When most people talk about demolition, they think of the giant wrecking balls that swing and knock down structures or even the implosion of buildings. In reality, many standard home renovation projects wind up incorporating some aspect of demolition. Out with the old and in with the new, as they say.
Don’t Forego Proper Planning
Demolition isn’t just a single step in the execution of your home renovation; you’ll need to consider it as an additional project of itself. There are a lot of considerations that must go into demolition done right, and making a mistake could have costly repercussions.
Use proper safety equipment such as protective eye wear and gloves. It’s easy to get sucked into a project and find out halfway through that your nails are cracked from your heavy labor.
Be sure to do your research about the proper procedures for a particular project and evaluate your budget along the way as various tools will also be required. For example, to properly block an area, tape and sheet plastic will be needed. If you choose a professional construction company, the cost of these items will be bundled into the service.
Understand What’s Behind the Wall
Using a crowbar or a sledge on a wall without the proper knowledge is not recommended. Water pipes, wiring, gas and other elements can be hiding behind your drywall or concrete. Electrical outlets and vents can sometimes clue you into what might be there, but you’ll need to find out more about the layout of your home. If a wall that does contain these elements must be taken down, be sure to use caution and shut off the main power and water mains to avoid the risk of fire hazards and flooding.
In addition, load bearing walls are necessary for the structure of your home, so these should not be torn down. Consult with an engineer to find out which walls are off-limits in this way.
Addressing the Debris
Demolition can get messy. Cover up furniture with drop cloths to protect them from sheet rock, plaster and other particulates. It’s important to check for asbestos if your home was built before 1978; working around asbestos can cause serious medical issues.
When clearing out the larger chunks of debris from the home, bag them up into trash bags to make the transportation cleaner and less hazardous to other drivers. It may also be beneficial to double-bag the wood and plaster as broken nails can easily cause tears and frustration for you when you go to the dump. Clear these things out as you perform demolition tasks to make the area easier to navigate and shorten the cleanup period after your work has been performed.
Consider a Construction Company
Rather than running the risk of causing structural damage to your home, busting a pipe or simply getting in over your head, consider using a professional construction company for your demolition project. Doing so will allow you conveniences that are already built into the service such as the proper equipment and tools as well as turnkey service through the cleanup process.
Here at Copper Creek Construction, we have the know-how to take care of your home, and we provide the best demolition and cleanup services in the Las Vegas Valley. Contact us for more info.