How long does a full strip-out take?

A single room strip-out (removing plaster, flooring, and fixtures) typically takes 1-2 days for a skilled labourer. A full house strip-out of a 3-bed semi can take a 2-person team 5-8 days. Factors affecting speed include plaster type (lime plaster takes longer than gypsum), flooring buildup, and number of fixtures.

How much waste does a room strip-out produce?

A typical 4m x 3m room with plaster removal from all walls and ceiling, plus flooring, generates around 1.5-2.5 m³ of waste (approximately 2-4 tonnes depending on materials). Lath-and-plaster is significantly heavier and bulkier than plasterboard.

What PPE is needed for strip-out work?

Essential PPE includes an FFP3 dust mask (or powered respirator for extended work), safety goggles, steel-toe boots, hard hat, heavy-duty gloves, and hearing protection when using power tools. If asbestos is suspected, work must stop and a survey carried out before continuing.

Do I need to separate waste from a strip-out?

Yes, under the Waste (England and Wales) Regulations, you should segregate waste where practical. Plasterboard must be kept separate from general waste as it cannot go to mixed landfill. Metals, timber, and plastics should be separated for recycling. Some skip companies offer discounts for pre-sorted waste.

Can I strip out load-bearing walls?

No, load-bearing walls require structural engineering input and Building Control approval before removal. This calculator covers non-structural strip-out (plaster, finishes, fixtures). For wall removal, use our Wall Removal Calculator which accounts for temporary supports and RSJ sizing.

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Strip-Out Calculator

Calculate waste volumes, skip counts, and labour hours for room-by-room strip-out work including plaster, flooring, and fixture removal.

Plaster Area per Room

Total wall + ceiling area to strip per room

Flooring Area per Room

Floor area to strip per room

Fixtures per Room

Radiators, doors, built-in units etc.

Number of Rooms

Rooms of similar size to strip out

How We Calculate This

This calculator estimates waste volumes and labour requirements for interior strip-out work on a room-by-room basis. It covers the three main strip-out elements: plaster removal, flooring removal, and fixture removal.

Calculation method

Plaster waste: Wall/ceiling area × plaster depth (typically 12-20mm) gives volume in m³. Plaster density is approximately 1.6 t/m³.

Flooring waste: Floor area × buildup depth (screed + floor finish, typically 20-50mm) gives volume. Average density 1.2 t/m³ for mixed flooring materials.

Fixtures: Each fixture (radiator, door, window frame, built-in unit) is estimated at 0.15 m³ on average.

Labour rates: Plaster removal ~0.15 hours/m², flooring ~0.1 hours/m², fixtures ~0.5 hours each. These are based on industry standard RICS productivity rates.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Last updated: March 2026

All calculations are estimates. Verify with your supplier.