Bathroom Demolition Cost in San Diego (2026 Pricing Guide)

Bathroom Demolition Pricing by Component

Full Bathroom Gut Demolition

A complete bathroom gut—removing the tub or shower, vanity, toilet, tile (floor and walls), fixtures, and drywall down to the studs—typically costs between $1,500 and $3,500 in San Diego for a standard full bathroom (approximately 40–80 square feet). Master bathrooms over 100 square feet with jetted tubs, frameless glass shower enclosures, and floor-to-ceiling tile can reach $4,000 to $5,000. The price includes all labor, debris loading, hauling, and disposal.

Bathtub Removal

Removing a standard alcove bathtub in San Diego costs between $300 and $800. Fiberglass and acrylic tubs are lighter and easier to remove, while cast iron tubs can weigh 300 to 500 pounds and require more labor and sometimes cutting the tub into pieces for removal through narrow doorways. Built-in or jetted soaking tubs are more complex due to plumbing connections and the surrounding tile or deck that must be demolished along with them, pushing costs to $500 to $1,200.

Shower Demolition

Shower removal costs between $400 and $1,200 depending on the type. A prefabricated fiberglass or acrylic shower stall is the simplest to remove ($400–$600). A tiled walk-in shower with a mortar bed, cement board substrate, and custom tile work is more labor-intensive and typically costs $800 to $1,200. Frameless glass enclosures require careful removal to avoid breakage and injury, adding $200 to $400 to the project.

Tile Removal (Floor and Walls)

Bathroom tile removal in San Diego typically costs $3 to $6 per square foot. Tile set with thinset adhesive over cement board is moderately difficult to remove, while tile set in a thick mortar bed (common in homes built before the 1990s) is significantly more labor-intensive and generates more debris. A standard bathroom with 200 square feet of combined floor and wall tile will typically cost $600 to $1,200 for tile removal alone. In many cases, the cement board or drywall behind the tile will need to be replaced as well.

Vanity and Sink Removal

Removing a bathroom vanity and sink costs between $150 and $400. A simple single-sink vanity is quick work, while a double vanity with a stone top, undermount sinks, and extensive plumbing connections takes more time. Wall-mounted and pedestal sinks are typically $100 to $200 to remove.

Toilet Removal

Toilet removal is one of the simpler tasks in bathroom demolition, typically costing $50 to $150. The toilet is disconnected from the water supply, unbolted from the flange, removed, and the drain is temporarily capped. If the flange is damaged or the subfloor around the toilet is rotted (a common issue in San Diego homes with older bathrooms), repairs may be needed before the new toilet can be installed.

Mold and Moisture Damage: A Key Bathroom Demo Consideration

Bathrooms are the most moisture-prone rooms in any home, and mold is a frequent discovery during bathroom demolition in San Diego. Despite our dry climate, bathrooms without proper ventilation, homes near the coast (Ocean Beach, Imperial Beach, Coronado), and bathrooms with old or failing grout and caulk often develop hidden mold behind walls and under flooring.

If mold is discovered during your bathroom demolition, the affected areas must be properly remediated before renovation can continue. Minor mold removal (less than 10 square feet) can typically be handled by your demolition crew and costs $500 to $1,500. Larger mold problems (more than 10 square feet or mold in the HVAC system) require a licensed mold remediation company, which can cost $2,000 to $6,000 or more.

Signs that your bathroom may have hidden mold include: musty odors, soft or spongy spots in the floor, discoloration on walls or ceilings, peeling paint, and warped baseboards. If you suspect mold, we recommend getting a mold inspection ($200–$500) before demolition begins so you can budget accordingly.

At Demo Diego, our crews are trained to identify and handle minor mold situations safely. When we encounter mold during demo, we stop work, contain the area, and consult with you about the best path forward before proceeding.

Tips to Save Money on Bathroom Demolition in San Diego

• 1.Remove accessories yourself. Take down mirrors, towel bars, medicine cabinets, light fixtures, and shower curtain rods before the demo crew arrives. This small effort can save $100 to $200 in labor charges.
• 2.Donate usable fixtures. If your vanity, toilet, or tub is in good condition, organizations like Habitat for Humanity ReStore in San Diego will pick up donated items. This reduces disposal costs and benefits the community.
• 3.Bundle multiple bathrooms. If you are renovating more than one bathroom, having them all demolished at the same time is more cost-effective than scheduling separate visits. Most contractors offer a discount for multi-room projects.
• 4.Consider partial demolition. If your floor tile is in good condition and level, you may be able to tile over it (saving the demo cost) or refinish your existing tub instead of removing and replacing it. Discuss options with your contractor before committing to a full gut.
• 5.Get multiple quotes. Always get at least three estimates from licensed demolition contractors in San Diego. Compare what is included in each quote—some companies charge extra for debris hauling, while others like Demo Diego include it in the price.