The Hidden Costs of Kitchen Demolition (And How to Erase Them)

If you are planning a kitchen remodel, you have probably spent hours dreaming about your new quartz countertops, the custom backsplash, or that farmhouse sink. But before the new can come in, the old has to go.

Most homeowners budget for the new kitchen but overlook the cost of removing the old one.

The reality is that traditional demolition is messy, wasteful, and surprisingly expensive. But there is a smarter way to handle your renovation that can save you time, money, and stress: Deconstruction with Full Circle Kitchens.

What Does a Typical Kitchen Demo Cost?

If you hire a general contractor or a demolition crew to "gut" your kitchen, you are paying for labor, heavy equipment, and disposal.

• Labor Costs: Contractors typically charge between $50 and $100 per hour per worker.

• Disposal Fees: You are also paying for a dumpster rental (often $400–$800) and tipping fees at the landfill.

• The "Mess" Tax: Traditional demo is destructive. It creates fine dust that travels through your HVAC system, potential damage to surrounding drywall, and a chaotic work zone that can delay your project.

  
  On average, a standard kitchen demolition in 2026 can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000+ depending on the size of your kitchen and the weight of materials like granite or stone.

  
  That is money leaving your pocket just to destroy things you once paid for.

  The Full Circle Kitchens Difference: Don’t Demo—Deconstruct

  At Full Circle Kitchens, we flip the script. Instead of smashing your cabinets and tossing your countertops into a landfill, we specialize in deconstruction and inventory management.

  
  

  Here is how hiring us saves you both time and money:

  1. Reduce or Eliminate Labor Costs

  Traditional demolition crews are paid to destroy. We are specialists trained to carefully uninstall. Because we recover valuable materials (cabinets, appliances, granite), we can often offset the cost of the labor. In many cases, if your cabinets are in good condition, the removal service may cost you significantly less than a standard demo crew—or potentially nothing at all.

  2. Turn Trash into Cash (or Tax Breaks)

  When you smash a cabinet, it becomes trash. When you deconstruct a cabinet, it remains an asset.

  Sell: If your cabinets and appliances are high-quality, we can help you find a buyer or offer you a quote, putting cash back in your pocket.

  Donate: We work with community partners to donate usable materials. This prevents waste and often allows you to claim a tax deduction for the fair market value of the donated materials.

  3. Save Valuable Time

  DIY demolition often drags on for weekends, and general contractors may fit your demo in "whenever they have time." At Full Circle Kitchens, we are surgical and efficient. Our experienced team can remove granite countertops without breaking them and uninstall cabinetry quickly, leaving your space clean and ready for the next phase of remodeling.

  4. Skip the Landfill Guilt

  Kitchen renovation generates millions of tons of waste every year. By choosing Full Circle Kitchens, you are keeping perfectly good materials out of the landfill and giving them a second life in another home. It is the eco-friendly choice that pays you back.

  
  Ready to Start Your Remodel?

  
  Don't pay to destroy your investment. Whether you want to sell your old cabinets or donate them for a tax break, Full Circle Kitchens turns a costly demolition into a smart financial move.

  
  Contact us today to schedule a consultation and see how much you can save on your kitchen tear-out.