Written by

Tamatha Hazen

November 22, 2023

Edited by

Kristen Cramer

Fact-checked by

Tara Farmer

Average bathroom demolition cost

Bathroom demolition costs $600 to $2,000, depending on the project scope and bathroom size. A complete gut job costs more than simply removing fixtures. The labor cost to demo a bathroom ranges from $40 to $80 per hour, subject to crew size, project difficulty, and local disposal fees.

Bathroom demolition cost calculator

Despite their size, bathroom demolitions can be expensive because of heavy fixtures, plumbing obstacles, hard-to-reach areas, and extensive tiling that is time-consuming to remove. A partial demo that leaves the walls, floors, and some fixtures in place is less costly than gutting the entire bathroom.

Bathroom demolition cost factors

The size and scope of the demolition project are the primary factors affecting bathroom demo costs, but other factors also come into play, including:

• Accessibility – Moving heavy fixtures up and down stairs requires more labor, so bathrooms on a second story or basement make demo more challenging and costly.

• Age – Older homes are more likely to have asbestos, lead paint, or other hazardous materials. The crew must use special precautions for removal, leading to higher costs.

• Labor – Skilled labor such as licensed contractors or demo specialists may charge higher rates.

• Location – Geographic locations with a higher cost of living have higher labor rates and disposal fees.

• Materials and construction – Tile demo is more labor-intensive and costly than demolishing drywall. Heavy marble countertops and baths cost more to remove and dispose of than lightweight acrylic baths and sinks.

• Permits – Demolition work may require a permit in some locations, increasing the timeline and overall cost.

• Structural issues – If the demo involves structural elements or load-bearing walls, additional fees apply for engineering assessments and reinforcement.

• Unplanned costs – Unforeseen issues, such as hidden plumbing or electrical issues discovered during demolition can lead to additional costs.

• Waste disposal – Fees for hauling away debris and landfill disposal charges also affect the budget.

Labor costs to demo a bathroom

The labor cost for bathroom demolition ranges from $40 to $80+ per hour, depending on the size of the crew. The cost of living in your area and the project difficulty also affect the labor rate.

Bathrooms are more time-consuming to demolish than other rooms, resulting in higher labor costs. In comparison, a kitchen demo costs $500 to $2,500, even though the kitchen is usually a bigger room. A whole house demolition costs $6,000 to $25,000.

Bathroom demolition FAQs

What does it mean to gut a bathroom?

"Gutting a bathroom" means ripping out everything inside the bathroom, including fixtures, finishes, and sometimes even the walls and floor. The purpose is to start from scratch for a renovation or remodel.

How long does it take to demo a bathroom?

An experienced demo crew can demolish a small bathroom in as little as a few hours. A larger bathroom with heavy fixtures or more extensive tile work can take a few days to demo.

How can I save on bathroom demo?

Saving on a bathroom demo requires careful planning and possibly a bit of DIY work. Here are some helpful strategies to consider:

• If you have some basic skills, you can save by tackling the simpler tasks, like removing sinks and vanities yourself.

• Instead of completely gutting the bathroom, take a more selective approach. Identify and remove only the elements you're replacing or upgrading while leaving the rest intact.

• Before beginning the demo, determine if you can salvage any fixtures or materials for reuse or resale. This could include cabinets, vanities, sinks, toilets, and lighting fixtures.

• Recycle or donate demolition debris, such as old tiles, drywall, and wood. This cuts down on the amount of waste going to landfills and reduces disposal fees.

Should I demo the bathroom myself?

If you have the tools and skills and some experience with demolition work, you can save money by doing the demo yourself. However, if you are inexperienced or uncomfortable working around plumbing and electric, it is best to hire a professional demo crew.

Getting estimates from demolition contractors

Consider these suggestions when hiring a reputable demolition contractor near you for your bathroom demo project:

• Seek a demolition professional with at least 5 years of experience in the field.

• Get and compare multiple estimates from contractors who are licensed, bonded, and insured.

• Read reviews from previous customers HomeGuide and Google.

• Avoid choosing a quote solely based on cost; consider the contractor's reputation and the quality of their work.

• Request a detailed written estimate, contract, and warranty before the demo begins.

• Avoid large upfront deposits and establish a payment plan based on completed milestones.

Questions to ask demo contractors

To ensure you find the right demolition contractor for your needs, ask these questions:

• What's your experience level with bathroom demolition?

• In the past year, how many bathrooms have you successfully demolished?

• Do you use an hourly labor rate or a flat-rate fee for your services?

• Are you prepared with the licenses, insurance, and surety bonds?

• Does your estimate cover the cost of a dumpster and waste disposal?

• What is the protocol if you discover asbestos in my bathroom during the demo?

• How long will the bathroom take to demo?

• Can I salvage counters or cabinets for another project?