Kitchen Demolition Day: What to Expect
Demolition day is when your remodel gets real. Everything comes out—cabinets, counters, appliances, and possibly flooring. It's loud, dusty, and exciting. Here's how to prepare and what to expect.
Quick Summary
Timeline
1-3 days
Dumpster cost
$300-800
Labor cost
$1,500-4,000
Before Demolition Day
Critical: All utilities must be properly disconnected before any demolition. This includes water supply lines, gas connections, and electrical circuits. Never attempt gas disconnection yourself—call a licensed plumber.
Proper preparation makes demo day go smoothly and prevents costly mistakes. Complete these tasks before your crew arrives:
Utility Disconnection
- Turn off water supply at fixture shutoffs
- Shut off circuit breakers for kitchen circuits
- Have plumber cap gas lines (licensed professional only)
- Label all circuits at the electrical panel
Area Preparation
- Cover HVAC vents with magnetic covers
- Hang plastic sheeting on doorways
- Lay plywood paths to protect flooring
- Position dumpster as close as possible
Demolition Sequence
Remove Appliances First
Start with appliances because they're bulky and in the way of everything else. Disconnect carefully and decide what happens next.
Keep
Appliances you're reinstalling, move to garage
Donate
Working appliances can go to Habitat ReStore
Dispose
Old or broken appliances go to dumpster or haul-away
Remove Countertops
Countertop removal technique depends on the material and whether you want to salvage anything.
Remove Upper Cabinets
Upper cabinets come out before base cabinets. Always have someone supporting the cabinet as screws are removed—they're heavier than they look.
Pro tip: If donating cabinets, remove doors first and number everything. Stack doors separately with cardboard between them to prevent scratches.
Remove Base Cabinets
Disconnect sink plumbing and disposal before removing sink base. Check behind cabinets for water damage, mold, or pest issues.
Expect surprises: This is when you discover what's been hiding. Old plumbing, outdated wiring, water damage, or previous DIY repairs often appear. Have your contractor assess before proceeding.
Remove Flooring (If Replacing)
If replacing flooring, it comes out last. Some flooring requires special handling.
Asbestos Warning
Vinyl tiles and sheet flooring installed before 1980 may contain asbestos. Do not disturb without professional testing. Asbestos abatement costs $1,500-10,000 but is legally required.
Option: If flooring is in decent condition, new flooring can often be installed directly over it, avoiding removal costs and potential asbestos issues.
Expose Walls for Rough-In Work
If moving electrical or plumbing, walls need to be opened up. This is also when you discover what's in your walls.
Document Everything
- • Photo existing wiring locations
- • Mark water shutoff locations
- • Note any structural elements
- • Record which circuits power what
Common Discoveries
- • Knob-and-tube wiring
- • Galvanized plumbing
- • Inadequate insulation
- • Pest damage or nests
What to Save During Demo
Before everything goes in the dumpster, consider what's worth keeping, selling, or donating.
Worth Saving
- • Working appliances (donate or sell)
- • Quality cabinet hardware
- • Solid wood cabinet doors
- • Copper piping (recycling value)
- • Unique architectural features
- • Light fixtures in good condition
Usually Not Worth It
- • Particle board cabinets
- • Laminate countertops
- • Standard outlets and switches
- • Generic builder-grade fixtures
- • Old flooring
- • Damaged or stained items
Dumpster and Disposal
| Option | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 10-yard dumpster | $300-400 | Small kitchens, cabinet/counter only |
| 20-yard dumpster | $400-600 | Full kitchen demo with flooring |
| Junk removal service | $400-800 | No dumpster space, one-time pickup |
| Self-haul to landfill | $100-200 | If you have a truck and time |
Tip: Ask your contractor if debris removal is included in their quote. Many include it, saving you dumpster coordination.
Common Demolition Mistakes
Hitting water lines before shutoff
Always triple-check that water is off before swinging anything. A burst pipe during demo is a nightmare.
Cutting into load-bearing walls
Never assume a wall isn't structural. Consult an engineer before removing any wall, even partial sections.
Disturbing asbestos without testing
Pre-1980 flooring, insulation, and even drywall mud may contain asbestos. Test first—it's a legal requirement.
No dust containment
Demo dust travels throughout the house via HVAC. Cover vents and seal doorways with plastic before starting.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does kitchen demolition take?
A typical kitchen demo takes 1-3 days. Simple cabinet and counter removal can be done in one day. Full gut demos including flooring and wall removal take 2-3 days. Your contractor should have a clear timeline.
Should I do demolition myself?
DIY demo can save $500-2,000, but professionals are faster and avoid damaging things you want to keep. If you have time and physical ability, demo is one area where DIY makes sense. Always hire pros for utility work and structural elements.
What surprises should I expect?
Common surprises include: water damage behind cabinets, outdated wiring that needs replacement, old plumbing not to code, pest evidence, and previous DIY repairs done incorrectly. Your 20% contingency budget covers these.
How do I dispose of old cabinets?
Working cabinets can be donated to Habitat for Humanity ReStore, sold on Facebook Marketplace, or given away on Craigslist free section. Damaged cabinets go in the dumpster. Remove doors and hardware if donating.
Ready for the Next Step?
With demolition complete, your kitchen is a blank canvas. Next comes framing and structural changes—if you're opening walls or changing the layout.