How much does Bathroom demolition cost?

Most bathroom renovations start with demolition, which can account for 10–20% of the overall cost of a bathroom remodeling project. But demolition work is more than ripping into walls and floors with sledge hammers and pry bars. Demolition contractors know how to safely remove bathroom fixtures, cabinetry, wallboard, and flooring. They know what goes and what stays for the new fixtures in the new bathroom. 

They must take care in tearing out wall studs, subflooring, and floor framing so as not to weaken the home’s structure. And they know how to handle hazardous materials like asbestos, which is often present in older houses, and dispose of it safely and legally. 

This guide provides average costs charged by professional demolition contractors for bathroom renovation projects.

Costs for demolition work in preparation for a full bathroom remodel typically range from $400–2,000. The national average cost for a bathroom demolition project is $1,100.

Total square footage. Demolition pros typically charge $5–12 per square foot to gut an existing bathroom. In older homes, the average bathroom measured 40-square-foot and demolition work cost $200–480. 

Larger, more luxurious master bathrooms feature  high-end whirlpool tubs, a separate shower, two sinks, and a walk-in closet. Bathrooms as large as 100 square feet are not uncommon, with demolition costs ranging from $500–1,200.

Labor. Most demolition contractors charge $60–85 an hour for labor. It typically takes 8–16 man-hours to gut a bathroom.

There are a number of factors that can affect bathroom demolition costs.

Type of materials and fixtures. Not all bathroom remodeling projects require gutting the entire space, but require selective deconstruction of countertops, bathroom floors, and other items.  

DEMOLITION ITEM		AVERAGE TIME REQUIRED		DEMOLITION COST @$75/hour
Drywall		1–2 hrs		$75–150
Flooring		1–3 hrs		$75–225
Lighting		1/2–1 hrs		$37.5–$75
Sink		1/2–1 hrs		$37.5–$75
Toilet		1/2–1 hrs		$37.5–$75
Tub/Shower		1–4 hrs		$75–300
Vanity		1–3 hrs		$75–225
Wall tile		1–3 hrs		$75–225

Removing hazardous materials. Asbestos is frequently present in linoleum floor tile and other building components in older buildings. Building codes require special precautions for demolition of asbestos-containing materials because asbestos-laden dust is linked to serious respiratory diseases. Qualified asbestos remediation contractors typically charge $20–65 per square foot for removal, and waste-disposal facilities typically charge $120–500 per ton for dumping.

Waste disposal. Neither home-improvement contractors nor homeowners can dump demolition wastes such as bathroom tile, concrete, drywall, electrical wiring, and other construction debris just anywhere. Professional demolition and remodeling contractors often hire dumpsters for remodeling projects. A 10-cubic-yard container will range in cost from $250–500, a 20-yard container from $350–750. Landfill disposal rates for non-hazardous construction debris vary widely by location; the national median is $87 per ton.

How much does it cost to demolish a shower?

At a labor rate of $75 per hour, it should cost $300 or less.

How do you calculate demolition costs?

As a rule of thumb and depending on the location of the jobsite, contractors calculate demolition charges at $5–12 per square foot.

Can I demolish my own bathroom?

According to Ben Raabe, of Bella Contracting, Fairlawn, NJ; “When it comes to renovating your home, there are a lot of projects that you can do yourself—but demolition shouldn’t be one of them. It can end up costing you a lot more time, money, and stress than you’d originally planned for.“

How long does it take to demo bathroom?

It normally takes 8–16 man-hours to gut a bath space of average size and complexity.

Find a demolition professional in your area.