What to Expect When Planning Commercial or Interior Demolition in Boston

If you have a renovation coming up in Boston, demolition usually feels like the simple part. Knock it out, haul it away, move on. Then real life shows up.

Suddenly there are permits, inspections, building rules, questions about asbestos, and a whole list of things that can slow the job down if you do them out of order. And in a place like East Boston, where buildings sit close together and streets are tight, planning matters just as much as the actual tear out.

This guide is here to make the process feel normal. Not scary. Not overwhelming. Just clear.

By the end, you will know what a good demolition plan looks like, what steps tend to surprise people in Boston, and how to keep your project moving without unnecessary delays.

If you want to talk through your specific job, this is also the type of work we handle every day at Allied Wrecking. You can explore our Commercial and Industrial Demolition services and our Interior Demolition work on our site, then circle back when you are ready to plan the next step.

Start with the right type of demolition

The first decision is not equipment or dumpsters. It is scope.

Most commercial projects in Boston fall into one of these categories.

Interior demolition

Interior demolition is usually for remodels, tenant improvements, and buildouts. You are removing things like walls, ceilings, old restrooms, old flooring, mechanical rooms, storefront interiors, and anything else that needs to go before the new build begins.

This is where dust control, safety barriers, and coordination with other trades matter the most, because the building often stays active while work is happening.

If your project sounds like that, this is where an Interior Demolition link fits naturally.

Selective demolition

Selective demolition is more surgical. You remove exactly what needs to go and protect what must stay. Think partial removals, structural openings, saw cutting, or demolition around existing utilities and occupied spaces.

Selective demolition is often paired with Concrete Cutting and Removal and sometimes Floor Removal when the slab or topping needs to come out.

Full commercial or structural demolition

This is total removal of a structure, typically when a site is being cleared for new construction. This category can still involve interior work first, especially if there are materials that require special handling.

For this type of job, the natural link would be Commercial Demolition and Site Preparation.

A good demolition contractor will help you confirm which category your job truly fits into, because the plan, permits, equipment, and timeline all change based on scope.

The Boston permitting and review steps people forget

Boston is not a place where you want to wing it on paperwork.

Depending on the building and the project, you may need multiple approvals before demolition can begin. The exact requirements vary by job, so the safest move is to confirm early, not after your start date is already on the calendar.

Here are the big ones that commonly apply.

City of Boston demolition permit process

Boston has a dedicated process for demolition permits through Inspectional Services. The City outlines required documentation and coordination steps for demolition permits.

Article 85 demolition delay review

If the building qualifies, Boston requires an Article 85 Demolition Delay review through the Boston Landmarks Commission. This is meant to prevent historically significant buildings from being demolished without review.

Not every project triggers Article 85, but you do not want to find out late.

Water and sewer coordination

Boston Water and Sewer Commission notes that demolition involves forms, permits, and supporting documents across multiple agencies. In many cases the property owner initiates a General Services Application related to water and sewer matters.

Fire Prevention permits

Boston Fire Prevention maintains permitting guidance and documentation requirements for construction, renovation, and demolition related permits.

The short version is this. In Boston, demolition often requires coordination across multiple departments. The earlier you start this part, the smoother the job runs.

Environmental and hazardous materials planning matters more than people think

This is where most projects get delayed, not because anyone did something reckless, but because they assumed the building was clean.

In Massachusetts, demolition work commonly requires asbestos related notifications and waiting periods. MassDEP describes the AQ 06 Construction and Demolition Notification process and notes the ten working day waiting period in

the asbestos regulation context.

What does that mean in real terms?

It means you should plan for the possibility that the building needs an inspection, and if regulated materials are found, you need time to handle it correctly before demolition begins.

A responsible demolition plan includes:

1. A review of the building age and materials

2. A hazardous materials survey when appropriate

3. Proper notification and compliance steps when required

4. Clear containment planning for dust and debris

It is not overkill. It is the difference between a clean start and a stop work headache.

Waste, recycling, and debris removal are part of the plan, not an afterthought

In Massachusetts, certain construction and demolition materials are banned from disposal and must be diverted. This includes materials like asphalt pavement, brick, concrete, metal, wood, and clean gypsum wallboard, among others.

For a commercial demo project, that means your contractor should plan for:

1. How concrete and masonry will be handled

2. Whether metal will be separated for salvage

3. How clean drywall will be sorted if applicable

4. Where debris is going and how it will be documented

This is one reason experienced demolition companies feel faster. They are not figuring it out mid-job. They already know what the end of the job needs to look like.

If your project includes heavy slab removal or a flooring system that needs to come out, that is where a Floor Removal internal link fits naturally, because disposal and recycling planning is a big part of that scope.

What a realistic demolition timeline looks like

Every project is different, but the flow is usually consistent.

Step 1: Site walk and scope confirmation

This is where the contractor confirms what is going, what is staying, and what the building conditions look like.

You should expect to discuss:

1. Access and staging space

2. Working hours

3. Occupancy and building operations

4. Elevator use or stair protection

5. Material handling and debris routes

Step 2: Permits, reviews, and notifications

This is the part that varies most in Boston.

If Article 85 applies, it can affect timing. If MassDEP notification timing applies, it can affect timing.

A good contractor builds this into the schedule early so nobody is pretending a Monday start is possible when approvals are still pending.

Step 3: Pre demolition protection and safety setup

This is where you see dust barriers, negative air setups when needed, floor protection in common areas, and clear safety signage.

If it is a commercial space with other tenants nearby, this part is not optional. It is what keeps your project from becoming everyone else’s problem.

Step 4: The demolition work

Interior demolition can move quickly once the prep is correct. Selective demolition and concrete cutting are slower by nature because precision matters.

If your job includes concrete saw cutting, core drilling, or slab removal, this is where a Concrete Cutting and Removal internal link belongs, because it is often the most technical part of an otherwise straightforward demo.

Step 5: Haul out, cleanup, and turnover

The best demolition projects end with a site that feels ready for the next crew.

That means:

1. Debris removed

2. Floors broom clean or cleaner depending on contract

3. Hazards removed

4. Clear handoff for framing, MEP, or site prep

If your plan includes clearing the site for the next phase, this is where Site Preparation is a natural internal link.

Common reasons demolition projects get delayed in Boston

Most delays are preventable. Here are the ones we see over and over.

Permits started too late

It is easy to underestimate how many moving pieces exist. Boston’s process can involve multiple departments and supporting documents.

The building is still full of surprises

Older buildings can hide layers. Extra flooring. Old partitions. Unmapped utilities. And sometimes regulated materials that require compliance steps.

No plan for access and staging

In dense areas, you cannot treat debris removal like a suburban job. Elevator reservations, hallway protection, and staging space planning all matter.

No communication with neighbors or tenants

Even when the work is safe, noise and dust create tension. The projects that go smoothly usually include a communication plan, especially in multi tenant settings.

A simple checklist before you schedule demolition

Use this as your quick gut check before you lock a date.

1. Scope is clear and documented

2. You know whether Article 85 might apply

3. You have confirmed permit requirements with the City

4. Hazardous materials planning has been addressed

5. Debris removal and recycling plan is clear

6. Access and staging have been planned

7. Safety and dust control strategy is confirmed

8. The handoff condition for the next trade is defined

If you can check those off, you are already ahead of most projects.

Frequently asked questions

Do I always need an Article 85 demolition delay review in Boston

Not always, but many demolition projects in Boston must consider Article 85 and the Boston Landmarks Commission process depending on the building.

How early should I start the permitting process

As early as possible. Permits, supporting documents, and reviews can involve multiple departments. The City provides guidance on required documents and steps.

What is the most common surprise that slows demolition down

Hidden conditions in older buildings and compliance steps tied to regulated materials and notifications. MassDEP outlines notification requirements tied to demolition activities and the waiting period.

Can demolition happen while a building is occupied

Yes, especially for interior demolition and selective demolition, but it requires careful dust control, safety barriers, and coordination so the work stays contained.

Ready to plan your demolition the right way

If you are planning a commercial renovation, tenant fit out, or interior teardown in Boston, the best time to talk to a demolition contractor is before the schedule gets tight.

At Allied Wrecking, we help property managers, owners, and general contractors plan demolition work that stays clean, safe, and predictable.