This page provides general practical guidance and does not replace project-specific legal, engineering, planning, ecological, asbestos or waste advice.
The short answer
Before demolition or strip-out begins, agree the handover condition with the client and next contractor. The written scope should state what will be removed, what will remain and what is outside the package. A site can be clear but still not ready for the next trade if the required condition, retained materials or follow-on responsibilities were never defined.
Why it matters
The demolition contractor's handover is the main contractor's starting point. If the strip-out boundary, retained services, required levels or waste arrangements were not agreed in advance, the main contractor may arrive to a site that does not match their programme. Agreeing the handover condition before work starts is more efficient than resolving it as a variation.
Information that may be needed
Follow-on drawings, programme information, photographs, structural details and a clear list of retained elements may be useful. Where a main contractor or architect is involved, their requirements should be confirmed before the demolition scope is finalised.
What can affect the scope
The next contractor's sequence, retained structures, waste arrangement, access, temporary works and any specialist information can affect the handover. Retained services, agreed levels and protection of existing fabric are common sources of ambiguity.
When specialist input may be needed
A structural engineer, utility provider, asbestos professional, ecologist or other specialist may be needed depending on the project. Where temporary works are required to protect retained structures, these should be designed and agreed before demolition begins.