Based on 193 real quotes from businesses in United States.
$394
TYPICAL
$2000
Yelp calculates estimated costs by gathering and analyzing real quotes provided to consumers by businesses on Yelp. Actual costs may vary.
Key takeaways
Demolition accounts for a significant chunk of bathroom renovation project costs
Demolition work for bathroom remodeling projects is usually charged by the square foot
Disposing of construction debris adds to the cost of a bathroom remodeling
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 |
AVERAGE TIME |
DEMOLITION COST |
||
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.
Don’t change the layout of bath fixtures. Plan to keep the toilet, tub, shower, and bathroom sink in the same locations in the remodeled bath to avoid costs for altering the existing rough plumbing
Donate discarded fixtures and materials. Charitable groups like Habitat for Humanity will gladly take usable toilets, sinks, bathtubs, and faucets for reuse in low-cost housing projects, and homeowners who donate are eligible for tax deductions based on their value
Get multiple estimates. Seek at least three detailed proposals from contractors. Compare them not only on the basis of price but also on performance guarantees, warranties, and other terms that suggest convenience and value.
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.
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Every year, millions of consumers request quotes on Yelp from top-rated local professionals. We combine these real-life project quotes with data from the millions of people who interact with businesses on Yelp today. We use our years of expertise to create handy local cost guides that you can trust. Get accurate estimates on projects in your area, from roofing to moving.
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