Getting rid of a mobile home usually means choosing between four options: tear it down, take it apart, give it away or move it to a new site. Each has a very different cost, timeline and set of rules. Typical national estimates put demolition of a single-wide at about $3,000 to $5,000 and moving one at about $4,000 to $8,000, but your price depends on size, condition, location and what has to be disposed of. This guide explains each option, what it costs, which permits you need around Richmond and how to hire the right help.
Updated November 2026.
Mobile Home Removal Options and Costs (2026)
| Option | Typical cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Demolition | $3,000 to $5,000 (single-wide); $5,000 to $8,000 (double-wide) | Often $2 to $6 per square foot, plus permit and disposal |
| Deconstruction | Often higher than demolition | Taking it apart piece by piece; slower, and can recover materials |
| Donation | Little or no cost to you | The recipient must accept it and move it, and it must meet code |
| Relocation: transport only | About $1,000 to $3,500 (single-wide) | Hauling, without setup |
| Relocation: full service | About $4,000 to $8,000 (single-wide); $8,000 to $15,000 (double-wide) | Hauling plus setup; more for long distances |
These are ranges reported by national contractor and moving guides such as HomeGuide, Angi and LocalMovers. They are not Richmond quotes and sources disagree, so get written quotes from two or three local contractors.
What Affects the Cost
- Size: a double-wide costs considerably more than a single-wide to demolish or move.
- Condition and age: older homes may contain asbestos or lead, which adds testing and abatement costs, commonly an extra $1,000 to $3,000 in national guides.
- Utilities: gas, electric, water and sewer must be disconnected and sealed first.
- Site access: tight lots, steep driveways and trees make the job harder.
- Debris and disposal: hauling and dump fees can be a large part of a demolition bill. Metal may be worth recycling, and scrap value can offset some of the cost.
- Foundation, decks and skirting: removing these adds time.
- Distance: for relocation, miles driven and any escort vehicles for wide loads add cost.
Option 1: Demolition
A contractor tears the home down, separates the metal and hauls away the debris. It is usually the least expensive way to clear the site. You will need a demolition permit, and the contractor can often pull it for you. Get a quote that lists the structure, permit, disposal and any asbestos work separately.
Option 2: Deconstruction
Deconstruction takes the home apart piece by piece instead of knocking it down. It takes longer, from a full workday to several days, and generally costs more, but it can recover usable materials and reduce what goes to the landfill.
Option 3: Donation
You can sometimes give the home to a person or a charitable organization, or to a local fire department for training. The recipient generally has to accept it, arrange the move and meet local code, so timing is less predictable. It does not guarantee a tax deduction, so check with a tax professional.
Option 4: Relocation
Moving the home to a new site is the most expensive option and the most complicated. Typical steps:
- Choose a licensed mover and get a written quote:
- Get the permits for both the old and the new site, including any transport permits.
- Remove decks, stairs and porch roofs:
- Disconnect utilities and remove skirting and tie-downs.
- Lift the home onto a trailer and secure it.
- Haul it to the new location.
- Set it up and reconnect utilities at the new site.
A home in poor condition may not survive a highway move, and moving it can cost more than the home is worth.
Permits and Rules Around Richmond
Permits and rules differ by locality, and you should always confirm with the building office before work starts.
- Henrico County: demolition permits go through the county’s online portal. The county requires proof that utilities were removed or sealed, and its fee for one- and two-family homes has been published as $100 for the first $5,000 of estimated cost, plus $6 per additional $1,000 and a 2% state levy. See the Henrico demolition permit page for the current requirements.
- City of Richmond: the demolition permit application listed a fee of $184 for one- and two-family homes plus a 2% state surcharge, and it requires a licensed contractor. Check the current fee before you apply.
- Chesterfield and other counties: contact the local building inspections office. Ask whether your home is treated as personal or real property, and what documents they need.
- Virginia statewide: the building code requires utility disconnection before a demolition permit is issued, and older buildings may need an asbestos inspection first.
Permit fees nationally often run $100 to $500, and fees here may change, so treat the numbers above as a guide.
How to Choose a Contractor
- Check licensing and insurance: Demolition and hauling work should be done by a licensed, insured contractor.
- Get at least three written quotes that itemize demolition, permits, disposal and abatement.
- Ask who pulls the permit and who pays for it.
- Ask about disposal and recycling, and request a receipt for the dump fees.
- Read reviews and ask for references: Our guide to moving scams and red flags in Virginia explains what to look for.
Clearing Out the Contents
Before demolition or a move, the home has to be emptied. If you have furniture, belongings or junk to clear, our junk removal service and moving crews can help with the contents, and our guide to estate cleanouts covers larger jobs. To plan your budget, see what movers cost per hour in Richmond.
Not sure which option fits your situation? Call Cavalier Moving at (804) 404-8048 to talk through your project and what we can handle.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does mobile home removal cost?
National guides put demolition at about $3,000 to $5,000 for a single-wide and $5,000 to $8,000 for a double-wide, and moving one at about $4,000 to $8,000 for a single-wide. Local quotes vary, so get several.
Do I need a permit to remove a mobile home?
Usually yes. Demolition and moving generally require permits from your locality, and utilities must be disconnected first. Check with the building office in your county or city.
Can I donate a mobile home?
Sometimes. The recipient has to accept it and arrange the move, and the home must meet local code. It takes longer than demolition and is not guaranteed.
Is it cheaper to demolish or move a mobile home?
Demolition is usually cheaper. Moving costs more because of transport, permits and setup, and an older home may not be worth moving.
What about asbestos in an older mobile home?
Older homes may contain asbestos or lead, which can require testing and professional abatement before demolition. Ask your contractor and the building office.
How long does mobile home removal take?
Demolition can take a day or two. Deconstruction takes longer, and relocation depends on permits, distance and setup. Ask your contractor for a schedule that includes permit time.