Demolition contractors for controlled strip-outs.
Most of our extensions and renovations begin with careful demolition or strip-out work. We also take on standalone demolition of outbuildings, chimney breasts, internal walls, garages and old structures — carried out safely, tidily and with proper waste disposal.
Scope of work
Every project is scoped individually, but here's what a typical demolition project with ADB SW covers.
- Internal strip-outs before renovation
- Removal of chimney breasts (with structural support)
- Internal wall removal with RSJs
- Outbuilding & garage demolition
- Removal of old kitchens, bathrooms and flooring
- Full site clearance & waste disposal
What is demolition work?
Demolition work ranges from stripping out a kitchen or bathroom before a renovation to taking down an outbuilding, garage or chimney breast, or breaking out an old concrete slab. On a home project it is rarely the end in itself: it clears the way for an extension, a conversion or a new layout, so the way it is carried out affects everything that follows.
Good demolition services start with understanding the structure. Before anything is removed, it needs to be clear which walls carry load, what is above them, whether services run through the area and whether any materials need a specialist survey first, such as suspected asbestos in older buildings. Temporary support, dust control and protection for the parts of the house being kept are planned before work begins.
Choosing a demolition company for a home project
For a domestic job, the best demolition contractor is usually one who also understands the building work that comes next. Removing a load-bearing wall, for example, needs propping, a correctly sized beam and padstones as part of one sequence, not a separate demolition and rebuild. The same applies to strip-outs, where careful removal can save existing floors, ceilings or joinery that would otherwise need replacing.
Ask how waste will be separated and removed, how access and skips will be managed on your street, how neighbours will be kept informed and how the site will be left at the end of each day. A written quote should set out the scope, any temporary works and what is excluded.
What affects demolition cost
Demolition cost depends on the size and type of structure, how it was built, access for labour and skips, the amount and type of waste, and whether temporary support or structural work is needed. Hidden conditions, such as services in walls or materials that need specialist removal, can change the scope, which is why a site visit comes before a price. Where demolition is part of a larger project, it is normally priced within that job.
Related work is covered on our structural alterations, garage conversions and renovations pages, and the steel vs timber structural openings guide explains how openings are supported once a wall comes out.
A look at similar projects
A clear, considered process
Assess
We check the structure and identify what needs supporting before anything comes out.
Protect
We sheet up, floor-protect and dust-manage — because you may still be living in the house.
Demolish & clear
Controlled removal, proper waste transfer and a site left ready for the next stage.
"Tony and his team did a fantastic job on our new kitchen build. The quality of the finish is excellent, and the space has been transformed exactly as we hoped. They were professional, friendly, and easy to work with throughout the project. We're really pleased with the result and would highly recommend them to anyone looking for a reliable construction team."
Common questions
Can't see your question? Give us a call and we'll answer honestly.
Can you remove a chimney breast?+
Yes — with a structural engineer's calculations where required, and proper support to the remaining flue above.
Do you dispose of the waste?+
Yes — we handle all skips, waste transfer and disposal as part of the quote.
Can demolition be done without notice?+
Not always. Larger demolitions may need notice to the local council before work starts, some need prior approval under planning rules, and work on a shared wall can require a party wall notice to neighbours. Small internal strip-outs usually need no formal notice, but it is courteous to tell neighbours.
Do you carry out demolition as a standalone job?+
Yes. Alongside strip-outs before our own extensions and renovations, we take on standalone demolition of outbuildings, garages, chimney breasts, internal walls and old structures, with site clearance and waste removal.
How much does demolition cost?+
It depends on the structure, materials, access, waste volumes and any temporary support needed. A site visit lets us price the work properly and set out exactly what is included in a written quote.
Is a survey needed before demolition?+
In older buildings, an asbestos survey is usually needed before strip-out or demolition, and a structural engineer may be needed where load-bearing walls or chimney breasts are being removed.
Tell us about your demolition project.
The more you can share, the more useful our first conversation will be. Include drawings if you have them.
Guides for demolition
Browse the guides library →- Steel vs timber beamsHow steel and engineered timber beams compare for load-bearing wall removals and knock-throughs.
- Structural engineeringWhy structural engineering and proper drawings matter before any wall comes down or opening goes in.
- Party wall agreementsHow the Party Wall Act works, when notice is needed and why a schedule of condition protects everyone.
- Refurbish or rebuildHow to decide between refurbishing a tired property and rebuilding from scratch.