Renovation Demolition Done Right
Nearly all home renovations require demolition at some point during the project. Old things go out, new things come in. If you’re a do-it-yourself kind of person, you may be eager to destroy that dividing wall you never needed or uproot the carpet that came with your house when you bought it. Although enthusiasm is great, so is safety. Save money and avoid injury by following these demolition tips for your next home reno.
Demolition is a task in and of itself. The change may be small, but it’s still a change. Getting rid of the materials you no longer have any use for is part of the renovation, so be sure to exercise patience and caution when removing large and potentially dangerous materials. Better yet, reserve a good chunk of time for nothing but demolition. Concentrating on one thing at a time prevents you from rushing through it and hurting yourself or damaging something as a result. When you’re doing demolition work, don’t think about what you’ll do after. Focus on the task at hand.
Close off areas that you don’t plan to touch. Not only should you close the doors leading into nearby rooms, you should also seal any openings with plastic film and tape or a premade temporary sealer. While you’re at it, turn off any power sources that could be affected by the demolition process. Never toggle with a light bulb while there’s still electricity flowing through it. Shutting down whole systems with the controls on your master board is the safest option.
If you need to tear down a wall, don’t just start hacking at it with a heavy tool. Make a few medium-sized punctures in different parts of the wall and peer inside. It’s possible there are electrical wires or harmful insulatory substances behind the drywall. Identify what’s in there and where it goes before taking down the rest of the wall.
When doing demolition work, it’s often much easier to carry out waste collection periodically throughout the project rather than after it’s complete. Pick up the fallen pieces as soon as it gets too messy to work. Renting a rolloff dumpster can make the process easier, as it prevents you from going to and from the dump to drop off your reno debris. If that’s not a realistic option, consider paying for a hauling service to take it away for you.
Use the right tools for demolition the same way you’d use the right tools for a construction job; prybars and sledges are essential. Always wear heavy-duty boots, paper overalls, goggles, and a dust mask when you’re tearing things apart to keep hazardous substances out of your eyes, nose, and mouth. Forgetting to wear protective gear could be fatal.
Most people don’t see demolition as part of home renovation; they see it instead as an inevitable consequence of the project. Demolition is an integral part of any home renovation and should always be taken seriously. If you’re unsure about the process or have any questions, contact a demolition company or demolition expert in your area.
