How to carry out a bathroom strip-out?

What is a Strip-out?

A strip out is a form of demolition that involves the removal of non-structural, internal components within a structure or building such as bathrooms, kitchens, residential and commercial spaces, and others. These include wall linings, internal partition walls, built-ins, floor coverings, ceilings, tiles, internal glazing, pipework, etc. A bathroom strip out can involve the removal of floor and wall tiles, shower screens, baths, spas, toilets, taps and fittings, mirrors and so on. Prior to any renovation, bathrooms need a professional strip out. This includes getting rid of all unwanted fixtures and appliances so the contractors can start immediately when they arrive on site. Stripping out a bathroom can be challenging and requires skills and precision so it’s always best to hire professionals to do it. The process involves careful removal of electric wiring and plumbing supplies as well as large fixtures such as bathtubs and sink vanities that must be detached with care. Removal of fragile fixtures such as a glued-on mirror can prove to be dangerous as there is a risk of breaking the glass if not done carefully.

Perfect Strip-out and Demolition has extensive experience in performing a multitude of strip-out projects ranging from simple strip-outs to entire ten-story buildings and hotels. The foundation of Perfect’s heavy demolition reputation lies in our beginnings: strip-outs and detailed demolition. Perfect’s team members have considerable experience in the strip-out sector and are adept in all sorts of strip-outs including bathroom strip-outs. Over the years we have built up an impressive fleet of machinery and equipment that further improves our efficiency and safety.

Step by step guide to Bathroom strip-out

1. The Perfect crew starts the strip-out process by disconnecting electrical and water lines to prevent flooding, spills and electrocution.
   • The main power line is turned off and power points and cables are checked to ensure there is no electricity running through the bathroom.
   • The water lines are then turned off to prevent flooding or other water related issues. All plumbing fixtures including toilet, tapware, and vanity are capped off from the valve and drained out of any remaining water. All the drains are also closed off to ensure debris doesn’t clog them up.
2. Demolition involves mess so the floors need to be covered to prevent scratches, dents and other damages. So, the strip-out experts then proceed to cover the flooring with Bolton rubber pads or drop sheets for protection. Any existing windows inside the shower area need to be covered up using plastic sheeting as well because these areas need insulation.
3. All ornaments and fixtures such as towel racks and toilet paper holders are then removed from the walls.
4. Next, the crew proceeds to remove the sinks and vanities. They locate and unscrew the drain nuts surrounding the P-trap and check for any seals or gaskets that can cause trouble in the future and clean it if required. The hot and cold water supply lines are turned off. Then they check if the sink is resting on the mounting bracket or is bolted to the wall and remove any brackets or bolts if necessary. The screws that are holding the cabinet are then unscrewed and the cabinet is removed from the wall.
5. Later, the toilet is removed by first unscrewing the pipe and its connections from the tank and supply line valve. Then the tank is removed from the toilet base. Following that step, the base of the toilet is unscrewed from the floor and the toilet is removed from the flange bolts. Then the wax surrounding the drain flange on the floor is scraped away before unscrewing the flange. The crew then temporarily seals the drain hole to keep out the sewer gases and bad odours.
6. The next step is to strip out the shower, tub, spout and shower handles which require considerable heavy lifting and hence, needs to be safely carried out by professionals.
   • Bathtub – The Perfect strip-out team unscrews the spout and removes the metal basket at the bottom of the tub and/or shower. Then the drywall around the tub and the caulking between the floor and the bathtub is carefully removed to pry the tub away from the walls. Some walls are just one piece and easy to remove while others are caulked so the glue behind the walls needs to be removed gently. Any existing tiles in the area are then chiselled off the cement and the caulk seal is broken to lift the tub off its place.
   • Shower – The hinges on the shower door are unscrewed and the door is set aside and any fasteners holding the door frame in place are unscrewed to pull the frame off. Fixtures such as the shower head and arm, water control knobs or levers, drain covers, soap holders or towel racks are detached. Any existing shower glass walls are then cut into manageable pieces and removed.
7. Next, the baseboard and molding trim need to be pried from the floor perimeter, the door, and the window frame. The tiles are then stripped out starting at the edge of the shower and the exposed drywall needs to be cut cautiously to avoid cutting into studs.Tile removal can be very strenuous for any bathroom demolition if not done by professionals. The walls and the floors are later scraped to remove any glue or grout left on the surfaces. It is essential to remove the walls and flooring with the help of professionals as pipes that might be running through the walls and floors, joists and chipboard flooring need to remain undamaged. The Perfect crew can also check for any hollow walls and floors and determine if you need to repair any below-the-surface damages such as timber flooring underneath tiles damaged from water or timber wall frames damaged by termites.
8. Later, all the lights, electric sockets, and ventilation fans are removed and any existing plaster or drywalls and ceilings are stripped out.
9. Finally, the space is cleaned, and all the waste is disposed of.

Why Choose Perfect Strip out?

Since the company’s establishment in 2010, we have carried out hundreds of strip-out projects. As one of Perfect’s core services, strip outs and soft demolition remains at the forefront of our skill set. Successful completion of hundreds of structurally invasive demolition projects has equipped our team with a detailed understanding of what constitutes a challenge. Surmounting these challenges has enabled us to master the humble strip out. Supported by a team of skilled estimators, project managers, site managers and tradesmen, our team comprises reliable, highly qualified professionals who work hard to deliver outstanding service and quality projects for our clients.