Commercial interior demolition, also called a strip-out or selective demolition, removes interior finishes, walls, ceilings, fixtures and systems while the building structure stays in place. It usually happens before a tenant build-out, after a tenant leaves, or during a renovation. In South Florida, many of these jobs happen in occupied buildings, which makes planning just as important as the demolition itself.
Scope
What commercial interior demolition includes
Walls, ceilings and flooring
Non-structural partitions, drop ceilings, grid, carpet, tile, raised floors and wall finishes.
Fixtures and millwork
Cabinets, counters, restroom fixtures, storefront displays, kitchen equipment and casework.
MEP removal
Electrical, plumbing and mechanical runs that are no longer needed, made safe and capped by licensed trades.
Make-ready for the next build-out
A clean, open space ready for the architect's plans, with items marked to stay protected in place.
Planning
How a commercial interior demolition project is planned
Walkthrough and scope
Confirm exactly what is removed and what stays, using the architect's demolition plan when available.
Landlord and building approvals
Get landlord sign-off, building rules, certificates of insurance and any required approvals before mobilizing.
Permits
Demolition and related trade permits are pulled as required. Commercial buildings need an asbestos survey and, when required, a state notice at least 10 working days before work starts.
MEP disconnects
Electrical, plumbing, HVAC and fire-protection systems serving the area are made safe and isolated so the rest of the building is not affected.
Protection and logistics
Dust barriers, negative air where needed, floor and elevator protection, and a plan for loading docks, freight elevators and debris routes.
Demolition, hauling and closeout
Work is performed within the building's allowed hours, debris is removed daily, and the space is left ready for the next phase.
Occupied buildings
Keeping neighboring tenants in business
After-hours and phased work
Noisy work can be scheduled after hours or in phases so neighboring offices and stores stay open.
Dust and noise control
Sealed containment, protected HVAC returns and controlled debris routes keep dust out of occupied areas.
Life-safety systems
Fire alarm and sprinkler systems are coordinated with the building and licensed trades so protection stays in place.
Before you hire
Questions to ask a commercial demolition contractor
Checklist
- Are you a licensed Florida general contractor, and will you pull the permit?
- Can you provide a certificate of insurance that names the landlord as required?
- Have you worked in occupied buildings and within building rules?
- How will you handle asbestos surveys and notices?
- Who disconnects and makes safe the electrical, plumbing and fire systems?
- How is debris removed, and what hours will you work?
- Is the scope, schedule and final condition of the space written into the proposal?
Related
Keep reading
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
What is commercial interior demolition?
Commercial interior demolition is the removal of interior walls, ceilings, flooring, fixtures and systems inside a commercial building while the structure stays in place, usually before a tenant build-out or renovation.
Can interior demolition be done while other tenants are open?
Yes, with planning. Work can be phased or scheduled after hours, with dust containment, noise control and protected routes for debris so neighboring tenants can keep operating.
Do I need a permit for commercial interior demolition?
Usually, yes. Commercial interior demolition generally requires a permit from the local building department, and related trade permits may be needed when electrical, plumbing, mechanical or fire-protection systems are affected.
Is an asbestos survey required for commercial interior demolition?
Commercial buildings are generally subject to federal and state asbestos rules, so an asbestos survey is typically required before demolition or major renovation, and a notice may be required at least 10 working days before work starts.
This guide is general information, not legal or engineering advice. Requirements vary by building, landlord and jurisdiction.