Selective Demolition
Selective Demolition is a careful approach to taking apart buildings where only specific parts are removed while protecting the surrounding structure. Unlike complete demolition where an entire building is destroyed, selective demolition is more like surgical removal of building parts. It's often used in renovation projects, historic building updates, or when only certain areas of a building need to be changed. This method requires more planning and skill than regular demolition because workers must avoid damaging parts that need to stay intact.
Examples in Resumes
Managed Selective Demolition projects in occupied office buildings while maintaining daily operations
Supervised Selective Demolition and Interior Demolition of historic building renovation projects
Coordinated Selective Demolition work ensuring compliance with preservation requirements
Typical job title: "Selective Demolition Specialists"
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Where to Find Selective Demolition Specialists
Professional Associations
Job Boards
Professional Networks
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How do you approach a selective demolition project in an occupied building?
Expected Answer: A senior professional should discuss safety planning, communication with building occupants, work scheduling during off-hours, dust containment methods, and protecting adjacent areas. They should mention experience coordinating with multiple stakeholders.
Q: How do you handle unexpected hazardous materials discovered during selective demolition?
Expected Answer: Should explain the proper procedure for stopping work, securing the area, bringing in qualified inspectors, adjusting project timeline and budget, and ensuring proper removal and disposal methods.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What safety measures do you implement on selective demolition projects?
Expected Answer: Should discuss proper equipment usage, creating containment areas, ensuring worker protection, managing debris removal, and maintaining clear communication with all team members.
Q: How do you determine which structural elements can be safely removed?
Expected Answer: Should mention working with structural engineers, reviewing building plans, understanding load-bearing vs non-load-bearing elements, and importance of proper inspection before work begins.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What personal protective equipment is required for selective demolition work?
Expected Answer: Should list basic safety equipment like hard hats, safety glasses, work boots, gloves, dust masks, and hearing protection, and explain when each is needed.
Q: How do you properly dispose of demolition materials?
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate knowledge of proper sorting of materials, recycling requirements, appropriate disposal containers, and basic understanding of hazardous vs non-hazardous materials.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic tool and equipment operation
- Understanding of safety procedures
- Material handling and sorting
- Following work plans and instructions
Mid (2-5 years)
- Project coordination
- Reading construction drawings
- Team supervision
- Safety protocol implementation
Senior (5+ years)
- Project planning and management
- Cost estimation and budgeting
- Regulatory compliance oversight
- Client and stakeholder communication
Red Flags to Watch For
- No knowledge of basic safety requirements
- Lack of experience with proper tool handling
- Unable to read basic construction plans
- No understanding of building materials and structures
- Poor communication skills for coordinating with other trades
Related Terms
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