a crusher for only 2–3 days is not cost-effective unless the material volume is high or the site is remote. However, if the crushed concrete is used immediately for parking lot prep, it can save $10–$20 per ton compared to buying new aggregate. For 1,500 tons, that’s a potential $15,000–$30,000 in material savings.
To maximize efficiency:

• Use a muncher on the 450 to pre-process concrete before feeding the crusher
  
• Stage concrete near the crusher to reduce travel time
  
• Coordinate crushing with site grading to avoid double handling
  

Permit and safety considerations
Demolition of commercial structures with basements requires:

• Asbestos and lead paint surveys
  
• Utility disconnect verification
  
• Shoring or trench safety if basement walls are removed
  
• Dust suppression and noise control plans
  

Failure to comply can result in fines or work stoppage. One contractor in Michigan was fined $12,000 for failing to cap sewer lines before demolition, causing a spill into a nearby creek.
Conclusion
Bidding a demolition project with basement removal and on-site concrete crushing demands a detailed cost model and strategic equipment use. While the crusher may seem expensive to mobilize, its value in material reuse and landfill avoidance can justify the cost. A well-prepared bid should reflect both direct costs and long-term savings, positioning the contractor for success in competitive markets.