Demolition contractors
Demolition Contractors in London & the South East
A demolition contractor plans and carries out the safe, controlled removal of all or part of a building. That covers the survey and scope, checking asbestos surveys and service disconnections, preparing CDM 2015 risk assessments and method statements, stripping the building, demolishing the structure in sequence and segregating and clearing the waste.
- Safe, controlled demolitionPlanned around neighbours and adjoining structures
- A cleared, level siteReady for groundworks or the next build
- CDM 2015 compliant£10m PL · CSCS/CCDO-trained operatives
- Free site surveyFixed-price quote · 24-hour reply
Replacing a house, clearing a commercial site or taking down a garage? We survey the site, agree the scope and give you a fixed-price quotation. Local projects can often start within a few days of the scope being agreed.
Request a Free Site SurveyWhen you need us
When You Need a Demolition Contractor
Demolition is rarely the whole project. It is the stage that turns an existing building into a site something new can be built on. Clients usually come to us at one of these points:
- Replacing a house or bungalow, where planning permission for a new home depends on the old one coming down first.
- Redeveloping a commercial or industrial site, from a single unit to a group of buildings.
- Removing garages, outbuildings and extensions to make way for new structures or to open up a plot.
- Partial demolition, taking down part of a building, such as a rear extension or an internal structure, while the rest stays standing.
- Clearing redundant or unsafe structures that have reached the end of their useful life.
Whatever the size of the job, demolition is planned before it is started. The structure is assessed, hazards are identified and the sequence is worked out so that the building comes down in a controlled way. That protects the people on site, the neighbours and any adjoining buildings.
What we demolish
Full and Partial Demolition Services
We take on demolition projects of different sizes across London and the South East. Most fall into one of four types.
Full building demolition
The whole structure is removed down to ground level, with foundations and slabs dealt with as agreed in the scope, and the site left clear for redevelopment.
Partial demolition
Part of a building is removed while the rest remains in use or is kept for refurbishment, with careful sequencing and temporary works where structure is involved.
House & garage demolition
Single houses, bungalows, garages and outbuildings, usually ahead of a self-build or replacement dwelling, where access, neighbours and dust and noise control matter.
- About soft strip →
Commercial & industrial
Offices, retail units, warehouses and industrial buildings, usually following a soft strip that separates recyclable materials first.
How it works
How Demolition Works: Our Process
Every demolition follows the same four stages, whether it is a single garage or a commercial building.
Site survey & scope
We assess the structure, access, adjoining buildings and materials, agree exactly what comes down and what stays, and give you a fixed-price quotation.
Surveys, notices & RAMS
We check the asbestos survey is in place, confirm notices and approvals, arrange service disconnections and prepare RAMS under CDM 2015.
Soft strip & preparation
Fixtures, fittings and non-structural materials are removed and separated before the structure is touched, and the site is fenced and set up.
Demolition & clearance
The structure comes down in a planned sequence with suitable machinery, materials are segregated, and the site is cleared and handed back as agreed.
You are kept informed at each stage, and the programme is agreed before work begins.
Recycling
What Happens to the Materials
A demolished building is mostly material that can be used again. Brick and concrete can be crushed and reused as hardcore, metals go to recycling, and timber is separated from general waste. The key is segregating it as the building comes down, rather than sorting through a mixed pile afterwards.
We target 95%+ of waste diverted from landfill. Higher recycling rates can sometimes reduce tip fees, so good segregation helps the budget as well as the environment. Every load leaves with waste transfer notes from a registered waste carrier, and our waste clearance service covers anything left on site once demolition is complete.
Ready to get started?
Planning a Demolition Project?
Tell us about the building and we'll survey the site, confirm what paperwork applies and give you a fixed-price quotation.
Free site survey · Fixed price · Segregated waste with full paperwork
Before you start
Permissions and Paperwork Before Demolition
Demolition is controlled work, and most projects need some paperwork in place before anything is taken down. What applies depends on the building, its location and the extent of the demolition.
Planning and prior approval. Demolishing a building often needs prior approval from the local planning authority, and listed buildings and conservation areas have further controls. The Planning Portal's demolition guidance explains when consent is required.
Building control notice. Under section 80 of the Building Act 1984, the local authority usually needs to be notified before demolition starts. The council can respond with conditions covering matters such as shoring adjacent buildings, disconnecting services and clearing the site. Some small buildings and internal works are exempt.
Party walls. Where demolition affects a wall shared with a neighbour, or involves excavating close to neighbouring foundations, the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 may require notices to be served first. GOV.UK's party wall guidance sets out how the process works.
Health and safety. Demolition is construction work under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015, which place duties on the client as well as the contractor. A refurbishment and demolition asbestos survey, carried out to the HSE's HSG264 guidance, is needed before most demolition work. Any licensed asbestos removal is carried out separately before we start.
We can talk you through what applies to your site during the survey, so nothing holds up the programme once you are ready to start.
Statutory notices can take weeks. Ask us early and we'll flag what your site needs.
Why choose us
Why Choose Us for Demolition
Planned, controlled demolition
Every job starts with a survey and a written method, so the sequence, plant and protection measures are decided before work begins.
One contractor to a clear site
Soft strip, enabling works and clearance are carried out by our own team, so there are fewer hand-overs and fewer gaps in the programme.
Responsible waste handling
Segregation at source, a 95%+ landfill diversion target and full duty of care paperwork from a registered waste carrier.
Fast mobilisation
Once the scope is agreed, local projects can often start within a few days, subject to notices and programme.
We hold £10m public liability and employers' liability insurance, work to CDM 2015 with RAMS on every job, and our operatives are CSCS and CCDO trained. The business is owner-run, with Harry John Hudson directly involved in projects.
Client testimonials
What Our Clients Say About Our Work
Google reviews
4.9/5
45+ reviews
Feedback from clients on demolition, strip out and site preparation projects.
“The Strip and Clear guys sorted our soft strip out in Surrey. Came in, stripped the office back to shell, took all the waste away and left it tidy. No messing about. Would use them again.”
James TCommercial Soft Strip “Used Strip & Clear for the demo and site clearance on a job in London. Lads turned up on time, cracked on with the strip and knock down, and got the site cleared properly with the transfer notes sorted. No drama. Good crew.”
Dave M, Site ManagerDemolition & Site Clearance “Strip & Clear Services Ltd handled the dig out and groundworks for us on a site in Kent. Professional team, clear communication and the ground was prepared exactly as agreed. Happy to recommend.”
Sarah Collins, Apex DevelopmentsDig Out & Groundworks
Cost
How Much Does Demolition Cost?
Demolition in London and Surrey typically costs £30–£150 per m², and residential projects range from around £6,500 to £35,000 or more. The price depends mainly on the size of the building, what it is made of, its height, access to the site, any asbestos, the volume of waste and the permits needed.
| Project | Approximate size | Guide price |
|---|---|---|
| Garage or outbuilding demolition | Simple structures | £1,000 – £3,500 |
| Small house demolition | 80–120 m² | £6,500 – £12,000 |
| Medium house demolition | 150–200 m² | £11,000 – £22,000 |
Demolition guide prices
Garage or outbuilding demolition
- Approximate size
- Simple structures
- Guide price
- £1,000 – £3,500
Small house demolition
- Approximate size
- 80–120 m²
- Guide price
- £6,500 – £12,000
Medium house demolition
- Approximate size
- 150–200 m²
- Guide price
- £11,000 – £22,000
These are guide prices for 2026, excluding VAT. A demolition price normally includes the survey, RAMS, the demolition itself, segregation and clearance. Central London sites usually cost more than sites in the surrounding counties because of congestion, parking and restricted working hours. Our price guide covers every service and the factors that move the price.
Frequently asked questions
Demolition FAQs
How much does it cost to demolish a house?
Do I need permission to demolish a building?
Who arranges the asbestos survey?
Can you demolish part of a building and keep the rest?
Do you remove the foundations?
How soon can demolition start?
Still have questions about your project?
Request a free quote
Tell Us About Your Project
Complete the short form below and our team will contact you to discuss your demolition or site preparation requirements.
Get your free quote
Talk to Us About Your Demolition Project
From a single garage to a commercial building, tell us about the building and attach any drawings or photos. We'll arrange a free site survey and a fixed-price quotation.
020 8914 7838Speak directly to our team · Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
- Safety-first, CDM 2015 compliant
- 24-hour quote response
- Fixed price after a free site survey
Prefer email? Send details or large drawings to hello@stripandclearservices.co.uk.