One way to save home renovation dollars is by doing your own demolition. This might include removing old cabinets, taking out old flooring or even tearing down walls. While taking charge of the demolition in your home will sometimes save you money, it is important to place safety first and know when to call a professional.
Demolition involves certain hazards, and taking precautions is important to protect your life, your family and your home.
Wear personal protective equipment including goggles, a mask, gloves and a hard hat.
Make sure that the electricity, gas and water are turned off. When applicable, notify the appropriate utility companies as well.
Since the electricity will be turned off, carry lighting and place battery operated lighting throughout the area to keep pathways, stairs and ladders properly illuminated.
- Make sure that any demolition of exterior walls or floors begins at the top and moves downward.
- Use the appropriate equipment for the job.
- Make sure the walls you are removing are not load-bearing. If they are, do not remove them until all stories above that floor are properly removed.
- Roof cornices and stonework must be removed before walls are removed.
- Once demolition begins, brace or shore up any walls or floors that have experienced damage to protect yourself and anyone assisting you.
Inevitable Construction Hazards
Even when you keep these safety tips in mind, accidents can happen when novice hands attempt to tackle demolition projects. This often happens when workers get tired, try to complete a project with haste or lack professional demolition tools and materials. When mistakes do happen, the best case scenario is that you have to bring in a professional after putting in hours of labor to get the job done right, and the worst case scenario can be that your house collapses or dangerous dust is released when walls crumble. This can lead to serious health consequences or even death.
When DIY Demolition is Okay
If your home renovation involves demolishing a couple of cabinets or removing carpeting from one room, you are probably okay to finish that part of the project independently. It will likely take you several hours, and it is still important to keep safety in mind. You might also incur some costs when hiring someone to haul away your refuse, but you will probably save a bit of money in the process.
When to Call a Professional
If your project is a major renovation and demolition involves tearing down walls, removing electrical and plumbing lines or relocating an entire kitchen or bathroom, it is usually best to consult with a general contractor. In these instances, there is a high likelihood that you will run into something unexpected. A professional may not be able to prevent every problem, but he will know how to manage issues faster and reduce any costs for repairs.
At Alair Homes Barrie, our construction team can assist you with every stage of your home renovation from demolition through completion. With our bulk buying power and completely transparent way of doing business, we will save you time and money throughout your project. Instead of going it alone, give us a call for a free, no obligation consultation and learn more about the advantages of renovating with an award-winning professional.