Partial and full demolition, including waste clearance
Demolition
Demolition is the controlled removal of a structure — from a single wall or outbuilding to a full building — including safety measures, waste removal and, where required, formal notice to the local authority before work starts.
Definition
What Demolition covers
Demolition work ranges from removing a single wall or small outbuilding ahead of new construction, to demolishing a whole building. It requires an assessment of the structure, adjoining buildings and services, an asbestos survey where the building's age suggests it may be present, and appropriate waste clearance and disposal once the structure is down.
Suitable for
- Outbuildings, garages or extensions being cleared ahead of new construction
- Internal structures being stripped out ahead of a refurbishment
- Whole-building demolition ahead of a replacement dwelling
- Sites needing safe, managed clearance and waste disposal
Not suitable for
- Buildings suspected to contain asbestos without a survey being carried out first
- Structures attached to, or supporting, a neighbouring building without the necessary party wall and structural assessment
Process
How the work is carried out
- 01
Survey and notification
Assessing the structure, checking for asbestos, and notifying the local authority under the Building Act where required for larger demolitions.
- 02
Services disconnection
Disconnecting or capping gas, electricity, water and drainage connections ahead of demolition.
- 03
Demolition
Taking down the structure using appropriate methods for its size, materials and site access.
- 04
Waste clearance
Sorting and removing demolition waste and skips, and leaving the site made safe and clear.
Typical timescale
A small outbuilding or internal strip-out typically takes a day or two; whole-building demolition takes longer and depends on the structure's size, materials and site access, confirmed once surveyed.
Cost guidance
Demolition work is priced according to the size and type of structure, site access and waste disposal requirements, so we don't publish a generic price range for this work. An itemised quotation follows a site survey.
Limitations and exclusions
- An asbestos survey is required before demolition work starts on buildings of an age where asbestos-containing materials may be present, arranged with a specialist licensed contractor where removal is needed
- Demolition of a building over a certain size, or one close to a boundary or public area, requires formal notice to the local authority under the Building Act 1984 before work starts
- Party wall matters affecting a neighbouring structure are a legal matter between neighbours; we can recommend a party wall surveyor but do not act as one
Areas we cover
Demolition across Sussex, Surrey, Kent and South London
Local property styles, planning authorities and neighbourhood coverage for demolition in each town we work in.
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FAQs
Demolition FAQs
Do I need to notify the council before demolishing a building?
For larger demolitions, yes — a formal notice under Section 80 of the Building Act 1984 is usually required at least six weeks before work starts, giving the local authority the chance to set conditions covering matters like site safety, dust and adjoining structures. Smaller, non-notifiable demolitions still need to be carried out safely and in line with other regulations.
Do I need an asbestos survey before demolition?
If the building or any part of it was constructed before the 2000 UK asbestos ban, an asbestos survey is generally needed before demolition to identify and safely deal with any asbestos-containing materials, arranged with a specialist licensed contractor.
What happens to the waste from a demolition?
Demolition waste is sorted where practical for recycling (such as hardcore and metal) and the remainder is removed via licensed waste carriers to an appropriate facility, in line with waste duty of care requirements.
Discuss your demolition project
Tell us about the property and what you have in mind, and we'll arrange a site visit.
Last reviewed 2026-07-28.