Shed Removal Guide: Cost, Process & What to Expect
Everything you need to know before tearing down an old shed in Chicagoland.
Key Takeaways
- • Shed removal costs $400–$700 in Chicagoland, all-inclusive
- • Wood, metal, and plastic/resin sheds all handled
- • Concrete pad removal available for additional cost
- • Most jobs completed in 2-4 hours
- • Empty the shed first, or let us handle contents as junk removal
That old shed in the backyard — the one with the sagging roof, the door that won't close, and the spider population that's declared sovereignty — it's time. Whether you're reclaiming yard space, prepping for a new structure, or just tired of looking at it, shed removal is one of the most common light demolition jobs we handle across DuPage and Kane counties.
Here's what the process actually looks like, what it costs, and what you should know before booking.
How much does shed removal cost?
| Shed Type | Size | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Small wood/metal shed | Under 100 sq ft | $400–$500 |
| Standard wood shed | 100–200 sq ft | $500–$650 |
| Large or two-story shed | 200+ sq ft | $600–$700+ |
| Concrete pad removal (add-on) | Any | +$200–$400 |
| Contents removal (add-on) | Any | +$150–$300 |
All pricing includes tear-down, debris loading, hauling to a licensed disposal facility, and sweeping the footprint clean.
The shed removal process: step by step
Step 1: Empty the shed. Remove anything you want to keep before we arrive. If you want us to haul the contents too, that's a standard junk removal add-on — we sort, donate what's usable, and haul the rest.
Step 2: Disconnect utilities. If your shed has electricity, it must be disconnected by a licensed electrician before demolition. Water lines must be shut off and capped.
Step 3: Tear-down. Our crew dismantles the shed using reciprocating saws, pry bars, and hand tools. We work section by section — roof first, then walls, then floor/foundation. Everything gets loaded onto our truck as it comes apart.
Step 4: Foundation. If the shed sits on a wood frame on gravel, cleanup is quick. If it's on a concrete pad, we can jackhammer and haul the concrete for an additional charge, or leave the pad if you want it for a future patio or storage use.
Step 5: Site cleanup. We rake the footprint, pick up nails and debris, and leave the area flat and clean. If you're having a new structure built, the site is ready for your contractor.
Types of sheds we remove
- ✓ Wood sheds — the most common. Includes framed, T1-11 sided, and board-and-batten styles
- ✓ Metal sheds — steel or aluminum panels on a metal frame. These go fast.
- ✓ Plastic/resin sheds — Rubbermaid, Suncast, Lifetime. Can often be disassembled rather than demolished.
- ✓ Tuff Sheds and prefabs — factory-built units. Demolished or sometimes moved whole if intact.
- ✓ Barn-style and two-story sheds — larger structures take longer but are within our scope.
DIY shed demolition vs. hiring a crew
A small metal or plastic shed? You might handle that yourself in an afternoon with a socket set and a pickup truck. But a wood shed with a shingled roof, nailed framing, and a concrete pad? That's a weekend project minimum, plus dump runs at $50-80/load.
Our crew handles it in 2-4 hours, hauls everything, and you don't touch a nail. If you want to do the teardown yourself and just need somewhere to put the debris, a 10-yard dumpster rental is the right move — fits most single-shed tear-downs.
Permits for shed removal in Chicagoland
Good news: most municipalities in DuPage and Kane counties do not require a permit for demolishing accessory structures under 200 sq ft. Larger sheds or sheds with plumbing/electrical may require notification or a simple demolition permit. We check your specific city's requirements before scheduling.
Ready to remove that old shed?
Text us a photo and we'll give you a firm price — usually within 30 minutes.