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Antique Safes/Removal of a safe

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Expert: - 12/15/2009


Question

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My client is interested in renting a space with a 1960's era safe in it.  It is a former vault in a bank.  The size is about 10' x 10' and the door is about 14" thick.
What does it cost to chop cut it up for removal?  We just need a very rough estimate at this point.

Thanks

Answer
Warren,

Sorry, your question is too open ended!  There are too many variables, and of course various companies accross the country are going to charge different prices.

First - we don't chop up doors etc. for removal.  We remove the door and framing, etc. intact.

If you want it chopped up for removal, you will need to contact a demolition company.

Generally, most SAFE & VAULT Companies, are going to charge a removal and disposal fee.  It doesn't matter if they "may" sell the door later or not.  The ultimate cost will depend on several factors which include accessability of equipment, weight of the door and framing, wether or not it is grouted in place, etc.

This is a job where you will need an estimator to examine the project and give you a total est.

With no other information other than your description and the picture, I would estimate between $5000 to $10,000 to remove the door and dispose of it.

The other question of course would be where is the door?  If you do not have a professional safe & vault company in your area, one may have to come in from a distance which of course would add fees to the above estimate.

Let me know where the door is and I will try to direct you to a company in your area.

Andy

Terry V Andreasen (Andy)

Expertise

Safe and Vault related Questions; Antique Safe Repair and Restoration; With over 40 years in the Safe & Vault industry, if I can't answer your question I know where to get the answer. Current Project: Restoration of two Tilton & McFarland Safes from the 1860's. Will answer Safe & Vault related questions concerning age, value, restoration, moving, opening & repairing, parts, operation and history. Note: It is not my intention to teach you to open safes or to provide information which may aid in the unlawful opening of a safe. I will not give out drill points or information which I deem inappropriate.

Experience

40 years in the Safe & Vault Industry. Service Manager for one of the largest Safe & Vault companies on the West Coast. Graduate of Lockmasters Safe Lock Servicing, Safe lock Manipulation and Safe Deposit Lock Courses. Graduate of Locksmith Institute. Certified Instructor for the California Locksmith Association teaching Basic and Advanced Lock Servicing, Basic Safe opening and Repairing. Factory Trained by AMSEC, LORD Safes, LeFebure, Mosler, KabaMas, LaGard and Sargent & Greenleaf

Organizations
Safecrackers International and the National Antique Safe Association

Education/Credentials
Graduate of Locksmith Institute 1972 Graduate Lockmasters Safe Lock Servicing 1974 Graduate Lockmasters Safe Lock Manipulation 1975 Graduate Lockmasters Safe Deposit Lock Servicing 1985 Instructor Certified - California Locksmith Association - 1985 Factory trained by AMSEC, MAJOR, STAR, Johnson-Pacific, Kaba-MAS, Allied-Gary, ISM, Lord, Brown Safe, EXL, Mosler, Diebold.

Awards and Honors
2009, 2010 & 2011 Listed in AllExperts top 50 Experts. All Experts Categories - Safes & Security Containers, Locksmithing, Antique Safes. Retired US Army Reserve Chief Warrant Officer (CW3), with 32 years of total service. With numerous awards from Vietnam, Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom. US Navy - 1971-1981 US Army Reserve 1984-2006 US Army Retired Reserve 2006-present

Past/Present Clients
US Secret Service, FBI, BATF, Local Law enforcment agencies, Diebold, Hamilton Pacific, Red Hawk Int., Chubb International, Bank of America, Wells Fargo Bank, Mechanics Bank, El Dorado Savings Bank, many Credit unions and smaller banks. McDonalds, Togos, BurgerKing, TacoBell, Carls Jr. FoodMaxx, SaveMart, Lucky's, Albertson's, Raley's, Safeway, NobHill, Bell Markets, PW Markets. Great America, Century Theatres, Cinemark Theatres, UA Cinemas, and many homeowners and small businesses. Provide warranty service for lock and safe manufactures. Service area is Northern California - Fresno to Oregon, including western Nevada

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