Renovations Generate a Lot of Junk
A kitchen remodel. A bathroom gut. Finishing the basement. Replacing floors throughout the house. Every Denver renovation project generates debris — old cabinets, countertops, flooring, fixtures, drywall, and the random stuff that was hiding behind the walls.
Here’s how junk removal fits into each phase of your renovation.
Phase 1: Before the Renovation (Pre-Demo Cleanout)
Before your contractor starts demo, you need to clear the workspace. This means removing:
- Kitchen remodel: Old small appliances, dishes, pantry contents, cookware, and anything stored in cabinets
- Bathroom remodel: Towels, toiletries, storage items, and the old vanity contents
- Basement finish: Everything stored in the basement — and Denver basements store a LOT. Furniture, boxes, holiday decorations, exercise equipment, old electronics.
- Whole-house renovation: Entire rooms of furniture, personal items, and accumulated clutter
Pre-Demo Cleanout Pricing
- Single room clearout: $149 – $249
- Kitchen + pantry: $149 – $249
- Basement clearout: $249 – $650 (full basement guide)
- Whole house: $449 – $800+
Pro tip: Schedule your cleanout 1-2 days before your contractor starts. This gives them a clean workspace from day one and avoids delays.
Phase 2: During the Renovation (Mid-Project Debris Removal)
Once demo starts, debris piles up fast. Your contractor may handle their own debris, but often:
- The dumpster fills up and needs supplemental removal
- Your contractor doesn’t handle certain items (old appliances, furniture, fixtures)
- You need debris cleared mid-project so the next phase can begin
- HOA or city time limits on dumpsters are approaching
Common Mid-Renovation Items We Remove
- Old cabinets and countertops
- Torn-out flooring — carpet, tile, hardwood, LVP
- Drywall and plaster
- Old fixtures (sinks, toilets, tubs, vanities)
- Windows and doors
- Trim, molding, and baseboards
- Old appliances being replaced
- Concrete and brick from structural changes
Junk Removal vs. Dumpster During Renovation
Many homeowners use both during a renovation:
- Dumpster for ongoing construction debris (drywall, lumber, flooring) that accumulates daily over the project
- Junk removal for specific items the dumpster can’t handle (appliances with Freon, mattresses, electronics, furniture to donate) or for a mid-project cleanout when the dumpster is full
See our full dumpster vs. junk removal comparison.
Phase 3: After the Renovation (Post-Project Cleanup)
The renovation is done, but you’re left with:
- Contractor’s leftover materials (scrap lumber, drywall pieces, tile fragments)
- Packaging from new appliances, fixtures, and materials
- Old items that were “temporarily” moved to another room
- The furniture and decor that no longer fits the new space
- Construction dust and small debris the contractor didn’t clean up
Post-Renovation Cleanup Pricing
- Small amount of leftover debris: $99 – $149
- Packaging + old materials: $149 – $249
- Old furniture that doesn’t match the new design: $149 – $349
- Full post-renovation cleanout: $249 – $499
Renovation Items We Donate and Recycle
Not everything from a renovation is trash. Through our GreenHaul™ program, we divert usable materials from the landfill:
- Cabinets in good condition → Habitat for Humanity ReStore
- Working appliances → Donated to local organizations
- Solid wood doors and trim → ReStore or salvage
- Metal fixtures, pipes, and hardware → Scrap metal recycling
- Usable furniture → Local Denver charities
Common Denver Renovation Projects and What They Generate
| Project | Typical Debris | Removal Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Kitchen remodel | Cabinets, countertops, flooring, appliances | $249 – $449 |
| Bathroom remodel | Vanity, toilet, tub/shower, tile, drywall | $149 – $299 |
| Flooring replacement | Old carpet/tile/hardwood, padding, tack strips | $99 – $249 |
| Basement finish | Stored items + some construction waste | $249 – $650 |
| Deck replacement | Old deck boards, railing, posts, hardware | $199 – $449 |
| Window replacement | Old windows, trim, caulk, insulation | $99 – $199 |
| Whole-house renovation | Everything above combined | $499 – $1,200+ |
Working With Your Contractor
Before hiring a contractor, ask:
- “Is debris removal included in your bid?” — Some contractors include it; others charge extra or expect you to handle it.
- “What items do you NOT remove?” — Many contractors won’t take old appliances, furniture, or hazardous materials.
- “How long will the dumpster be on-site?” — If the dumpster rental is in the bid, understand the timeline.
If your contractor doesn’t handle debris, or if specific items fall outside their scope, that’s where we come in. We work alongside contractors regularly and can schedule pickups around their timeline.
Schedule Your Renovation Cleanout
Whether you need a pre-demo clearout, mid-project debris removal, or post-renovation cleanup, call (303) 324-6014 or book online. Same-day service available across the Denver metro, 7 days a week.
