Commercial Interior Demolition

What to Expect During a Commercial Interior Demolition (And How to Stay on Schedule)

Interior demolition is one of the most underestimated phases of a commercial construction project. From the outside, it may seem like the easiest part—knocking down walls, ripping out ceilings, hauling debris—but there’s far more happening behind the scenes. Done correctly, demolition clears the path for a clean, efficient build-out. Done poorly, it can create costly delays, hidden surprises, and safety issues.

At Texas Built Construction, we treat interior demo as a critical first step—not just a side job to rush through. Here’s what business owners, developers, and landlords need to know before demo begins.

1. Understand What’s Being Removed (And What’s Staying)

Before swinging a single hammer, our team works closely with you and the architect to mark exactly what’s being demolished. This includes:

  • Non-structural walls

  • Ceilings

  • Flooring

  • Millwork and casework

  • Electrical panels or wiring

  • Mechanical equipment

  • Plumbing fixtures

We also mark what’s staying in place—especially key structural elements, fire sprinklers, utility lines, or exterior walls. Mistakes here can result in expensive rework or compromise the integrity of the building.

2. Asbestos and Hazardous Materials Testing

In many commercial spaces—especially older buildings—demo cannot begin until the site is tested for asbestos or other hazardous materials. In Texas, state law requires testing prior to any commercial demolition, regardless of building age.

If asbestos or lead paint is discovered, licensed abatement crews must be brought in. This adds time and cost, but it’s not optional—and trying to skip it can result in fines, health risks, and construction shutdowns.

3. Disconnects and Permits

Interior demo may seem minor, but it still requires permits and utility disconnects. Electrical, plumbing, gas, and fire alarms must often be safely terminated before demo begins.

We handle this process early—coordinating with city inspectors and utility providers to ensure safety and compliance. Overlooking this step is a common cause of delays, especially if you’re demoing in an occupied building or multi-tenant space.

4. Dust, Debris, and Safety Barriers

Demolition is loud, dusty, and disruptive—especially in shared buildings. Our crews install containment barriers, dust control systems, and signage to isolate work areas from surrounding businesses.

We also haul out debris daily to avoid safety risks and clutter. On high-traffic sites, we may schedule demo work at night or during off-hours to minimize disruption.

5. Discovering Hidden Conditions

This is where experience really counts. Once ceilings and walls come down, we often find:

  • Electrical wiring not up to code

  • Water-damaged framing

  • Outdated or broken HVAC systems

  • Unmarked plumbing lines

  • Fireproofing that’s been compromised

These discoveries can impact your budget and schedule—but with the right pre-construction planning, they don’t have to derail the project. We keep open communication with clients so surprises don’t turn into panic.

6. Staying on Schedule

Time is money, and the demo phase is often on the critical path of your construction timeline. We build demo schedules into your overall project plan and account for:

  • Hazardous materials testing

  • Permitting and inspections

  • Utility disconnects

  • Material removal logistics

  • City haul-off regulations

The goal? Turn over a clean, ready-to-build space without blowing your timeline before construction even starts.

Email us today @ projects@txbuiltconstruction.com or call us @ (972) 219-0729.