How much does it cost to demo a kitchen?
How much does it cost to demo a kitchen?
$5.00 – $12.50 per square foot
$500 – $2,500 average kitchen demolition
Kitchen demolition cost
The cost to demo a kitchen is $500 to $2,500 for a kitchen tear out of the cabinets, counters, appliances, sink, flooring, and drywall. The cost to demo a small kitchen is $350 to $1,250, while a large kitchen demolition costs $2,500 to$5,000. Cabinet removal costs $300 to $600.
| Kitchen size | Square footage | Cost to fully demolish |
|---|---|---|
| Small kitchen | 70 – 100 | $350 – $1,250 |
| Average kitchen | 100 – 200 | $500 – $2,500 |
| Large kitchen | 200 – 400+ | $2,500 – $5,000+ |
Cost to demo a kitchen by project
| Demo project | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Kitchen cabinet removal | $300 – $600 |
| Countertop removal | $50 – $400 |
| Appliance removal | $50 – $300 |
| Sink and drain removal | $30 – $100 |
| Flooring removal | $50 – $1,000 |
| Drywall removal | $20 – $100 |
| Total Cost | $500 – $2,500 |
Kitchen cabinet demolition cost
Kitchen cabinet removal costs $300 to $600 for an average-sized kitchen. The removal costs $15 to $20 per linear foot, with a small kitchen costing $150 to $300 and a large kitchen costing $500 to $800. Cabinets that are being repurposed must be removed carefully, increasing labor costs.
If your cabinets are in good condition, consider donating them to Habitat For Humanity.
Cost to remove countertops
The cost to remove kitchen countertops runs from $50 to $400, depending on the material and number of counters removed. Solid surface counters require a larger crew to haul away the heavy slabs, with higher rates for second-story kitchens. Laminate, tile, and wood counters are easier and cheaper remove.
Kitchen removal cost factors
A full-kitchen removal of all surfaces is more time-consuming and costly than a partial demo that involves saving the floors or countertops. Other factors that affect the cost include:
Lead and asbestos – Older homes with hazardous materials require additional testing, increasing the overall demo fees.
Wall removal – The cost to remove a wall is $500 to $2,000 for a non-load bearing wall or $4,000 to $10,000 for a load-bearing wall.
Disposal fees – A roll-off dumpster rental costs $265 to $620 per week for a 15-yard dumpster adequate for a kitchen demo debris.
Kitchen demo FAQs
How to save on kitchen demo costs
To save money on kitchen demolition, do some or all the work yourself. If you aren’t comfortable with DIY demo, find a charitable organization like Habitat for Humanity that offers free deconstruction services when donating reusable items.
How to prepare for kitchen demolition
Follow these tips to prepare for kitchen demolition:
Turn off the electricity to the kitchen at the breaker box.
Turn off the water below the sink.
Turn off the gas behind the appliance.
Protect the floors and other surfaces you intend to keep.
Rent a dolly for moving heavy appliances.
Rent a dumpster.
Set up a temporary kitchen in another space to use during the remodel.
How long does it take to demo a kitchen?
A complete kitchen demo takes 10 to 20 hours, depending on the kitchen size. Removing the cabinets is the most time consuming, taking 5 to 8 hours.
Can I demo my own kitchen?
Yes, you can demo your own kitchen to save money on the remodel project. Doing your own demo is simple with just a few standard household tools.
Getting estimates from kitchen demolition services
When hiring a demolition contractor, be sure to:
Look for a contractor that has been in business for more than five years.
Choose from companies that are licensed, bonded, and insured.
Browse their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Get at least three estimates to compare.
Never select a quote based on price alone. Consider the quality of the workmanship.
Ask for a detailed estimate, contract, and warranty in writing before the work begins.
Never pay in full before the project starts. Follow a payment plan instead for work completed.
Questions to ask
What experience do you have with kitchen demolition?
How many kitchens have you demolished in the last year?
Do you charge an hourly rate or flat-rate fee?
Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
Does your estimate include a dumpster and waste disposal?
How long will the demo take?
May I reuse the old cabinets for another project?
May I have a copy of your insurance policy for my records?
Will you provide a list of references with contact information?