Interior demolition

Interior demolition clears a space without tearing down the building. One industry source defines selective demolition as the controlled removal of specific building components while the parts of a structure that will remain are protected for continued use. It is common in tenant improvements, remodels and upgrades.

Older buildings add a catch. Walls, ceilings, floors and adhesives may hold asbestos or lead. Opening them without a plan can spread dust through the whole building.

Federal rules call for a thorough inspection where a demolition or renovation will occur. An asbestos survey before the first cut tells you what you are dealing with. If the survey finds asbestos-containing material, plan to deal with it before demolition moves ahead.

A good scope lists what comes out, what stays, how debris leaves, and how dust is controlled. Ask for utility shutoffs, protection of finished areas and a disposal plan. Set the order of trades early so no one re-opens finished work.