Kitchen Demolition Cost San Diego: What to Expect (2026)
Whether you are planning a full kitchen remodel in North Park, updating your La Jolla condo, or gutting a rental property in Pacific Beach, understanding the cost of kitchen demolition is essential for budgeting your renovation. This guide covers everything you need to know about kitchen demo pricing in San Diego for 2026.
How Much Does Kitchen Demolition Cost in San Diego?
The average cost of kitchen demolition in San Diego ranges from $1,500 to $5,000 for a standard-sized kitchen. However, the total price depends on the size of the kitchen, the materials being removed, whether load-bearing walls are involved, and how much prep work your contractor needs to do before reconstruction begins.
At Demo Diego, we have demolished hundreds of kitchens across San Diego County—from compact galley kitchens in Hillcrest apartments to sprawling chef's kitchens in Rancho Santa Fe estates. Below, we share the real pricing data from our 2026 projects to help you plan your renovation budget.
For a broader overview of demolition pricing across all project types, check out our comprehensive San Diego demolition cost guide. If you want to learn whether tackling demo yourself makes sense, read our DIY vs. professional demolition comparison.
Kitchen Demolition Pricing Breakdown
Full Kitchen Gut Demolition
A complete kitchen gut—removing all cabinets, countertops, backsplash, flooring, appliances, fixtures, and sometimes drywall—typically costs between $2,500 and $5,000 in San Diego. This is the most common scope for homeowners planning a full kitchen remodel. The price includes labor, debris removal, and hauling to a licensed disposal facility. Kitchens larger than 200 square feet or those with custom tile, stone countertops, or double-layer flooring will be on the higher end of this range.
Cabinet Removal Only
If you only need cabinets removed—both upper and lower units—expect to pay between $500 and $1,500. The price depends on the number of cabinets, how they are attached (screwed vs. glued and nailed), and whether you want the walls patched afterward. Solid wood cabinets are heavier and take more labor to remove safely. If the cabinets are in decent condition, consider donating them to Habitat for Humanity ReStore in San Diego, which can pick them up for free.
Countertop Removal
Countertop removal costs between $300 and $1,000 depending on the material. Laminate countertops are the easiest and cheapest to remove, while granite, quartz, and concrete countertops require more labor and specialized tools. Tile countertops with a mortar bed are among the most labor-intensive to demolish because the underlying substrate often needs replacement.
Flooring Removal
Kitchen flooring removal in San Diego typically costs $2 to $4 per square foot. Vinyl and linoleum are the easiest to pull up, while ceramic tile set in mortar over a concrete slab can be very labor-intensive and push costs toward $4 to $5 per square foot. Hardwood flooring removal usually falls in the middle at $2 to $3 per square foot. For a 150-square-foot kitchen, flooring demo alone typically runs $300 to $600.
Backsplash and Tile Removal
Removing a kitchen backsplash costs between $200 and $600. Standard ceramic tile backsplash is straightforward, but natural stone or glass tile set with thinset may require more careful removal to avoid damaging the drywall underneath. In many cases, the drywall behind the backsplash will need to be replaced, which adds $200 to $400 to the project.
Wall Removal (Non-Load-Bearing)
Opening up a kitchen by removing a non-load-bearing wall costs between $500 and $2,000 in San Diego. This includes drywall demolition, stud removal, debris hauling, and basic patching of the ceiling and floor where the wall was. If the wall contains plumbing, electrical, or HVAC lines, rerouting those utilities will add to the cost. Load-bearing wall removal is a structural project that requires engineering and is significantly more expensive.
Kitchen Demolition Cost Summary
| Service | Typical Cost Range | Key Factors |
|---|---|---|
| Full Kitchen Gut | $2,500 – $5,000 | Size, materials, load-bearing walls |
| Cabinet Removal | $500 – $1,500 | Number of cabinets, attachment method |
| Countertop Removal | $300 – $1,000 | Material type (laminate vs. granite) |
| Flooring Removal | $2 – $5 / sq ft | Floor type, adhesive, subfloor condition |
| Backsplash Removal | $200 – $600 | Tile type, drywall damage |
| Non-Load-Bearing Wall | $500 – $2,000 | Utilities in wall, patching scope |
Factors That Affect Kitchen Demolition Cost in San Diego
Kitchen Size and Layout
A small galley kitchen (80–120 sq ft) typical of older homes in neighborhoods like Normal Heights, City Heights, and Golden Hill will cost less to demolish than a large open-concept kitchen (200–400 sq ft) found in newer homes in Carmel Valley, Scripps Ranch, or 4S Ranch. More square footage means more material to remove, more labor hours, and higher disposal fees.
Materials and Finishes
Kitchens with high-end materials—granite or quartz countertops, natural stone tile, solid hardwood cabinets—take longer to demolish and generate heavier debris. Laminate and particleboard components are lighter and faster to remove. If the kitchen has multiple layers of flooring (a common find in older San Diego homes), each layer adds time and cost.
Hazardous Materials
Homes built before 1980 in San Diego may have asbestos in vinyl flooring, pipe insulation, or even old adhesives. Lead paint is another concern in pre-1978 homes. California law requires testing and certified abatement before demolition. An asbestos test costs $300 to $700, and abatement can add $1,500 to $5,000 depending on the extent of contamination.
Plumbing and Electrical
If your kitchen demo involves relocating plumbing (moving the sink or dishwasher) or rerouting electrical lines, the demolition scope increases. A licensed plumber and electrician will need to cap or disconnect lines before demo begins, and this coordination adds both time and cost to the project.
Access and Location
Kitchens on upper floors, in condos with elevator-only access, or in homes on steep hillside lots (common in areas like Mount Soledad, Mission Hills, and Banker's Hill) cost more to demolish because debris must be carried further. HOA restrictions in condos can also limit work hours, extending the project timeline.
Debris Disposal
San Diego County landfill tipping fees and recycling costs directly affect your total bill. A full kitchen gut can generate 2,000 to 4,000 pounds of debris. At Demo Diego, we include debris removal and responsible disposal in our pricing—we recycle concrete, metal, and wood whenever possible to keep costs down and reduce landfill waste.
DIY Kitchen Demolition vs. Hiring a Pro in San Diego
Many homeowners consider doing their own kitchen demolition to save money. While DIY demo can reduce costs by $1,000 to $3,000, it comes with significant risks and hidden expenses that can quickly erode those savings.
When DIY Might Work
If your kitchen demo is limited to removing non-structural elements—pulling out old cabinets, taking up vinyl flooring, or removing a basic tile backsplash—DIY can be a reasonable option. You will need basic tools (pry bar, reciprocating saw, hammer, safety gear), a way to haul debris (renting a dumpster in San Diego costs $300 to $600 for a 10-yard container), and a full weekend of physical labor.
When to Hire a Professional
You should hire a professional for kitchen demolition if any of the following apply: your home was built before 1980 (asbestos and lead risk), the project involves load-bearing walls, you need plumbing or gas lines capped, the kitchen is on an upper floor, or you are on a tight renovation timeline. Professional crews can complete a full kitchen gut in one day, whereas DIY typically takes an entire weekend or longer.
Visit our kitchen demolition services page to learn more about how Demo Diego handles kitchen demo projects throughout San Diego County.
What's Included in Professional Kitchen Demolition
When you hire Demo Diego for kitchen demolition, here is what is included in our standard pricing:
- 1.Pre-demo assessment. We evaluate your kitchen, identify potential hazards, check for asbestos if the home is older, and create a detailed scope of work so there are no surprises.
- 2.Protection of adjacent areas. We cover floors, doorways, and walls in adjacent rooms with plastic sheeting and floor protection to prevent damage from dust and debris.
- 3.Complete removal of specified items. Cabinets, countertops, backsplash, flooring, fixtures, appliances—whatever your scope requires. We remove everything cleanly down to the studs or subfloor as needed.
- 4.Debris hauling and disposal. All demo debris is loaded onto our trucks and taken to licensed disposal or recycling facilities. No dumpster rental needed on your end.
- 5.Broom-clean finish. We leave the space swept, cleared, and ready for your contractor to begin the rebuild phase immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kitchen Demolition in San Diego
How long does kitchen demolition take?
A professional crew can complete a full kitchen gut in one day for a standard-sized kitchen. Larger kitchens or those with complications (hazardous materials, upper-floor access, multiple flooring layers) may take two days. DIY kitchen demolition typically takes two to four days for an average homeowner.
Can I keep my appliances during kitchen demolition?
Yes. If you plan to reuse appliances like your refrigerator, dishwasher, or range, let your demolition crew know in advance. They will carefully disconnect and move them to a safe location before demo begins. If you are replacing the appliances, we can haul the old ones away as part of the demolition.
Do I need a permit for kitchen demolition in San Diego?
For most kitchen demolition projects that do not involve structural changes, a separate demolition permit is not required in San Diego. However, your general remodel permit (which your contractor typically pulls for the overall renovation) will cover the demo work. If you are removing or altering load-bearing walls, a structural permit and engineering plans are required.
Should I test for asbestos before kitchen demolition?
If your San Diego home was built before 1980, testing for asbestos is strongly recommended and may be legally required before demolition begins. Common kitchen materials that may contain asbestos include vinyl sheet flooring, floor tile adhesive, pipe insulation, and textured ceiling coatings. Testing costs $300 to $700 and results are typically available within a few days.
How can I save money on kitchen demolition?
The best ways to save on kitchen demo in San Diego include: removing your own appliances and personal items before the crew arrives, donating usable cabinets and fixtures to reduce disposal fees, scheduling during off-peak months (fall and winter), and bundling demolition with your remodeling contractor. Getting multiple quotes is always recommended—we suggest at least three bids from licensed San Diego demolition companies.
What happens to the kitchen demo debris?
At Demo Diego, we sort and recycle as much material as possible. Wood, metal, and concrete are taken to recycling facilities in San Diego County. Non-recyclable materials go to licensed landfills. We handle all hauling and disposal as part of our service—you do not need to worry about renting a dumpster or making dump runs.
Get a Free Kitchen Demolition Estimate in San Diego
Ready to start your kitchen remodel? Contact Demo Diego today for a free, no-obligation kitchen demolition quote. We serve all of San Diego County including Chula Vista, Escondido, Oceanside, Carlsbad, and every neighborhood in between.
Call 760-860-8080Or visit our Kitchen Demolition Services page to learn more about what we offer.