DIY Demolition
Swinging a hammer feels satisfying, but remodeling demolition hides serious hazards: live wires, gas and water lines, lead paint, asbestos, mold and walls that hold up your house. A few steps before you start keep a weekend project from becoming a hospital visit.
- Homeowners
- DIYers
- Renters
- Remodelers
Plan first
- Decide what is coming out and what stays. Check plans if you have them. Some walls carry the roof, floor or ceiling above (load-bearing walls) and need engineering and temporary support before removal. If you aren't sure, ask a contractor or structural engineer.
- Check permits. Many places require a permit for structural, electrical, plumbing or gas changes, and some for demolition itself. See Permits & Inspections.
- Test for lead and asbestos in homes built before about 1980 (lead paint before 1978, asbestos in older plaster, joint compound, floor tile and mastic, ceiling texture, pipe wrap and insulation). Do not disturb suspect materials until tested. See Lead & Asbestos in Older Homes and Asbestos for Homeowners.
- Plan debris removal: dumpster rental, disposal rules and where you will store materials.
Shut off and find utilities
- Turn off electricity to the work area at the breaker, label it, and test wires with a non-contact tester. Remember that some circuits pass through walls feeding other rooms. See Understanding Your Breaker Panel and Old Wiring.
- Locate plumbing and gas lines before cutting. Shut off water and drain lines if needed. Have a plumber cap or reroute gas lines. See Gas Leaks and Shutting Off Utilities.
- Cut exploratory holes carefully and look inside before swinging a sledge. Use a stud finder, and check for wires, pipes and ducts.
- Watch for hidden hazards such as knob-and-tube wiring, aluminum wiring, cast iron pipes, vermiculite insulation and mold.
Protect yourself
- Wear safety glasses or goggles, a hard hat, gloves, long sleeves, steel-toe or sturdy boots, hearing protection and a fitted N95 or better respirator for dust (a P100 is better for suspected lead or heavy dust). See PPE for DIY Projects.
- Contain the dust: seal doorways with plastic, cover vents, turn off the HVAC fan, lightly mist surfaces, and clean with a HEPA vacuum, not a broom or household vacuum. See Dust Control Methods.
- Keep children, pregnant women and pets out of the work area and away from dust.
- Use tools safely: pry bars, sledges and reciprocating saws can kick back. Cut away from yourself and watch for nails and screws. See DIY Power Tools.
- Take down ceilings and overhead material carefully, because falling debris and plaster are heavy. Work from a stable platform, not a wobbly chair. See Home Ladder Safety.
- Stay out of unsupported structures and watch for collapse. Take regular breaks and drink water.
Cleanup and disposal
- Bag dust and debris in heavy plastic and keep nails and sharps in rigid containers. Follow local rules for hazardous material.
- Wash up, change clothes and wash them separately. See Take-Home Contamination.
- If you find suspect asbestos, mold or lead, stop and call a certified professional.
DIY demolition checklist
- I know which walls are load-bearing and have the permits I need
- Older homes were tested for lead and asbestos before I disturbed anything
- Electricity, water and gas to the area are off and verified
- I wear eye, head, hand, hearing and respiratory protection and contain the dust
- I know when to stop and call a professional
Standards & references
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