If you are doing a complete remodel to your kitchen or bathroom, a demolition may be necessary. This will involve taking out all the old fixtures, so the room is ready for the new ones to be installed. You can save tons of money by doing the demo yourself. But before you start, you will need to prepare the room to create a safe atmosphere for what’s coming next. Here are the steps you will need to take.
Turn Off the Electricity before demolition
It’s best to turn off the electricity for the room you will be working in. Put a piece of tape over the relevant breakers to ensure no one turns them on while you are working.
Turn off the Water before demolition
If you are demoing the kitchen or bathroom, you will need to turn off the water supply. This can usually be done by switching off valves on the appliances.
Turn off the Gas before demolition
If you have gas appliances, turn off the gas using the valve behind the appliance. To access it, carefully, pull out the appliance making sure not to pull the hose out of the valve.
Rent a Dolly
You will need a dolly to move heavy appliances out of the space. If you don’t have one, you can rent one from a home improvement center.
Place a Drop Cloth on the Floor
A drop cloth will protect the floor from scratches and damage. This step will only be necessary if you plan on keeping the flooring.
Rent a Dumpster
You will need a dumpster to collect the debris. A six cubic yard one should do for an average sized kitchen. Dumpsters can be rented from most home improvement stores.
Get a Permit
A permit is necessary for most demolition jobs. Requirements will vary depending on your location, but most officials will want to ensure power and utilities won’t be running during the process. They may also want you to notify your neighbors. You may need a dumpster permit as well.
Build Dust Barriers
A demo will produce a lot of dust and debris. Isolate your work area by putting up plastic sheets. The sheets should stretch from the floor to the ceiling, and they should seal off the area from the rest of the home.
Cover Air Ducts
If you don’t cover air ducts, the dust you create could be sent to other areas of your home. It is best to close all ducts and seal them over with plastic.
Protect Windows
Windows should be covered with plastic sheeting. This will protect window treatments like blinds. If you have curtains, you may want to take them down and wash them, so they look fresh for your room’s makeover. You should also remove screens to prevent damage.
A kitchen or bathroom demo is the major undertaking. The steps in this article will ensure you are well prepared for the task ahead of you. What will you be doing to get your home ready for this important project?
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