What this covers
Interior demolition removes what has to go before a remodel or rebuild: cabinets, flooring, drywall, plaster, tile and fixtures, sometimes down to the studs. Where the law requires it, older materials are tested for asbestos or lead before they are disturbed. The company isolates the plumbing, electrical and gas serving the area, seals doorways with zippered dust barriers, protects floors that stay, and takes out materials in a controlled order so framing and pipes worth keeping are not damaged. Debris is bagged, hauled and the area left broom-clean.
When to call
- A kitchen or bath remodel that starts with a full tear-out.
- Wet drywall, flooring or insulation that has to come out after a water loss.
- Fire- or smoke-damaged materials that need removing before the rebuild.
- A wall you want opened or removed as part of a new layout.
What to expect
- Assess and testThe scope is set and older materials are tested where required.
- Isolate and containUtilities serving the area are isolated and dust barriers and floor protection go up.
- Tear outMaterials are removed in order, keeping framing and services that stay intact.
- Haul and cleanDebris is bagged and hauled and the area is left broom-clean.
Get a certified company
Look up a certified company by ZIP code. Every company's license, insurance and trades are verified before it is listed, and placement is never paid.
Questions people ask
Why test before demolition?
Some older drywall compound, flooring, insulation and paint contain asbestos or lead. Where the law requires it, these are tested first so they can be removed under the right controls.
Can a wall just be removed?
Only after it is confirmed not to be load-bearing, or with an engineered beam in its place. Where the local code requires a permit, the company pulls it.
How is dust kept out of the rest of the house?
Plastic barriers with zippered doors, sealed vents, floor protection and often negative air pressure in the work area keep dust contained.
Related: Dumpster rental · Asbestos testing · Kitchen remodeling · All cleaning, demolition and hauling
This page describes what the service involves. The company you hire sets the scope, the schedule and the price, and your contract is with that company. We verify credentials and collect reviews from real jobs. We do not guarantee any company's workmanship. Safety steps are general guidance. When in doubt, leave the home and call 911.