Perform Selective Interior Demolition

A. Finished-Project Specification

Deliverable: one selectively demolished work area limited to the components identified on the approved demolition drawing, with salvage items protected, debris separated and containerized, hidden systems undamaged, and a signed concealed-condition inspection record authorizing repair work.

B. Deliverable Schedule

Document	Contents	Completed In	Signed By
Demolition Verification Record	Drawing reference, removal limits, salvage list, hazardous-material clearance, utility shutdown confirmation	Sections E	Demolition worker
Removal and Boundary Log	Marked removal boundaries, cut lines, exploratory-opening locations, stop-work limits	Section F	Demolition worker
Concealed-Condition Report	Photographs, measurements, and findings for every exposed framing, utility, and moisture condition	Section G	Demolition worker
Change Notice Log	Every condition that differs materially from the approved scope, with required response	Section G	Demolition worker and owner or responsible party

C. Information and Records Takeoff

• From Chapter 1: approved scope, repair limits, exclusions, risk register, and required referrals.
• From Chapter 2: containment boundary, floor protection, dust-control equipment, debris path, and cutting-station location.
• Demolition-specific records: demolition drawing, removal limits, salvage list, hazardous-material clearance, and utility shutdown confirmation collected before Step 1.
• Do not select a repair material, fastener, or finish product during this chapter; that selection belongs to the repair chapter that follows.

D. Acceptance Standards

Check	Standard
Verification before demolition	Demolition drawing, limits, salvage list, hazardous-material clearance, and utility shutdowns confirmed and documented before Step 5 begins
Boundary control	Every removal stays within the marked removal boundary; any expansion is documented as a change notice
Utility protection	No wiring, plumbing, duct, or structural member is cut, damaged, or disturbed outside the approved demolition drawing
Salvage protection	Every item on the salvage list is labeled, undamaged, and stored in a protected container
Debris separation	Salvage, clean recyclable material, ordinary debris, sharp metal, and regulated waste are separated and containerized before leaving the work area
Concealed-condition documentation	Every exposed concealed condition is photographed, measured, and recorded before any repair or closure begins

E. Preparation — Verification and Utility Control (Steps 1–4)

1. Review the demolition drawing, limits, salvage list, hazardous-material clearance, utility plan, structural restrictions, and required inspections. Confirm the drawing and Chapter 1 approved scope agree on every component to be removed, and record the drawing reference on the Demolition Boundary and Utility Record.
2. Verify containment, floor protection, debris path, lighting, fire protection, and occupant exclusion. Walk the Chapter 2 protected area and confirm every barrier, floor covering, and access control is in place and undamaged before proceeding.
3. Confirm required plumbing, electrical, gas, HVAC, alarm, or appliance shutdowns and document who performed them. Test that flow, voltage, or pressure has actually stopped using an approved method, and record the name of the person who performed each shutdown.
4. Scan, inspect, and otherwise evaluate the work area for concealed utilities and framing using approved methods. Use the stud, utility, or voltage locator across the full removal boundary and record every detected route on the Removal and Boundary Log as a suspected condition until confirmed by exploratory opening.

F. Marking, Loose-Component Removal, and Trim (Steps 5–10)

1. Mark removal boundaries, cut lines, fastener locations, salvage items, protected items, and stop-work limits. Use painter's tape and a marker to label every boundary and item directly on the surface before any tool is used.
2. Remove doors, drawers, shelves, hardware, accessories, and other loose components that obstruct controlled demolition. Set each item aside on a protected surface without forcing hinges or fasteners.
3. Label and store reusable hardware and components in protected containers. Match each item to its Salvage Item entry and store it where it cannot be lost, damaged, or mixed with debris.
4. Score paint, caulk, sealant, paper facing, and finish transitions at the removal boundary to reduce unintended damage. Use a utility knife along the marked boundary before any prying begins.
5. Remove approved trim using thin prying tools, backing blocks, progressive release, and nail control. Work from one end of the piece to the other, inserting the pry bar behind a backing block at each release point.
6. Pull or cut exposed fasteners and remove sharp projections immediately. Do not leave a fastener or sharp edge exposed in the active work area between steps.

G. Cabinet or Fixture Removal and Controlled Panel Demolition (Steps 11–26)

1. Support cabinets, countertops, mirrors, sinks, fixtures, panels, and heavy components before releasing fasteners. Position hand support, a temporary brace, or a second worker under or against the component before the final fastener is removed.
2. Disconnect and remove cabinets or fixtures only after all utilities and hidden attachments are verified. Confirm every supply, drain, gas, or electrical connection is disconnected and capped or isolated using the approved procedure before lifting the component.
3. Use team lifting or mechanical assistance for heavy, fragile, or awkward components. Do not lift a countertop, cabinet, or fixture alone if its weight, size, or fragility requires a second worker or a lifting device.
4. Create small exploratory openings at approved locations before enlarging drywall or panel removal. Cut the smallest opening that answers the concealed-condition question at that location before proceeding to a larger removal.
5. Stop work immediately for unverified wires, pipes, ducts, structural members, wet materials, mold, pests, hazardous material, fire damage, or unexpected movement. Mark the stop-work limit, photograph the condition, and do not proceed in that area until it is referred and resolved.
6. Cut drywall or panel material to controlled lines without plunging blades beyond the known safe depth. Set the blade depth to the confirmed board thickness plus a small margin before cutting.
7. Remove material in manageable sections while protecting framing, insulation, utilities, and adjacent finishes. Work in sections no larger than can be safely lifted and controlled by the worker performing the removal.
8. Preserve required fire blocking, draft stopping, rated layers, backing, blocking, and structural sheathing unless the approved scope includes their replacement. Confirm each of these components against the demolition drawing before removing any material near it.
9. Separate salvage, clean recyclable material, ordinary debris, sharp metal, regulated waste, and contaminated material. Sort each removed item into its designated container as it is removed, rather than sorting a mixed pile afterward.
10. Bag or containerize dusty debris before moving it through clean or occupied areas. Seal each bag or container at the point of removal before it enters the debris path established in Chapter 2.
11. Vacuum framing, cavities, and work surfaces using the approved equipment rather than dry sweeping hazardous dust. Use the HEPA-filtered shop vacuum on every exposed cavity and surface before inspection.
12. Inspect exposed framing, subfloor, wall backing, insulation, utilities, fasteners, moisture, corrosion, decay, and previous alterations. Record each observed condition on the Concealed-Condition Report with its location.
13. Photograph and measure concealed conditions before any repair or closure. Photograph from a fixed reference point and record dimensions for every condition entered in Step 22.
14. Compare actual conditions with the approved scope and issue a change notice for every material difference. Complete a Change Notice Log entry for each condition that was not anticipated in the Chapter 1 risk register or approved scope.
15. Stabilize open assemblies, cap or guard openings, and maintain utility safety until follow-on work begins. Install temporary covers or guards over any exposed opening or utility before leaving the area unattended.
16. Complete the selective-demolition inspection and authorize repair work only after concealed conditions are accepted. Review every entry in the Concealed-Condition Report and Change Notice Log and confirm each is resolved, scheduled, or explicitly deferred before signing the authorization.