How to Prepare Your Home for Demolition in San Diego
Whether you are tearing down a home in Point Loma to build new, gutting the interior of a mid-century ranch in Clairemont, or demolishing a detached garage in El Cajon, proper preparation is critical for a safe, efficient, and code-compliant demolition project. This step-by-step guide walks you through everything you need to do before demo day in San Diego.
Why Preparation Matters
Proper preparation before demolition can save you thousands of dollars, prevent project delays, and ensure the safety of everyone involved. Skipping steps—like forgetting to disconnect utilities or failing to test for asbestos—can result in fines from the City of San Diego, costly emergency stops, or even dangerous situations on the job site.
At Demo Diego, we guide our clients through every step of the preparation process. While we handle much of this on your behalf, understanding what needs to happen will help you stay informed and make the process smoother. Visit our demolition services page for a full overview of what we offer.
For more information on San Diego-specific permit requirements, see our detailed San Diego demolition permits guide.
Step 1: Obtain the Necessary Permits
The City of San Diego requires a demolition permit for removing any structure, including houses, garages, sheds, and commercial buildings. The permit process ensures the project complies with local zoning laws, environmental regulations, and safety standards.
What You Need for a Demolition Permit in San Diego
- A completed demolition permit application from the San Diego Development Services Department (DSD).
- Proof of asbestos survey (required for all structures built before 1980).
- Utility disconnection confirmations from SDG&E (gas and electric) and the City of San Diego Water Department.
- A site plan showing the structure to be demolished and any structures to remain.
- For properties in the Coastal Overlay Zone (areas like La Jolla, Pacific Beach, Ocean Beach, and Del Mar), additional coastal development review may be required.
Demolition permit fees in San Diego typically range from $200 to $1,500 depending on the scope and value of the structure being demolished. Processing times vary from a few days for straightforward projects to several weeks for properties in historically sensitive areas or coastal zones.
Note: Minor interior demolition (removing non-load-bearing walls, cabinets, flooring, and fixtures) typically does not require a separate demolition permit, though your overall renovation permit should cover this work. Visit our interior demolition services page for more details.
Step 2: Test for Asbestos and Hazardous Materials
California law requires an asbestos survey before demolition or renovation of any structure built before 1980. The San Diego County Air Pollution Control District (APCD) enforces this requirement, and violating it can result in fines of $10,000 or more.
Common Asbestos-Containing Materials in San Diego Homes
- Popcorn ceilings (textured ceiling spray applied before 1980).
- Vinyl sheet flooring and floor tiles (especially 9x9-inch tiles).
- Pipe insulation and duct wrap in older HVAC systems.
- Roofing materials including shingles and felt paper.
- Window glazing and caulking around older windows.
- Drywall joint compound used before the mid-1970s.
An asbestos inspection by a certified inspector typically costs $300 to $700 in San Diego, depending on the size of the property and the number of samples taken. Results are usually available within 2 to 5 business days. If asbestos is found, a licensed abatement contractor must remove it before demolition can proceed, at a cost of $2,000 to $10,000+ depending on the extent.
Lead Paint Testing
Homes built before 1978 may also contain lead-based paint. While not always required before demolition, lead testing is recommended to determine proper handling procedures. An XRF (X-ray fluorescence) lead inspection costs $200 to $500 for a typical San Diego home. If lead paint is present, your demolition crew must follow EPA RRP (Renovation, Repair, and Painting) rule procedures, which include containment, HEPA vacuuming, and proper disposal of lead-contaminated debris.
Step 3: Disconnect All Utilities
Before any demolition work begins, all utilities must be properly disconnected and capped at the property line. This is not optional—it is a legal and safety requirement. Demolishing a structure with active gas, electric, or water lines is extremely dangerous and illegal.
Gas and Electric (SDG&E)
Contact San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) at least 2 to 4 weeks before your planned demolition date to request disconnection of gas and electric service. SDG&E will send a crew to cap the gas line at the meter and disconnect the electrical service at the panel. Fees vary but typically range from $200 to $800 depending on the complexity.
Water and Sewer
Contact the City of San Diego Public Utilities Department to request water service disconnection and sewer capping. Schedule this at least 2 weeks in advance. The water meter is typically locked off, and the sewer lateral is capped at the property line. Fees are usually $200 to $500.
Cable, Internet, and Phone
Cancel and disconnect services from Cox, AT&T, Spectrum, or any other telecom provider. While these are low-voltage and not dangerous, having active service lines during demolition can result in service charges and complications with your provider. Call at least 1 week in advance.
Solar Panel Systems
If your San Diego home has solar panels (many do, given our climate), they must be properly de-energized and removed before demolition. Contact your solar installer or a licensed electrician to disconnect the system. Leased panels may require coordination with the leasing company. Plan 2 to 3 weeks for this process.
Step 4: Remove Personal Belongings and Valuables
Before demolition begins, remove all personal belongings, furniture, appliances (if you plan to keep them), clothing, documents, and any items of value from the structure. Once demolition starts, everything remaining inside is treated as debris and will be disposed of.
Items to Remove Before Demo Day
- All personal belongings, clothing, documents, and photographs.
- Furniture you want to keep. Items you do not want can be donated or removed as part of the demolition.
- Appliances you plan to reuse (refrigerator, washer, dryer, etc.).
- Valuable architectural elements worth salvaging: hardwood flooring, vintage light fixtures, solid wood doors, decorative hardware, stained glass, and mantels.
- Hazardous household items: paint cans, cleaning chemicals, propane tanks, ammunition, and pesticides. These require special disposal at a San Diego County household hazardous waste facility.
- Plants, garden pots, and outdoor furniture from the yard and patio.
If you have a large volume of items to remove before demolition, Demo Diego can help with pre-demolition cleanout services. We will clear the home, donate usable items, and properly dispose of the rest so the structure is ready for demo day.
Step 5: Salvage Valuable Materials
Before demolition, consider salvaging materials that have resale or reuse value. This can offset your demolition costs and keep reusable materials out of the landfill. San Diego has several architectural salvage companies and reuse centers that buy or accept donated building materials.
Commonly Salvaged Materials
- Hardwood flooring: Oak, maple, and other hardwood floors in good condition can be carefully removed and resold. Reclaimed hardwood is in high demand in San Diego.
- Kitchen cabinets: Solid wood cabinets in decent shape can be donated to Habitat for Humanity ReStore.
- Plumbing fixtures: Vintage clawfoot tubs, pedestal sinks, and brass hardware have strong resale value.
- Doors and windows: Solid wood doors, French doors, and vintage windows are sought after by builders and homeowners.
- Copper piping and wiring: Scrap copper has significant value. A typical home teardown can yield $200 to $500 or more in scrap copper.
- Vintage light fixtures: Mid-century modern fixtures from San Diego homes built in the 1950s–1970s are particularly collectible.
Salvage work should be completed before your scheduled demolition date. If you need help with salvage, let your demolition contractor know—at Demo Diego, we can coordinate soft-strip salvage as part of the pre-demolition process.
Step 6: Notify Your Neighbors
Demolition is noisy, dusty, and disruptive. Giving your neighbors a heads-up is not just courteous—it can prevent complaints and keep the project running smoothly. Let adjacent property owners know the approximate dates of the demolition, the expected work hours, and how long the project will last.
In San Diego, construction and demolition work is generally permitted between 7:00 AM and 7:00 PM Monday through Saturday. No demolition work is allowed on Sundays or federal holidays. Some neighborhoods and HOAs have stricter hours, so check your local regulations.
If your property shares a wall with a neighbor (like a duplex or townhome in areas like Mission Valley, University City, or Pacific Beach), additional precautions are needed. Your demolition contractor should have a plan for protecting the shared wall and the neighbor's property during the work.
Step 7: Prepare the Job Site
The final preparation step is making sure the demolition crew can access the site safely and efficiently. Here is what to do:
- 1.Clear the driveway and access paths. Move vehicles, trash cans, and any obstacles so that trucks and heavy equipment can access the property. For full house demolitions, excavators need at least 10 feet of clearance.
- 2.Remove or protect landscaping. If you want to preserve trees, shrubs, or hardscaping, mark them clearly and discuss protection measures with your contractor. Fencing or barriers around trees can prevent equipment damage.
- 3.Identify property lines. Make sure your demolition contractor knows exactly where your property boundaries are, especially in tight-lot neighborhoods common throughout San Diego. A property survey stake or clear boundary markers help prevent accidental damage to neighboring properties.
- 4.Secure the site. Install temporary fencing around the demolition area to keep children, pets, and unauthorized people out. Your contractor may handle this as part of the project, but confirm in advance.
- 5.Confirm all utility disconnections are complete. Before the crew arrives on demo day, double-check that gas, electric, water, and sewer have all been confirmed disconnected. Your contractor should verify this as well.
Complete Pre-Demolition Checklist for San Diego
| Task | Lead Time | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Obtain demolition permit | 1 – 6 weeks | $200 – $1,500 |
| Asbestos testing | 3 – 5 days | $300 – $700 |
| Asbestos abatement (if needed) | 1 – 2 weeks | $2,000 – $10,000+ |
| SDG&E disconnection | 2 – 4 weeks | $200 – $800 |
| Water/sewer disconnection | 2 – 3 weeks | $200 – $500 |
| Remove personal belongings | 1 – 7 days | Free (DIY) or $300 – $1,500 |
| Salvage valuable materials | 1 – 3 days | Free (may earn money) |
| Notify neighbors | 1 – 2 weeks prior | Free |
| Prepare job site | 1 – 2 days | Free – $500 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Demolition Preparation
How far in advance should I start preparing for demolition?
We recommend starting the preparation process at least 6 to 8 weeks before your desired demolition date. The biggest lead time items are utility disconnections (2–4 weeks) and permit processing (1–6 weeks). If your property is in a historic district or coastal zone in San Diego, allow even more time for additional review processes.
Does my demolition contractor handle the preparation?
A good demolition contractor will handle most of the preparation on your behalf. At Demo Diego, we manage permit applications, coordinate utility disconnections, arrange asbestos testing, and oversee the entire pre-demolition process. The main thing you need to handle personally is removing your belongings and any items you want to keep.
What happens if asbestos is found during demolition?
If asbestos-containing material is discovered during demolition (even after a pre-demo survey), work must stop immediately. The area is contained, and a licensed asbestos abatement contractor is called in to remove the material safely. This can cause project delays of 1 to 2 weeks and add $2,000 to $10,000+ in cost. This is why thorough pre-demolition testing is so important.
Do I need to notify the city before demolition?
The demolition permit application itself serves as notification to the City of San Diego. Additionally, you are required to notify the San Diego County APCD at least 10 working days before demolition of any structure that has been surveyed for asbestos. Your contractor should handle this notification as part of the permitting process.
Can I skip any of these preparation steps for interior demolition?
Interior demolition (removing walls, cabinets, flooring, and fixtures without tearing down the structure) requires fewer preparation steps. You typically do not need to disconnect all utilities or obtain a separate demolition permit. However, asbestos testing is still required for pre-1980 homes, and plumbing and electrical should be properly capped in the areas being demolished. Learn more about our interior demolition services.
What should I do with hazardous household items before demolition?
San Diego County operates household hazardous waste drop-off facilities where you can dispose of paint, chemicals, batteries, electronics, and other hazardous items for free. The main facility is located at 5160 Convoy Street in the Kearny Mesa area of San Diego. Check the county website for hours and accepted materials. Do not leave hazardous items in the structure for demolition—they require special disposal.
Ready to Start Your Demolition Project in San Diego?
Demo Diego handles the entire demolition process from preparation to cleanup. Contact us today for a free consultation and estimate. We serve all of San Diego County and make the permitting and preparation process easy.
Call 760-860-8080Or visit our Demolition Services page to learn more about what we offer.