Interior Demolition Cost in San Diego: Full Gut Pricing (2026)
A full interior gut demolition strips a building down to the studs, creating a blank canvas for your renovation. Whether you are remodeling a mid-century home in North Park, gutting a condo in Downtown San Diego, or stripping a commercial space for a tenant improvement, understanding interior demolition costs is essential for budgeting your project. Here is a comprehensive guide to 2026 pricing in San Diego.
What Is Interior Demolition?
Interior demolition, also known as gut demolition or selective demolition, involves removing all non-structural interior elements of a building while preserving the exterior walls, roof, and foundation. This includes drywall, flooring, cabinetry, plumbing fixtures, electrical wiring, insulation, ceiling materials, and interior partition walls (non-load-bearing).
At Demo Diego, our interior demolition service is one of our core offerings. We have completed hundreds of interior gut projects across San Diego County, from 800-square-foot bungalows in Normal Heights to 4,000-square-foot custom homes in La Jolla and large commercial spaces in Kearny Mesa and Sorrento Valley.
Below we provide detailed pricing by square footage and by room, explain what factors drive costs up or down, and cover critical considerations like asbestos and lead paint that are especially relevant in San Diego's older housing stock.
Interior Demolition Cost by Square Footage (2026)
Interior demolition in San Diego is typically priced per square foot, with rates varying based on the scope of work, building type, and complexity. Here are the 2026 average rates:
| Demolition Scope | Cost Per Sq Ft | Example (1,500 sq ft home) |
|---|---|---|
| Partial Interior Demo (1–2 rooms) | $3 – $6 / sq ft | $1,500 – $4,000 |
| Full Interior Gut (residential) | $5 – $10 / sq ft | $7,500 – $15,000 |
| Full Gut with Hazmat (asbestos/lead) | $8 – $15 / sq ft | $12,000 – $22,500 |
| Commercial Interior Demo | $2 – $5 / sq ft | Varies by project |
| Condo / Apartment Interior Gut | $6 – $12 / sq ft | $5,000 – $15,000 |
These prices include the demolition labor, debris loading and hauling, and basic cleanup. They do not include hazardous material abatement (if needed), permit fees, or any reconstruction work.
Room-by-Room Interior Demolition Costs
Not every project requires a full gut. Many San Diego homeowners are demolishing one or two rooms as part of a targeted remodel. Here are typical 2026 prices for individual room demolitions:
Kitchen Demolition
A full kitchen demolition in San Diego typically costs $2,000 to $5,000. This includes removing all cabinets (upper and lower), countertops, backsplash tile, flooring, appliances, plumbing fixtures, and drywall if needed. Kitchens are among the more expensive rooms to demo because of the plumbing, gas lines, and electrical connections that need to be safely disconnected. Larger kitchens with islands, pantry walls, and extensive tile work cost more.
Bathroom Demolition
A full bathroom demolition runs $1,500 to $4,000 in San Diego. The scope includes removing the vanity, toilet, tub or shower (including tile surround), flooring, drywall, and mirror. Bathrooms with tile floors, tiled shower walls, and built-in tubs generate more debris and require more labor. Master bathrooms with dual vanities, separate shower and tub, and extensive tile work are at the higher end of the range.
Living Room / Bedroom Demolition
Gutting a standard living room or bedroom costs $1,000 to $3,000. This typically includes removing drywall, flooring (carpet, hardwood, or tile), baseboards, crown molding, closet systems, and any built-in shelving or cabinetry. These rooms are generally simpler because there are fewer plumbing and electrical connections compared to kitchens and bathrooms.
Basement / Garage Conversion Demo
Stripping out a converted basement or garage to return it to bare structure typically costs $2,000 to $5,000. This is common in San Diego when homeowners want to convert an unpermitted garage conversion back to a garage or gut a basement for a proper renovation. The work includes removing drywall, insulation, flooring over concrete, and any partition walls.
Asbestos and Lead Paint: Critical Considerations for San Diego Homes
San Diego has a large stock of homes built between the 1940s and 1970s, particularly in neighborhoods like Clairemont, College Area, Serra Mesa, Linda Vista, North Park, and City Heights. These homes were built during an era when asbestos and lead-based paint were standard building materials. Understanding how these hazards affect your interior demolition project is critical.
Asbestos in San Diego Homes
Asbestos was used in dozens of building materials before it was banned, including popcorn ceilings (acoustic texture), vinyl floor tiles (9x9-inch tiles are a red flag), sheet vinyl flooring, drywall joint compound, insulation around pipes and ducts, roofing materials, and cement siding. California law requires an asbestos survey by a certified inspector before any demolition or renovation of structures built before 1980.
Asbestos testing typically costs $300 to $700 depending on the number of samples. If asbestos is found, certified abatement must be completed before interior demolition can begin. Abatement costs range from $2,000 to $10,000+ depending on the type and quantity of asbestos-containing materials. The San Diego County Air Pollution Control District (APCD) must be notified before any asbestos removal, and only licensed abatement contractors can perform the work.
Lead Paint in San Diego Homes
Lead-based paint was banned for residential use in 1978, but it is still present in millions of homes across the country, including a significant portion of San Diego's housing stock. Any home built before 1978 should be tested for lead paint before interior demolition begins.
Lead paint testing costs $200 to $500. If lead paint is present, the demolition crew must follow EPA Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) Rule procedures, which include containment, HEPA-filtered dust collection, and proper disposal of lead-contaminated debris. These procedures add $1,000 to $3,000 to a typical interior demolition project.
At Demo Diego, our crew is EPA RRP-certified, and we follow all California and federal regulations for handling lead paint during interior demolition. We also coordinate with certified asbestos abatement contractors when needed to ensure your project stays compliant and on schedule.
Factors That Affect Interior Demolition Costs
Scope of Demolition
A full gut to the studs costs more than selective demo where certain elements are preserved. If you want to keep the hardwood floors but demo everything else, the crew must work carefully around the flooring, which takes more time. Selective demolition typically costs 20 to 40 percent more per square foot than a straightforward full gut.
Building Age and Construction
Older San Diego homes (pre-1960s) often have plaster walls instead of drywall, which is heavier and more labor-intensive to remove. They may also have lath-and-plaster construction, multiple layers of flooring stacked over decades, and outdated plumbing (galvanized pipe, cast iron) and knob-and- tube wiring that require careful handling during demolition.
Multi-Story Homes
Gutting a second or third floor is more expensive than a single-story demo because all debris must be carried down stairs or chuted out of windows. This increases labor time significantly. Two-story homes in neighborhoods like 4S Ranch, Carmel Valley, and Eastlake typically cost 10 to 20 percent more per square foot than single-story homes.
Condo and HOA Restrictions
Interior demolition in condos and townhomes (common in Downtown San Diego, Hillcrest, Mission Valley, and University City) often comes with HOA restrictions on working hours, elevator use, debris disposal routes, and noise levels. These constraints can increase costs by extending the project timeline and requiring additional logistical coordination.
Structural Considerations
Interior demolition must carefully avoid damaging load-bearing walls, structural beams, and the building envelope. If your renovation plan calls for removing or modifying load-bearing walls, a structural engineer must be consulted and temporary shoring installed before the wall is touched. This adds both engineering costs ($500 to $2,000) and additional labor.
Debris Volume and Disposal
A full interior gut generates an enormous amount of debris. A 1,500-square-foot home gut can produce 8 to 15 tons of material including drywall, tile, cabinetry, flooring, and fixtures. Disposal costs are included in most contractor quotes, but the volume directly affects how many truckloads are needed and therefore the total price.
The Interior Demolition Process: What to Expect
Here is what a typical full interior gut demolition looks like when you hire Demo Diego:
- 1.Pre-demolition assessment. We walk the property with you to understand the scope: what stays, what goes, and any special concerns (hazardous materials, structural elements, items to salvage). We provide a detailed written estimate.
- 2.Hazmat testing and abatement. If the building was built before 1980, asbestos and lead paint testing is conducted. If hazardous materials are found, certified abatement is completed before demolition begins.
- 3.Utility disconnection. Electrical circuits serving the demo area are de-energized. Water supply lines are shut off and capped. Gas lines are shut off at the appropriate point. We coordinate with SDG&E and the city water department as needed.
- 4.Protection of preserved elements. If certain walls, floors, or features are being kept, we install protective barriers (plywood, plastic sheeting, floor protection) to prevent damage during demolition.
- 5.Demolition. Our crew systematically removes all specified materials: drywall, flooring, cabinetry, fixtures, partition walls, ceiling materials, and insulation. We work top-down and room-by-room for efficiency.
- 6.Debris removal and cleanup. All debris is loaded into trucks and hauled to appropriate recycling and disposal facilities. We sweep and clean the space so it is ready for your contractor to begin the renovation phase.
Frequently Asked Questions About Interior Demolition in San Diego
How long does a full interior gut take?
A full interior gut of a typical 1,500-square-foot San Diego home takes three to five days. Larger homes (2,500+ sq ft) may take five to seven days. Single-room demolitions like a kitchen or bathroom are usually completed in one to two days. These timelines do not include hazmat abatement, which adds one to five days depending on scope.
Do I need a permit for interior demolition in San Diego?
It depends on the scope. Removing non-structural elements like cabinets, flooring, and drywall on non-load-bearing walls generally does not require a permit. However, if you are removing load-bearing walls, modifying plumbing or electrical systems, or making structural changes, permits are required. Your renovation contractor will typically pull permits for the overall remodel that cover the demolition phase.
Can I live in my home during interior demolition?
For a single-room demo like a kitchen or bathroom, you can usually stay in the home, though you should expect significant noise, dust, and disruption during working hours. For a full interior gut, it is strongly recommended to make alternative living arrangements. A full gut creates an enormous amount of dust and debris, and the home will be without functioning plumbing and electrical in the demo zones.
Is it worth doing interior demo myself to save money?
Some homeowners handle simple tasks like removing carpet, baseboards, or non-load-bearing drywall themselves. This can save $500 to $2,000. However, DIY interior demolition comes with serious risks: accidentally cutting into plumbing or electrical, damaging structural elements, exposure to asbestos or lead dust, and the sheer physical toll of hauling tons of debris. Most homeowners find that the time, risk, and disposal hassle make professional demolition well worth the cost.
How do I prepare my home for interior demolition?
Remove all personal belongings, furniture, and valuables from the rooms being demolished. Clear a path from the demo area to the exterior for debris removal. Inform your neighbors about the upcoming work (noise, trucks, dust). If you are staying in the home during a partial demo, seal off the living area from the demo zone with plastic sheeting to minimize dust migration.
What materials can be salvaged during interior demolition?
Many materials can be salvaged and donated or resold: hardwood flooring, solid wood doors, vintage hardware, copper piping, light fixtures, appliances in working condition, and architectural details like built-in shelving or decorative trim. San Diego has several architectural salvage stores and donation centers (like Habitat for Humanity ReStore) that accept reusable building materials. Salvaging adds time to the demo process but reduces waste and can provide tax-deductible donations.
Get a Free Interior Demolition Estimate in San Diego
Ready to start your renovation? The first step is clearing the space. Contact Demo Diego today for a free, no-obligation interior demolition quote. We serve residential and commercial properties across all of San Diego County.
Call 760-860-8080Or visit our Interior Demolition, Kitchen Demolition, or Bathroom Demolition pages to learn more about our services.