A cracked, sunken, or stained driveway drags down your entire home's curb appeal, and in San Diego's competitive real estate market, first impressions count. Demo Diego removes concrete and asphalt driveways of all sizes, from short single-car strips in North Park to wide multi-car aprons in 4S Ranch. We handle the heavy breaking, responsible recycling, and base grading so your paving contractor or landscaper can step right in. Call 760-860-8080 for a free driveway removal estimate.
Driveway removal begins with an underground utility locate to mark water, gas, sewer, and electrical lines that may run beneath or alongside the driveway. We saw-cut clean edges along the garage slab, sidewalks, and the street curb to prevent cracking beyond the removal area. Hydraulic breakers mounted on mini excavators then fracture the concrete or asphalt into chunks, which our crew loads into haul trucks throughout the day. For asphalt driveways, a cold milling attachment can peel up the surface in sheets for faster removal. After the material is out, we grade the remaining base rock or soil, add new compacted base material if needed, and leave a surface that is ready for a fresh pour, pavers, or landscaping.
Typical turnaround: 1-2 days
Exact pricing depends on project scope, accessibility, and debris volume. We provide free on-site estimates with transparent, all-inclusive pricing — no hidden fees.
Driveway removal in San Diego ranges from $2,000 to $7,000 depending on the length, width, and thickness of the driveway, as well as whether it is concrete or asphalt. A standard two-car concrete driveway of about 400 to 600 square feet typically costs $2,500 to $4,500. Longer driveways on hilly properties in neighborhoods like Mount Helix or Tierrasanta can cost more due to slope and access challenges.
Asphalt driveways are generally less expensive to remove than concrete driveways because asphalt is thinner and lighter. Most asphalt driveways are two to three inches thick, while concrete driveways are typically four to six inches thick and may contain rebar. Expect asphalt driveway removal to cost roughly 20 to 30 percent less than concrete removal for the same area.
Most standard residential driveways are removed in one day including haul-off. Longer driveways, heavily reinforced concrete, or properties with tight access may require two days. We aim to complete the job as quickly as possible because we know having your driveway torn up affects your ability to park and access your garage.
Yes. We recommend parking your vehicles on the street or at a neighbor's house during the removal. Our trucks will need access to your driveway area throughout the day. If street parking is restricted in your San Diego neighborhood, let us know and we can help you arrange a temporary no-parking zone through the city.
Removing a driveway on your private property generally does not require a permit in the City of San Diego. However, if the driveway connects to the public sidewalk or street, any work affecting the public right-of-way may need an encroachment permit. Demo Diego evaluates your specific situation during the estimate and handles any permit needs.
San Diego homeowners are increasingly replacing traditional concrete driveways with permeable pavers, stamped concrete, exposed aggregate, or even drought-tolerant landscaping where local codes allow driveway width reductions. Permeable surfaces are especially popular because they help manage stormwater runoff, which is an increasing focus of San Diego's municipal code. We leave the base properly prepared for any of these options.
The driveway apron, the section between the sidewalk and the street, is usually within the public right-of-way and governed by the City of San Diego. We can remove it, but a right-of-way permit is typically required, and the city may have specific requirements for the replacement. We handle the permitting and ensure the work meets city specifications.
Yes, though hillside driveway demolition requires extra planning. In San Diego neighborhoods with steep topography like Mt. Soledad, La Mesa hillsides, and parts of Escondido, we use compact equipment and work in sections to prevent erosion and manage debris runoff. Retaining elements may need to be installed at the downhill edge before removal begins, which we coordinate with your contractor.
We provide driveway removal services throughout San Diego County and surrounding areas.
Call us today for a free on-site estimate. No obligation, transparent pricing.
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