What Do Demolition Contractors Actually Do?

September 12, 2025

What Do Demolition Contractors Actually Do?

If you've ever searched for "demolition contractors near me" or wondered what a demolition company really does day to day — you're not alone.

At Jim Wise Demolition, we handle everything from carefully stripping out a single garage to bringing down multi-storey industrial complexes, safely and efficiently.

This blog will walk you through the full scope of what we do — and why it’s about much more than just “knocking buildings down.”

First Things First – What Is a Demolition Contractor?

A demolition contractor is a licensed professional who plans, manages, and safely executes the dismantling and removal of buildings or structures. That could be:

  • A small domestic garage ready for a rebuild
  • A commercial unit being replaced by something new
  • A factory or warehouse site undergoing complete regeneration

And it involves much more than just machinery. At Jim Wise, our demolition services include:

  • Site surveys and risk assessments
  • Liaising with Building Control
  • Structural analysis and planning
  • Soft strip-outs
  • Full demolition
  • Waste removal and recycling

The Demolition Process – Step by Step

Here's a closer look at how demolition contractors work:

1. Site Visit & Quotation

We begin with a free, no-obligation site visit to assess the scope of works. You can request one here or call us on 01782 790576.

2. Planning & Compliance

Before works begin, we liaise with Building Control and, where needed, help arrange asbestos surveys, disconnections, and permits. We also prepare full RAMS (Risk Assessments & Method Statements).

3. Soft Strip-Out

We remove internal fixtures, fittings, and non-structural elements, carefully segregating waste and salvaging materials where possible.

4. Structural Demolition

Depending on the project, this may involve high-reach excavators, hand-demolition methods, or controlled mechanical techniques. Safety is paramount at every stage.

5. Waste Clearance & Recycling

We sort and remove all demolition waste, recycling materials wherever possible. Our aim is to leave you with a clean, safe, and ready-to-use site.

Sectors We Work In

We carry out demolition and strip-out works across a wide range of sectors, tailoring our approach to suit each environment:

🏥 Healthcare

We work within live hospital environments and NHS properties. Read more about our healthcare sector demolition services or view our project at Good Hope Hospital.

🏛️ Public Sector & Government

Trusted by local authorities and public sector organisations. See our public sector demolition services.

🏢 Commercial & Industrial

From factories to waste transfer stations. Learn more about our commercial demolition services and see our recent Biffa project in Stoke-on-Trent.

🛍️ Retail & Hospitality

We carry out internal strip-outs and full clearances. Discover our retail demolition solutions and explore our Decathlon strip-out project.

Domestic vs Commercial Demolition

At Jim Wise Demolition, we carry out both domestic and commercial projects across the UK:

Domestic Projects:

  • Garage and outhouse removals
  • Bungalow demolitions
  • Fire-damaged property clearance
  • Soft strip for home renovations

Commercial Projects:

  • Multi-storey office blocks
  • Warehouses and storage units
  • Shopping centres and car parks
  • Public buildings and industrial units

Whether it’s a small outbuilding or a four-storey structure, our team has the equipment and experience to handle it.

Where We Work

Based in Stoke-on-Trent, in the heart of Staffordshire, our Midlands location gives us access to key regions across the UK.

We regularly take on demolition projects in:

Wherever your project is located, we’re happy to travel.

Why Choose Jim Wise Demolition?

✅ Over 30 years in the demolition industry
✅ Fully licensed and insured
✅ In-house teams and machinery
✅ Domestic and commercial experts
✅ Excellent local reputation
✅ Free site visits and no-obligation quotes

We’ve built a reputation for being reliable, responsive, and safety-first — just ask our clients across Staffordshire and beyond.

Request a Free Site Visit Today

If you’re looking for a trusted demolition contractor, our team is ready to help. Call us today or drop us an email — we’ll get your site assessed, priced, and ready for progress.

📞 01782 790576
📧 info@jimwisedemolition.co.uk
🌐 www.jimwisedemolition.co.uk

Jim Wise Demolition – Clearing the way for safer, smarter construction across the UK.

Our work

We are Demolition Experts, take a look at our best projects.