Question 1

How much does it cost to gut a house in San Diego?

Accepted Answer

A full interior gut of a San Diego home typically costs $3,000 to $12,000 depending on the square footage, number of rooms, and scope of work. A 1,200-square-foot home stripped to studs with all flooring, drywall, cabinets, and fixtures removed generally falls in the $6,000 to $9,000 range. Smaller projects like gutting just a few rooms cost less. Demo Diego provides itemized quotes so you can adjust scope to match your budget.

Question 2

Can you remove a wall to open up my floor plan?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but first we need to determine whether the wall is load-bearing. Our team works with structural engineers to verify load paths before any wall is removed. If the wall is non-load-bearing, we can take it down quickly. If it is load-bearing, a beam and post system can usually replace it, which we coordinate with your contractor or engineer. Open floor plans are hugely popular in San Diego remodels, especially in ranch-style homes in communities like San Carlos and Del Cerro.

Question 3

How do you handle asbestos and lead paint in older San Diego homes?

Accepted Answer

Many San Diego homes built before 1980 contain asbestos in popcorn ceilings, floor tiles, pipe insulation, or textured wall finishes. Lead paint is common in homes built before 1978. We arrange certified testing before interior demolition begins, and if hazardous materials are found, our licensed abatement partners remove them safely in compliance with San Diego County and EPA regulations before we continue the demolition.

Question 4

How long does a full interior demolition take?

Accepted Answer

A full gut of an average-sized San Diego home, around 1,500 to 2,000 square feet, takes three to five working days. Smaller projects like stripping two bedrooms and a hallway might take two days. The timeline depends on the scope, the number of layers to remove, and whether hazardous material abatement is needed. We provide a clear schedule before work begins.

Question 5

Will you protect areas of the home that are not being demolished?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. We install zip-wall dust barriers, tape off HVAC vents, and lay heavy-duty floor protection in all pathways between the demo zone and the exit. If you are living in the home during the remodel, which many San Diego homeowners do, we take extra care to isolate the work area and minimize disruption to your daily life.

Question 6

Can you remove popcorn ceilings as part of interior demolition?

Accepted Answer

Yes, popcorn ceiling removal is one of our most popular interior demo services in San Diego. Before removal, we test for asbestos since many popcorn ceilings applied before 1980 contain it. If the ceiling is clean, we wet it down and scrape it smooth in a single pass. If asbestos is present, we bring in certified abatement professionals first. Either way, you end up with clean, flat ceilings ready for texture or paint.

Question 7

Do I need to move out during interior demolition?

Accepted Answer

For a full-house gut, yes, you should plan to be out of the home. For partial interior demolition limited to a few rooms, many homeowners stay in the home with proper dust containment in place. We will advise you based on the scope of your project and the layout of your home. Many of our San Diego clients stay with family nearby or use a short-term rental for a few days during the demo phase.

Question 8

What is left after you finish interior demolition?

Accepted Answer

After a full interior gut, you are left with exposed wall studs, ceiling joists, and subfloor. All drywall, insulation, flooring, cabinets, fixtures, and debris are removed. Plumbing and electrical are capped and labeled. The space is broom-cleaned and ready for your contractor to begin rough-in work for the remodel. We also photograph the exposed framing and utilities for your contractor's reference.

Interior Demolition in Rancho Santa Fe, CA

Interior Demo Services in Rancho Santa Fe

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Demolition Services in Rancho Santa Fe, CA

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