From Strip-Out to Demolition: Preparing Your Commercial Space for Transformation

Have you got a commercial space you're looking to renovate and not sure where to start? In our guide, we'll explain where to start and what you'll need to do to get the results you're looking for. 

From shop strip-outs through to complete demolition services, we'll support you with the essential expertise you'll need along the way. A clear understanding of the demolition process will ensure you don't run into those all-too-common (often hazardous) roadblocks. Especially with a commercial project where your business is on the line, the advice of a specialist in commercial demolition services can prove invaluable.

The TLDR;

Need the answers at a glance? We've got you covered.

• Strip outs or 'soft demolition' are projects where the structural elements of your building remain intact
• Hard demolition (or just 'demolition') involves the removal of key structural elements, all the way through to complete removal of the structure
• Both come with challenges and are best undertaken with a specialised crew and specialised equipment
• Asbestos was such a widely used building material in the past, that a large percentage of Australian buildings still contain it – it's a good idea to engage a demolition expert with an asbestos removal license and experience.

Understanding the Basics: Strip-outs vs Demolition

It's important to understand the terminology used so you can get the right approach for your project. You might hear both of these terms, or their counterparts – 'soft demolition' for strip-outs and 'hard demolition' for what's usually referred to simply as 'demolition'.

What is Strip-out or Soft Demolition?

A strip-out or soft demolition usually means that the building and structural supporting elements remain intact. The purpose is usually to enable upgrades of the building – allowing a change in the space's layout whether it’s for functional or aesthetic purposes. A lot of soft demolition falls under the category of renovation and requires fewer specialised power tools – you'll see an abundance of sledgehammers, prybars and crowbars rather than large industrial machines like excavators and bulldozers.

Why you'll (still) need professional demolition contractors

Strip-outs might seem like the 'simpler' option as it's not an 'everything must go' situation. In fact, soft demolition falls under what a lot of people would consider 'renovation' and invites the idea of DIY. However, even for simple shop strip-outs, it pays to engage professional demolition contractors. It's extremely common for DIY demolition hobbyists to cause major structural damage to their properties while doing the strip-out. This often means that they need to engage the help of professional demolition contractors anyway: it's just a matter of time.

Safety is also a major concern in these projects: it's not just the building that's at risk. Engaging a professional is essential when you suspect the presence of asbestos. Asbestos is a major concern across almost all structures in Australia: it was a highly popular building material even into the 80s and still used in construction well into the 90s. Manufacturing materials with asbestos was completely banned across Australia (only) in December 2003. Putting yourself and your team at risk of exposure to this highly carcinogenic material during the process could come with serious health and financial consequences.

On top of this, strip-outs tend to generate large quantities of light waste materials, including timber, gyprock, and aluminium frames. Separating that waste from recyclables and non-recyclables can be a labour-intensive process: using a qualified demolition contractor is an easy way to ensure the job is done properly. 

This includes responsible asbestos removal – you can't just dispose of asbestos-contaminated materials into a conventional skip or waste bin. This material needs to be disposed of in registered landfills rather than conventional ones, with appropriate documentation and paperwork. It's best left to the professionals!

What is Hard Demolition?

Hard demolition services – or simply and commonly known as demolition services – come into play where structural elements need to be removed. It usually means that structural elements like walls, floors, and foundations are being removed. This can take the form of a 'complete knockdown' – often chosen when the existing structure is no longer safe or fit for purpose.

Whereas soft demolition conjures up images of manual labour and sledgehammers, hard demolition utilises specialised power tools and machinery to cut through objects like walls, concrete, and masonry. You might see equipment like skid-steers, commonly known as “bobcats”, and excavators onsite. The use of this specialist equipment is just one of the reasons this kind of demolition truly demands more experience. Hard demolition needs engineering and specialised tools to be done efficiently and safely. Often, this means thorough engineering and planning, executed by engaging industrial demolition services. Asbestos removal is also a consideration here: hard demolition services need to consider the treatment of remaining debris as part of the planning process.

QUICK TIP

Are there any historic or 'character' elements relevant to your property? Don't forget to check council and government listings before you plan any kind of soft or hard demolition at your premises.

The Process: What to Expect

Assessment & Planning

Our process will start with a visit to the prospective demolition site, ensuring we fully understand the goals of your project, and the structure that we're demolishing.

It'll also help us ensure we have sufficient site access – this is especially important for when we're completing hard demolition with large, specialist machinery. Asbestos testing may also form a component of this. Once we understand your structure and your goals, we'll be able to start drawing up a comprehensive, safe plan to complete your demolition project.

Why Initial Services

Working with Initial Services, you receive over 40 years of industrial demolition experience, paired with highly specialised equipment and a strong work ethic. Not only do you have the demolition experts, but you have post-demolition experts, too: our services include waste removal and soil remediation where necessary. It's a complete service for your project, with zero compromise on safety: Initial Services are the Brisbane Demolition Contractors you can trust.

Frequently Asked Questions

Understand the answers to the most commonly asked questions about commercial demolition

Is it legal for me to do my own shop strip-outs or house demolition?

This is a great – and complex – question to answer. Your local council will have specific rules around what kind of work can be done on both commercial and residential properties. We're experienced in helping our clients understand these rules and creating a complete removal plan based around them. We might be biased, but we're pretty convinced it's always better to go with a fully licensed, expert team than to run the risk of fines (and personal endangerment)!

Is it legal for me to do my own asbestos removal?

While it's legal to remove small amounts of non-friable asbestos from domestic properties as a non-licensed contractor, it's very much not recommended. Asbestos has many extremely well-documented health risks associated with even small amounts of exposure. It pays to engage a company with the relevant asbestos removal licenses, who can safely and compliantly remove any hazardous materials.

Do you offer demolition services in areas outside of Brisbane e.g. the Gold Coast?

We work within the Brisbane and South East Queensland area: we are able to service some projects outside of urban Brisbane. Get in touch and we'll let you know if we can help.