Interior Demolition Before Renovation: What to Know and How to Remove Waste
In short: interior demolition is the first step of a renovation: old floor coverings, partition walls, ceilings, furniture and plumbing are removed, the space is cleaned and the waste is taken to the waste station sorted. Here is a guide on what to do before demolition, what may be demolished and how much waste removal costs.
What interior demolition includes
- removing floor coverings – laminate, parquet, linoleum, tiles;
- demolishing non-load-bearing partition walls;
- removing suspended ceilings and ceiling coverings;
- dismantling old furniture, cabinets and shelves;
- dismantling plumbing and home appliances;
- collecting and removing the debris.
Before demolition starts
- Check which walls are load-bearing. Load-bearing walls must not be demolished without a project. As a rule, a permit from the local government and the consent of the apartment association are also needed.
- Inform the apartment association and neighbours. In many buildings noisy work is allowed only on weekdays at certain hours.
- Switch off the electricity and close the water in the rooms being demolished.
- Empty the room. The fewer things in the way, the faster the demolition.
- Plan the waste removal. A small amount can go by vehicle; for a larger amount it pays to order a container.
Asbestos in older buildings
Buildings constructed before the 1990s may contain materials with asbestos, for example eternit. Asbestos is hazardous waste: only a company with the relevant permit may remove and transport it. If you suspect asbestos, have the material checked before demolition.
How to sort demolition waste
The waste station accepts only sorted waste. Keep separately:
| Waste type | Examples | Waste station fee |
|---|---|---|
| Construction and demolition waste | plaster, plasterboard, mixed waste | 41.30 €/m³ |
| Concrete, bricks, ceramics | tiles, bricks | 31.00 €/m³ |
| Treated wood | parquet, laminate, doors | 31.00 €/m³ |
| Metal | pipes, radiators | free |
| Electronics | home appliances | free |
Prices: Tallinn circular economy centre 2026, VAT incl. Sorted waste is considerably cheaper than mixed waste.
How much does interior demolition cost
| Job | Price |
|---|---|
| Demolition work, 1 worker | 40 €/h (Sat 46 €/h, Sun 52 €/h) |
| Debris removal, 2 workers + 14 m³ van | 84 €/h |
| Debris removal, 2 workers + 21 m³ box van | 96 €/h |
| Waste station fee | according to the waste station price list |
Prices include VAT. For an exact price, send photos or an exact description. We do interior demolition only – no demolition of buildings and no outdoor work. More: interior demolition in Tallinn.
After demolition
If your things need to be moved out for the renovation, we can help with moving. If the apartment has to be emptied before demolition, see apartment clearance.
Frequently asked questions
What is interior demolition?
Interior demolition is demolition work inside a building before renovation: removing floor coverings, non-load-bearing partition walls, ceilings, furniture and plumbing, and taking the debris away.
Can a load-bearing wall be demolished?
A load-bearing wall must not be demolished without a project. As a rule, a permit from the local government and the consent of the apartment association are also needed.
How much does demolition waste removal cost?
Removal with 2 workers and a vehicle costs 84 or 96 €/h, plus the waste station fee. Construction and demolition waste costs 41.30 €/m³ at the Tallinn waste station.
Do you remove asbestos?
No. Asbestos is hazardous waste and only a company with the relevant permit may remove it.
Need demolition before renovation?
Send photos or an exact description – we will tell you how long it takes.
