Exploring the value of demolition contractor involvement at the design stage of construction

The purpose of this paper is to explore the advantages and disadvantages of involving demolition contractors at the early stages of design. This study reports the analysis of 14 interviews undertaken with professional designers and demolition contractors, engaging with the following questions: Are there benefits to engaging a demolition contractor at design stage? What roles and responsibilities might be appropriate for the demolition contractor at the early stages of design? What knowledge does the demolition contractor possess that is of value to designers and clients? And What challenges might arise? Currently, there are many reports highlighting the importance of shifting the industry from the currently followed linear economy model of ‘make, use, and dispose’, towards a circular economy that is restorative and regenerative. The transition process towards a circular economy requires collaboration of the supply chain as a whole, and the involvement of all parties from design to end users. Consequently, many studies have looked at the importance of involving a contractor at the design stage, whereas no known single study has explored the importance of involving demolition contractors at the design stage. Thus, this study set out to fill this gap. The findings of the study are expected to develop the argument for continued movement towards the inclusion of the circular economy within the construction cycle.