Cost to Kitchen Demolition in Chicago, IL

$1,180–$4,720 in Chicago

18% above the national average · 1.18x cost multiplier

In Chicago, a kitchen demolition runs $1,180 to $4,720 on average — about 18% above what homeowners pay nationwide. The Midwest market's labor costs account for most of the gap, with material pricing and local permitting fees adding to the spread. Use the cost table below to compare budget, mid-range, and premium options side by side.

Cost Breakdown in Chicago

Line Item	Low	Mid	High
Cost per sq ft	$5	$12	$21
Materials	$59	$118	$236
Labor	$708	$2,124	$4,130
Permits	$0	$177	$354
Total	$767+18% vs. national avg	$2,419+18% vs. national avg	$4,720+18% vs. national avg

Budget

Basic demo of upper and lower cabinets, countertops, and flooring in a small kitchen (under 100 sq ft). No load-bearing walls, no asbestos abatement, homeowner handles haul-away.

Mid-Range

Full demo of a 150-200 sq ft kitchen including cabinets, tile backsplash, flooring, soffit removal, and contractor haul-away. Plumbing and electrical disconnection included.

Premium

Comprehensive demo in a 250+ sq ft kitchen, includes partial wall removal (non-load-bearing), asbestos testing and abatement if needed, full haul-away, and surface protection for adjacent areas.

Material Options

Material prices below are national averages; availability in Chicago may shift costs slightly.

Material	Cost/Unit	Pros	Cons	Best For
Cabinet removal (stock cabinets)	$300-$700 per set	Relatively fast, cabinets can sometimes be donated to Habitat for Humanity ReStore	Upper and base cabinets are separate tasks; built-ins take longer	Standard box cabinets installed in the past 20 yearsRelatively fast, cabinets can sometimes be donated to Habitat for Humanity ReStore
Tile flooring removal	$2-$8 per sq ft	Necessary before new flooring installation	Labor-intensive, especially thick-set tile; sub-floor damage common	Full kitchen remodels replacing the floor system entirelyNecessary before new flooring installation
Countertop removal	$100-$400 per section	Granite and quartz slabs can sometimes be resold ($50-$200 for intact pieces)	Heavy materials require two people; backsplash tile often breaks during removal	Remodels replacing all counters; prep for plumbing workGranite and quartz slabs can sometimes be resold ($50-$200 for intact pieces)
Drywall removal	$1-$3 per sq ft	Exposes wiring, plumbing, and insulation for inspection and upgrade	Generates significant dust; HEPA protection needed in adjacent living areas	Full gut remodels, older homes needing electrical or plumbing updatesExposes wiring, plumbing, and insulation for inspection and upgrade
Asbestos abatement (vinyl tile or texture)	$5-$15 per sq ft	Required by law if positive test; ensures safe conditions for remaining work	Expensive and time-consuming; may require temporary relocation	Pre-1980 homes with original flooring or drywall compoundRequired by law if positive test; ensures safe conditions for remaining work

Other Projects in Chicago

Full Kitchen Remodel

Full Bathroom Remodel

Basement Finishing

Back to national average for Kitchen Demolition

Chicago Estimate

Typical Range

$1,180–$4,720

vs. National Average

18% above national

Cost Multiplier

1.18x

Cost Per sq ft

$5–$21

Estimates apply Chicago's 1.18x regional cost multiplier to national averages. Actual bids vary by contractor, project scope, and timing.

See national average costs →