The term 'office demolition' covers a wide spectrum — from a straightforward internal strip out of a single-floor commercial unit to the structural demolition of a multi-storey office building. Understanding which type of work your project requires is the first step to getting the right contractor and the right price.

Strip Out vs Demolition: What's the Difference?

Office strip out (or soft strip out) involves removing all non-structural elements — partitions, ceilings, raised floors, M&E services, joinery, and fixtures — while leaving the structural frame intact. This is the standard approach for office refurbishments and change-of-use projects.

Internal demolition goes further: it may involve removing internal structural elements such as concrete staircases, load-bearing partitions (with appropriate propping), mezzanine steel platforms, or internal concrete cores. Any structural element removal requires structural engineering input and must be covered in the project RAMS.

Full office demolition involves the complete removal of the building to ground level, typically requiring a principal contractor appointment under CDM 2015.

Typical Scope of an Office Strip Out

• Suspended ceiling grid and tiles
• Raised access floor panels and pedestals
• Demountable and stud partition systems
• All electrical cabling, distribution boards, and light fittings
• Heating and cooling plant, pipework, and ductwork
• IT and data cabling infrastructure
• Toilet pods, kitchen units, and all built-in joinery
• Fire suppression, detection, and emergency lighting systems

Asbestos in Office Buildings

Office buildings constructed or refurbished before 2000 are likely to contain asbestos — particularly in ceiling tiles, floor tile adhesives, pipe lagging in service risers, and textured decorative coatings. A pre-strip R&D asbestos survey is legally required before any intrusive work. Our guide to asbestos removal explains the survey types and what to expect.

How Long Does Office Strip Out Take?

A small office unit (up to 1,000m²) can typically be fully stripped in two to five days. Larger multi-floor commercial buildings are programmed in phases — typically one floor per week with a full team — but programme depends heavily on M&E complexity, access, and working hour restrictions.

What Does Office Strip Out Cost?

Indicative cost per square metre for office strip out ranges from £12–£35/m² depending on M&E complexity, floor finish specification, number of floors, and waste volumes. All JWD quotations are fixed-price and inclusive of waste disposal. Call 0800 222 9772 for a free site visit and quote. We serve Birmingham, Manchester, Sheffield, and all of England and Wales.