Broom-clean or stripped to the shell: agree the handover condition precisely

Describe the result you need

Removing a tiled floor can leave adhesive residue and an uneven substrate. This does not necessarily fall outside the agreed work if only tile removal was included. If you want the floor levelled or retiled, discuss the requirements with the tradesperson doing the next stage.

“Shell condition” can refer to different levels of strip-out. Sometimes services remain in place; sometimes all finishes must be removed. A list of items to remove and retain is clearer than a single umbrella term.

Use a handover checklist for each element

Coordinate the handover with the next tradesperson

Before demolition, ask the installer, floor fitter or contractor to specify the substrate and connections they need. Discuss who decides what happens when unexpected damage or an unknown layer is uncovered. This prevents the demolition worker from removing something the next contractor needs.

For work that will later be covered up, schedule an inspection before finishing. A photograph can support the project record, but does not replace a required assessment or inspection.

Review the agreements together

At handover, use the scope of work and record any outstanding items, assigning a responsible person and a follow-up date. Distinguish between agreed work that has not yet been completed and new requests. This keeps the discussion focused and makes follow-up work easier to plan.