Prepping for New Tenants: The Property Manager’s Guide to White Box Demolition in Wichita
In Wichita’s competitive commercial real estate market—from the historic storefronts in Old Town to the growing office parks near Rock Road—speed is everything. When a tenant moves out, the clock starts ticking on your vacancy rate.
The fastest way to get a new lease signed? White Box Demolition.
Commonly called a "vanilla shell" or "tenant-ready" state, a white box demolition clears the clutter of the previous occupant, leaving a clean, professional "blank canvas" that allows prospective tenants to envision their own business in the space.
What Exactly is Included in a Wichita "White Box"?
Unlike a total gut, white boxing is a surgical form of selective demolition. At [Your Company Name], our Wichita commercial crew typically focuses on:
Removing "Tenant-Specific" Build-outs: Tearing out old fitting rooms, specialized cabinetry, or non-load-bearing partition walls.
Floor Stripping: Removing old carpet, cracked linoleum, or stubborn adhesive so the concrete slab is ready for new flooring.
Ceiling & Grid Work: Removing damaged drop-ceiling tiles while keeping the main grid and HVAC diffusers intact.
Wall Prep: Stripping wallpaper and patching drywall so the space is "paint-ready."
The "Make-Safe": Safely disconnecting and capping plumbing and electrical lines that were run specifically for the previous tenant's equipment.
The Cost of White Boxing in Wichita (2026)
In the Wichita area, commercial interior demolition for white boxing typically ranges from $5 to $20 per square foot, depending on the complexity.
Navigating Wichita’s Commercial Regulations
Commercial demo in Sedgwick County isn't as simple as grabbing a sledgehammer. To stay compliant and avoid fines from the MABCD, property managers must account for:
The $50 "Wrecking Fee": Even for interior work, certain structural or significant modifications require a specific wrecking permit.
Asbestos Surveys: For any Wichita building built before 1985, the EPA and KDHE require an asbestos inspection before we can disturb the "thermal system insulation" or floor backing.
Brooks Landfill Compliance: Commercial debris cannot be mixed with household trash. We handle the specialized hauling to ensure your C&D (Construction & Demolition) waste is disposed of at the Brooks Landfill according to local statutes.
Why Property Managers Choose DEMO DOGS
We understand that every day a unit is under demolition is a day it isn't earning rent. Our Wichita-based team specializes in high-speed, low-impact demo. We work around your other tenants' schedules to ensure minimal noise disruption and 100% dust containment.