Commercial
How to Prepare a Commercial Building for Demolition
A practical checklist for property owners and general contractors preparing a commercial building or suite for demolition: documentation, utilities, surveys, access, and communication.
Gather documentation
Demolition drawings, existing-conditions drawings, and any prior surveys or reports shorten the scoping process and reduce surprises.
Address utilities
Identify every service that runs through or near the work area — electrical, gas, water, sewer, data, fire protection — and plan which are disconnected, capped, or protected.
Complete required surveys
Depending on the age of the building and the scope, material surveys may be required before disturbance. Confirm requirements with your municipality and the demolition contractor during scoping. [RESEARCH REQUIRED: confirm applicable survey requirements for Wisconsin before publishing specifics.]
Plan access and staging
Confirm equipment access, loading areas, elevator or stair use for debris, dumpster placement, and any restrictions from building management or the municipality.
Communicate with occupants
If the building remains occupied, notify tenants of the schedule, expected noise, and any access changes. The demolition contractor should provide containment and after-hours options for sensitive areas.
Clear the space
Remove furniture, equipment, and inventory that is not part of the demolition scope, or include its removal in the proposal so there is no ambiguity on day one.