The demolition phase is assumed to be simple — knock out the old and move on. In reality it is the project’s first real test, and it determines cost, duration and sometimes the design itself.
Why we never skip past strip-out
Until the structure is bare, we work on assumptions. Behind old walls we find non-compliant electrical runs, old leaks, floor level differences, and columns that never appeared on the drawing we were given.
What we document at this stage
Actual floor and ceiling levels · existing power and drainage positions · structural walls that cannot be touched · clear ceiling height once false ceilings come down.
How demolition changes the design
On many projects a detail changes after strip-out — not because the design was wrong, but because reality differed from the drawing. The problem is only when it is found late.
FAQ
How long does demolition take? Usually a few days to two weeks on a mid-sized shop, depending on the extent of old works and waste removal requirements.
Who pays for waste removal? Normally within the contractor’s scope — confirm it is stated explicitly in the quotation.
Can design start before demolition? Yes, but it stays provisional until the structure is exposed and dimensions verified.
See the demolition stage from one of our projects on [@LUXELINEKW].