Home | W & S Hire Ltd | Soft Strip Demolition Services UK Experienced Soft Strip Out Demolition Contractors with Over 16 Years of Expertise If you’re preparing a building for refurbishment or complete redevelopment, Soft Strip Demolition offers the professional expertise and reliable solutions you need. With over 16 years of experience handling some of the UK’s largest and most complex soft strip demolition projects, we’ve built a reputation for delivering efficient, safe, and cost-effective services across both commercial and industrial sectors. Soft strip demolition—also known as soft demolition—is the strategic removal of non-structural elements within a building. This process includes removing internal fittings, fixtures, floor coverings, ceilings, lighting, partitions, and more, all while preserving the building’s core structure. At Soft Strip Demolition, our experienced contractors carry out this work with a strong focus on health and safety, environmental compliance, and project efficiency. We’ve supported a wide range of clients across the UK, including office buildings, retail units, warehouses, restaurants, and factories. Whether you're undertaking a complete refurbishment, preparing for structural demolition, or getting a property ready for a new tenant, our tailored strip-out services ensure your space is cleared safely and efficiently. Our ability to handle large-scale demolition projects while maintaining precision and attention to detail is one of the reasons clients continue to choose us. Every site is unique, which is why we develop custom solutions for each project. We’re equipped to work under tight deadlines, minimise disruption to day-to-day operations, and coordinate seamlessly with other contractors on-site to deliver smooth, phased soft strip solutions. As the construction industry becomes more environmentally conscious, we’ve made sustainability a key pillar of our service. We prioritise recycling, waste segregation, and responsible material disposal in every project. Our commitment to sustainability not only supports green construction initiatives but also ensures full compliance with environmental regulations. Safety is central to every service we provide. Our team adheres to strict protocols, conducts thorough pre-project site surveys, and follows the latest UK health and safety standards. We ensure all utilities are safely disconnected, potential hazards like asbestos are properly identified, and dust and noise are controlled at all stages of the job. Cost-wise, soft strip demolition varies depending on project scale, site conditions, and complexity. Pricing generally ranges between £10 and £115 per square metre, with large-scale commercial jobs running from £7,000 to £35,000 or more. We offer clear, no-obligation quotes and transparent pricing to help you make confident, budget-conscious decisions. Each industry and property type requires a different approach. In office environments, we pay special attention to cable systems, communication infrastructure, and interior finishes to ensure a clean strip-out with no risk to critical systems. In industrial settings such as factories and warehouses, we can safely remove heavy plant, mezzanine levels, and machinery, even in environments with hazardous materials. In retail premises, we help businesses move forward quickly with rebranding or redesigns by efficiently clearing out interiors with minimal disruption to public areas. We’re proud to contribute to renovation, construction, and redevelopment efforts across the UK. Our consistent professionalism, commitment to safety, and forward-thinking approach to demolition set us apart in the industry. From developers and contractors to business owners and property managers, our clients rely on us to deliver dependable, high-quality results—on time and on budget. Our soft strip demolition process begins with a detailed site survey to assess challenges, define scope, and develop a demolition plan. We then isolate and disconnect utilities, protect adjacent areas, and begin the systematic removal of non-structural components. All waste is sorted and disposed of responsibly, with recyclable materials processed through approved channels. The final stage involves a full site clean-up and inspection to ensure the space is left in optimal condition for the next phase of development. Soft strip demolition offers numerous advantages over full-scale structural demolition. It allows for phased renovation, lower costs, less environmental impact, and shorter project timelines. Since it targets only internal elements, there’s significantly less risk to the structural integrity of the building—making it ideal for refurbishment projects or change-of-use developments. With an experienced team, a reliable service model, and deep knowledge of UK demolition standards, we’re ready to take on projects of any size, anywhere in the country. We pride ourselves on clear timelines, transparent communication, and exceptional execution.
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Specialists in Internal Strip-Outs for Commercial & Industrial Buildings

Looking to refurbish or repurpose a commercial property? A soft strip out is the essential first step to prepare your building safely and efficiently for renovation or demolition. Whether you’re clearing out an office, retail space, factory, or warehouse, our expert team delivers fast, compliant, and environmentally responsible soft strip services across the UK.

Free No-Obligation Quotes
Safe & Sustainable Strip Outs
UK-Wide Coverage


🧱 What is a Soft Strip Out?

A soft strip out (also known as internal strip out) is the process of removing all non-structural elements from a building’s interior. This includes walls (non-load-bearing), floors, ceilings, partitions, mechanical and electrical systems (M&E), and internal fixtures.

This step is vital to:

  • Prepare for refurbishment or remodelling
  • Enable structural or full demolition
  • Comply with safety, environmental, and landlord requirements
  • Improve energy efficiency and modernise space

🏢 Buildings That Require Soft Strip Outs

We provide soft strip out services for a range of properties, including:

🖥️ Office Strip Out

From open-plan spaces to cellular layouts, we remove:

  • Partition walls, suspended ceilings
  • Flooring, lighting, HVAC
  • Cabling, telecoms, server rooms
  • Kitchens, toilets, and receptions

🏭 Industrial & Factory Strip Out

We safely dismantle:

  • Plant equipment and machinery
  • M&E systems
  • Internal mezzanines
  • Redundant services and ductwork

🛍️ Retail Shop Strip Out

We handle:

  • Display units, shelves, counters
  • Flooring and lighting
  • HVAC and signage
  • Storefront adjustments

🍽️ Restaurant & Bar Strip Out

  • Full kitchen removals
  • Grease traps and extractor fans
  • Booths, bars, and furnishings
  • Sound systems, lighting

🏬 Warehouse Strip Out

  • Pallet racking
  • Office pods
  • Roller shutters
  • Lighting and security systems

We also work with schools, healthcare facilities, public buildings, and residential conversions.


💷 Soft Strip Out Cost Guide

The cost of a soft strip out depends on the scale and complexity of the project.

Project SizeEstimated Cost Range
Small unit (e.g. shop)£1,000 – £5,000
Medium office/factory£5,000 – £15,000
Large warehouse/building£15,000 – £50,000+
Per m² average£10 – £115 per m²

Need an accurate quote?
📞 Call us or get a free site survey today.


♻️ Sustainable Soft Strip Out Services

We pride ourselves on eco-friendly strip out practices:

  • Segregation of waste on-site
  • Salvage and recycling of reusable materials
  • Licensed waste carriers and documented disposal
  • Compliance with environmental and local authority regulations

We aim for 90%+ landfill diversion on all projects.


🔐 Health & Safety in Soft Strip Outs

All soft strip work is carried out under strict health & safety controls:

  • Full RAMS (Risk Assessments and Method Statements) provided
  • CDM 2015 Compliance
  • Asbestos awareness and surveys (if required)
  • Daily briefings and site supervision
  • PPE and environmental control (noise, dust, vibration)

We’re fully insured and accredited for your peace of mind.


🔧 What’s Included in a Soft Strip Out?

Here’s a step-by-step outline of our strip out process:

  1. Site Survey & Consultation
    • We assess the site, access, and project goals
    • Identify hazards, utilities, and required permits
  2. Preparation
    • Disconnection of utilities (gas, water, electric)
    • Health & safety signage and hoardings
    • Waste management plans
  3. Strip Out Work
    • Systematic removal of:
      • Internal walls & partitions
      • Flooring, ceilings, lighting
      • M&E services
      • Furniture, fixtures & fittings
      • Kitchens, bathrooms, lifts (if applicable)
  4. Waste Removal & Recycling
    • On-site segregation
    • Licensed carriers
    • Waste transfer notes provided
  5. Final Clean-Up & Inspection
    • Site left clean, tidy, and ready for next phase
    • Snag list completed and client signed off

📍 Areas We Cover

We provide soft strip out services across the UK, including:

  • London & Greater London
  • Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool
  • Leeds, Sheffield, Nottingham
  • Bristol, Cardiff, Oxford
  • Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen

📦 We also support multi-site strip outs and nationwide rollouts.


📈 Who Uses Our Strip Out Services?

Our clients include:

  • Property developers
  • Main contractors & fit-out companies
  • Facility & asset managers
  • Commercial landlords
  • Architects & interior designers
  • Public sector organisations

💬 Why Choose Us?

✔️ Over 10 Years’ Experience
✔️ Dedicated Project Manager on Every Job
✔️ Highly Skilled, CSCS-Certified Operatives
✔️ Fast Turnarounds & Flexible Scheduling
✔️ Comprehensive Waste & Recycling Reports


📞 Get Your Free Soft Strip Out Quote Today

Ready to start your project? We’re here to help with fast, safe, and compliant strip out services tailored to your needs.

👉 Contact us today for:

  • Free quote
  • Site survey
  • Project advice

📞 Call: [Insert Phone Number]
📧 Email: [Insert Email]
📍 Or Request a Quote Online


📝 Bonus: Frequently Asked Questions (Quick Recap)

  1. What is soft strip out?
    The internal removal of non-structural components to prepare a building for renovation or demolition.
  2. Is soft strip noisy or dusty?
    It can be, but we use dust suppression and noise control to minimise disruption.
  3. Do I need a survey?
    Yes – we offer free site visits to assess the scope, risks, and quote accurately.
  4. Do you handle asbestos?
    We conduct surveys and coordinate with licensed asbestos removal specialists if needed.
  5. How do I get started?
    Just contact us by phone, email, or our online form to arrange a quote and site visit.

❓ Soft Strip Out – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)


1. What is a soft strip out?

A soft strip out is the internal removal of all non-structural elements of a building prior to refurbishment, renovation, or full demolition. It includes the removal of:

  • Partitions and non-load-bearing walls
  • Ceilings and raised floors
  • Lighting and electrical systems
  • Mechanical systems (HVAC, ductwork)
  • Fixtures, fittings, kitchens, and bathrooms

2. When is a soft strip out needed?

Soft strip outs are essential when:

  • Renovating or refurbishing interior spaces
  • Preparing for a complete structural demolition
  • Converting commercial properties (e.g., office to flats)
  • Complying with lease-end dilapidation agreements
  • Meeting sustainability goals by recycling materials

3. How long does a soft strip out take?

Project duration depends on the size and complexity of the site:

  • Small unit (retail, café): 2–5 days
  • Medium office or restaurant: 1–2 weeks
  • Large commercial or industrial site: 2–4+ weeks
    Delays may occur due to access restrictions, hazardous material discovery, or client scope changes.

4. How much does a soft strip out cost?

Costs vary based on size, location, and specific requirements:

  • Per m²: £10 – £115
  • Small projects: £1,000 – £5,000
  • Medium projects: £5,000 – £15,000
  • Large projects: £15,000 – £50,000+
    We provide fixed-price, no-obligation quotes after a site survey.

5. Do you disconnect utilities during a soft strip?

Yes. Before any work begins, we:

  • Isolate and disconnect gas, water, and electricity
  • Remove data cabling, telecoms, fire alarms, and security systems
  • Coordinate with service providers when required
    This ensures maximum safety on-site.

6. Is planning permission required for a soft strip?

Usually, no planning permission is needed as soft strip outs are internal works. However, if the building is:

  • Listed, or
  • In a conservation area,
    You may need permission or prior notification. We can advise during the site assessment.

7. Can soft strip outs be carried out in occupied buildings?

Yes, with proper planning. We:

  • Implement dust and noise control
  • Work during off-hours (nights/weekends) if required
  • Isolate work zones to reduce disruption
    Ideal for live retail, office, and public sector environments.

8. What happens to the waste removed during strip out?

We follow strict waste management protocols:

  • Segregate materials (metal, wood, plastics, plasterboard, etc.)
  • Maximise recycling (95–98% landfill diversion)
  • Use licensed waste carriers
  • Provide full audit trail and documentation if required

9. Can you remove asbestos during a strip out?

If asbestos is suspected or found:

  • We arrange a Refurbishment & Demolition (R&D) asbestos survey
  • Work halts until materials are assessed
  • We collaborate with licensed asbestos removal specialists
    This ensures compliance with HSE regulations and safe site conditions.

10. What types of buildings can be soft stripped?

We work on all property types, including:

  • Offices and corporate buildings
  • Retail shops, supermarkets, and malls
  • Restaurants, bars, cafés
  • Warehouses and logistics centres
  • Factories and industrial units
  • Schools, hospitals, care homes
  • Government and public-sector sites

11. Is soft strip out different from full demolition?

Yes.

Soft Strip OutFull Demolition
Internal/non-structuralStructural/load-bearing
Lower noise and vibrationHeavy machinery required
Often reuses building frameEntire structure removed
Used for refurbishmentsUsed when clearing site

12. Is soft strip demolition environmentally friendly?

Yes. It supports sustainability by:

  • Reducing waste to landfill
  • Salvaging reusable materials
  • Lowering the carbon footprint of construction
  • Enabling refurbishment over full demolition

Many clients use it to meet BREEAM or LEED certification goals.


13. What services are included in a soft strip out?

Our full-service soft strip typically includes:

  • Site survey & RAMS preparation
  • Utility disconnection and isolations
  • Removal of walls, ceilings, floors
  • Dismantling of HVAC, M&E systems
  • Clearance of fixtures and equipment
  • Waste removal and recycling
  • Site clean-up and inspection

We also offer plant room strip out, lift removal, and roller shutter dismantling.


14. Can you work to tight deadlines?

Yes. We specialise in:

  • Quick turnarounds for retail rollouts
  • Time-sensitive landlord handbacks
  • Shutdown period strip outs
  • 24/7 scheduling for critical projects

Tell us your deadline, and we’ll build a plan around it.


15. Do you provide a health & safety plan?

Absolutely. We supply:

  • Full RAMS (Risk Assessments & Method Statements)
  • COSHH documentation for hazardous materials
  • Toolbox talks and daily briefings
  • On-site supervision and welfare
  • CDM 2015 compliance
  • Fire and emergency plans

16. Are you insured and certified?

Yes. We carry:

  • £5M+ Public liability insurance
  • Employer’s liability insurance
  • Waste carrier licence
  • CHAS, SafeContractor, or Constructionline accreditations (if applicable)
  • CSCS-certified staff and SSSTS/SMSTS site managers

17. Can I combine soft strip with other demolition services?

Yes. We offer:

  • Structural demolition
  • Plant & equipment dismantling
  • Concrete removal
  • Site clearance and enabling works
    We can be your single-source demolition partner.

18. How do I know if I need a soft strip or full demolition?

If you’re:

  • Renovating a space = Soft strip
  • Keeping structural elements = Soft strip
  • Changing use of space = Soft strip + layout redesign
  • Clearing entire building = Full demolition

We’ll advise based on your site survey and project goals.


19. Can I stay on-site during the strip out?

In some cases, yes. We will:

  • Zone off active work areas
  • Use dust containment and extraction systems
  • Keep emergency access clear
  • Schedule disruptive works out of hours

However, full occupancy may not be possible in complex jobs.


20. How do I get a quote for a soft strip out?

Getting started is simple:

  1. Call or email us with your project details
  2. We arrange a free site survey or request plans/photos
  3. You’ll receive a clear, fixed-price quote
  4. Agree on schedule and logistics
  5. Work begins with full documentation provided
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