take (something) down to the studs

1. To remove the drywall or similar material from a wall, thereby exposing the "studs," the vertical posts used in the framework of a wall. If this is a serious water leak, you might have to take everything down to the studs. A: "This renovation will cost a fortune if you take the house down to the studs." B: "Yes, but on the plus side, you can design the house exactly as you want."

2. By extension, to reduce something to its most minimal, basic, or fundamental elements. The team took its roster down to the studs, rebuilding it back up again from the ground up. After several false starts, the film adaptation was taken back down to the studs, with a brand new writer and director brought on board.