Revit Tip: Phase-Driven Revit Demolition Workflow

Clarity in demolition plans starts with disciplined phasing and graphics. Here’s a focused workflow to produce unambiguous, contractor-ready demo drawings that also stand up to quantity takeoff and coordination. For tools, training, and add-ins that support these standards, see NOVEDGE at novedge.com and browse Revit resources at novedge.com/search?q=Revit.

• Define a simple, enforceable phase strategy
  • Use “Existing” and “New Construction” with the default “Show Previous + Demo” phase filter, or add a dedicated “Demolition” phase sandwiched between Existing and New.
  • Lock naming and order early; avoid mid-project phase rework.
• Stand up dedicated demolition views
  • Duplicate key plans, RCPs, elevations, and a 3D axon for demo.
  • Set each to Phase = New Construction (or Demolition, if you use a three-phase stack) and Phase Filter = Show Previous + Demo (or your custom equivalent).
  • Save as View Templates (e.g., A-PLAN_Demo, A-RCP_Demo) and apply to all demo views for consistency.
• Control graphics with Phase Filters, not ad‑hoc overrides
  • Edit Phase Graphic Overrides: Demolished = bold, dashed, and color (commonly red); Existing = halftone; Temporary = light gray; New = not shown in demo plans.
  • Avoid manual element overrides—keep it template-driven and repeatable.
• Use the Demolish tool—never delete
  • Demolish or set “Phase Demolished” instead of deleting so history and scheduling remain intact.
  • Hosted items: Demolishing a host will also demo its inserts as needed. If only removing the door/window, demolish the insert—not the wall. Do not add “infill” walls; Revit restores the wall automatically after the insert is demolished.
• Annotate with purpose
  • Use demo-specific tags/symbols and a demolition legend keyed to line styles and hatch patterns.
  • Establish keynote or note blocks for typical demo notes; maintain them in your company template.
• Quantify and QA/QC
  • Build a “Demolition Elements” schedule filtered by Phase Demolished. Include Category, Type, Count/Length/Area, and Comments for scope notes.
  • Use a 3D demo axon with a section box and the same phase filter to visually confirm scope before issuing.
• Coordinate linked models
  • For linked Revit files, set Phase Mapping so “Existing/Demolition/New” align between disciplines.
  • Avoid importing CAD for demo context; link instead and control visibility. When exporting DWG sets, use saved export settings for demo lineweights. For export support and plugins, check NOVEDGE.
• Bake it into standards
  • Deliver a preconfigured Demo View Template, Phase Filters, and Graphic Overrides in your company template.
  • Document the workflow on a one-page SOP and include it in project kickoffs. Need help building standards? Explore services and tools from NOVEDGE.