Demolition is not the first planning step. A useful brief records how the room works, what must stay and which conditions need professional verification.
A safe planning sequence
- List daily activities, storage, users, accessibility needs and the items that must remain.
- Record appliance and fixture candidates without assuming they fit or can use existing services.
- Map doors, windows, radiators, vents and known shutoffs by observation only.
- Compare circulation and storage options on a copy of the existing-condition sketch.
- List unanswered questions about structure, electrical load, plumbing, gas, ventilation, waterproofing and permits.
- Assign each open question to the professional who must verify it before ordering or demolition.
Common errors
- Beginning with a demolition date
- Ordering from nominal dimensions
- Assuming services can move anywhere
- Treating a rendering as a construction plan
Stop and call a professional
- Do not begin demolition until permits, hazardous-material questions, service shutoffs and the approved construction plan are resolved.
- Electrical, gas, structural, major plumbing, waterproofing and ventilation work belong with qualified professionals and required inspections.
Where AI helps—and where it does not
AI can organize the needs brief and compare planning options. It cannot verify dimensions, utilities, structure, waterproofing or code compliance.
Official guidance
- NPS Preservation Brief 18: Historic Interiors (opens in a new tab)
- Chicago Department of Buildings: Interior Alteration Permits (opens in a new tab)
- EPA: Lead-safe renovations for DIYers (opens in a new tab)
- EPA: Asbestos and home remodeling (opens in a new tab)
- City of Chicago: Building permits (opens in a new tab)
- City of Chicago: Work that does not require a permit (opens in a new tab)
This guide is general planning information. Building conditions and local requirements vary; confirm the project-specific permit and trade requirements before work begins.