The Essential Guide to Commercial Strip Outs in 2025: Cost, Compliance & Sustainability

HIR Ltd has been delivering professional commercial strip outs, site clearances and associated services for over 30 years. Based in London and covering the whole UK, we work with landlords, facilities managers, developers and contractors to deliver safe, compliant and sustainable strip out projects.

This guide explains typical strip out costs, compliance requirements (including WEEE & F-Gas), sustainable recycling options and how to choose reliable strip out contractors in London and across the UK.

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What is a commercial strip out?

A commercial strip out (also called a fit-out removal or soft strip) is the controlled removal of non-structural elements from a building ahead of refurbishment, re-let or demolition. Typical elements removed include partitions, ceilings, lighting, floor finishes, fixtures, fittings and mechanical & electrical (M&E) systems.

Common types of strip out work

• Office strip outs (partitions, workstations, raised floors)
• Retail strip outs (shelving, counters, shop fittings)
• Factory & warehouse defits (M&E, racking, plant removal)
• End-of-lease reinstatement and dilapidation works
• Plant room and chiller/A/C equipment removal

How much does a commercial strip out cost in 2025?

Strip out costs vary widely depending on:

• Size of the space (m² / ft²)
• Type and volume of materials to remove
• Presence of hazardous items (asbestos, PCB lighting)
• Complexity of M&E disconnection and isolation
• Access constraints, working hours and required permits

As a rough guide (prices indicative only):

• Small retail / office unit (under 200 m²): from £2,000 – £8,000
• Medium fit-out (200–800 m²): from £8,000 – £30,000
• Large commercial or multi-storey strip out: from £30,000 upwards

For an accurate cost, request a free site survey so your contractor can assess access, materials, M&E isolation and removal logistics. HIR Ltd offers detailed quotes and method statements to avoid surprises.

Key compliance considerations (legal & environmental)

Commercial strip outs must follow UK regulations to avoid fines and project delays:

• WEEE (Waste Electrical & Electronic Equipment): Electrical items (servers, HVAC controls, IT kit) must be handled as WEEE where applicable. See GOV.UK guidance: WEEE regulations.
• F-Gas rules: Any refrigerant recovery from chillers or A/C must be undertaken by F-Gas certified engineers. More info: F-Gas guidance.
• Hazardous materials: Asbestos, fluorescent tubes, and contaminated waste require specialist removal and licensed disposal.
• Waste Carrier Licence: Ensure your contractor is a registered waste carrier with proper documentation and manifests: register as a waste carrier.
• Health & Safety (CDM): Strip outs must follow CDM and HSE guidance for demolition and refurbishment works: HSE demolition safety.

Sustainability & recycling: maximising value from your strip out

Today’s best contractors prioritise material recovery. By segregating materials on site you can recover value and cut disposal costs:

• Metals (copper, steel, aluminium) – sold to scrap metal buyers
• Timber and fixtures – reused or recycled where possible
• Concrete and masonry – crushed for aggregate reuse
• WEEE components – passed to authorised WEEE processors

Tip: Ask your strip out contractor for a post-project recycling report showing tonnes diverted from landfill and projected material value. HIR Ltd produces clear recycling manifests and offers competitive scrap metal buying for recovered metals.

Choosing a strip out contractor: what to look for

Selecting the right contractor reduces risk, costs and downtime. Look for:

• Proven experience in office, retail and industrial strip outs (HIR Ltd: over 30 years)
• Clear, itemised quotes and timelines
• F-Gas & WEEE competency and documented licences
• Insurance, RAMS and references from similar projects
• Commitment to recycling and responsible disposal
• Local knowledge (London projects often need complex logistics)

Practical ways to reduce downtime during a strip out

1. Plan in phases: Stage the strip so parts of a building remain operational where possible.
2. Out-of-hours work: Schedule noisy or disruptive works overnight or at weekends.
3. Pre-strip surveys: Carry out M&E mapping and asbestos checks before work begins.
4. Fast mobilisation: Use contractors who can quickly deploy specialist plant, haulage and skips.
5. Clear communications: Daily site briefs and a single point of contact reduce delays.

Related services you may need

Strip outs often sit alongside other services — having a single provider streamlines delivery:

• Demolition services
• Site & factory clearance
• A/C & chiller disposal
• Scrap metal recycling
• Waste disposal services

Case study: commercial strip out for a London retailer

HIR Ltd carried out a complex retail strip out in West London where the store needed to be cleared for a rapid refit. Works included shelving removal, light fittings and M&E disconnection, with strict out-of-hours windows to avoid trading disruption. The project was completed on programme, and over 75% of materials were recycled or re-used.

FAQs (Common strip out questions)

How long does a commercial strip out take?

Timescales depend on size and complexity — a small retail unit may take a few days; larger multi-storey offices can take several weeks. A site survey provides a reliable programme.

Do I need planning permission for a strip out?

Most internal non-structural strip outs do not require planning permission. Structural changes or demolition work may. Always consult your contractor and local planning authority.

Will my tenant deposit be affected by a strip out?

End-of-lease strip outs must meet tenancy obligations. Use a contractor experienced in reinstatement works and dilapidations to protect the deposit position.

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Get a detailed strip out quote

If you’re planning a strip out in London or anywhere in the UK, our team can provide a free site survey, method statement and a competitive written quote. With over 30 years in the industry, HIR Ltd delivers safe, efficient and sustainable strip out projects.

Call us on: 0208 166 1221
Email: info@hirltd.co.uk
Learn more: Commercial Strip Outs & Defit