Interior Strip-Outs vs. Full Demo: Know the Scope Before You Start
By OJB Solutions – Commercial and Residential Demolition Experts Serving Portland Metro
Before you tear into drywall or start ripping out old flooring, it’s critical to understand what kind of demolition your project actually calls for. In the construction world, “interior strip-out” and “full demolition” are two very different scopes of work—with different timelines, costs, permits, and goals.
At OJB Solutions, we help homeowners, contractors, and property managers across the Portland area choose the right approach for their remodels, renovations, and rebuilds. Here's what you need to know before you swing the first hammer.
What Is an Interior Strip-Out?
An interior strip-out—sometimes called a soft demo—is a selective removal of interior components that leaves the core structure intact. You're not demolishing the building. You're just clearing out what’s inside.
This typically includes:
Cabinets and countertops
Flooring, tile, and carpet
Drywall and drop ceilings
Non-load-bearing walls
Electrical fixtures and plumbing hookups
Appliances, shelving, and built-ins
Interior strip-outs are common in remodels, tenant improvements, retail space resets, and residential flips where the shell of the building stays the same.
What Is a Full Demolition?
Full demolition means removing entire structures—either completely or down to the foundation. This includes:
Houses, garages, mobile homes
Commercial buildings and additions
Outbuildings, sheds, and detached structures
Structures that are unsafe, unpermitted, or beyond repair
Full demo often requires city permits, utility shut-offs, environmental review (asbestos/lead), and post-demo grading or debris hauling.
We handle every step, from planning and prep to final inspection and site cleanup.
Which One Do You Need?
Ask yourself:
Are you keeping the framing, roof, or foundation? If yes, it’s probably a strip-out.
Are you remodeling vs rebuilding? Remodels stay within the original footprint and structure.
Do you need utilities disconnected? Full demo requires power, gas, and water cutoffs.
Are you reconfiguring a commercial space? Strip-outs are common in tenant improvements.
Is the structure unsafe or unpermitted? If so, a full demo may be your only option.
Not sure? We’ll walk your site, evaluate the scope, and help you make the right call based on your timeline, permit needs, and budget.
Why It Matters
Choosing the wrong demo approach can lead to:
Unnecessary costs and delays
Permitting issues with your local jurisdiction
Missed opportunities to salvage usable components
Safety risks from load-bearing or utility-interrupted systems
Scope creep that overwhelms your contractor or crew
A clear scope means fewer surprises and a faster, cleaner build process.
What OJB Solutions Offers
We provide both interior and structural demolition services for:
Residential remodels and flips
Commercial retail and office build-outs
Tenant improvement projects
Fire- and water-damaged buildings
Pre-construction tear-outs
Permit-required demolitions
Selective removal of framing, drywall, siding, roofing, and more
Our team is licensed, insured, and experienced with Oregon construction codes. We also offer junk removal, dumpster rental, and jobsite cleanup to keep your project moving forward.
Serving the Greater Portland Metro Area
We offer full and selective demo services in:
Portland
Gresham
Oregon City
Tigard
Tualatin
Beaverton
West Linn
Clackamas
Milwaukie
Wilsonville
Lake Oswego
And surrounding cities
We work with homeowners, builders, architects, and property managers on both short-term and phased projects.
Ready to Demo With Confidence?
If you’re unsure what kind of demolition your project requires, we’ll give you an honest, expert evaluation—no pressure, no guesswork. We’ll even help coordinate permits, inspections, and debris hauling.
Call or text: (503) 882-0704
Email: contact@oregonjunkbusters.com
Website: ojbsolutions.com
Start your project the right way—with a demolition team that knows the difference between tear-out and teardown.
