Demolition of a Wall

Before Demolition

• Before beginning the demolition, be aware of what's behind the wall. If you have live electrical wire, the power is going to need to be turned off. You also need to be wary of water pipes, asbestos and gas. While a professional might need to be called in, you should at the least poke holes in the wall and look inside. Any water pipes behind the wall will need to be rerouted by a licensed plumber. Seal off any rooms near the wall to prevent dust and other particles from making a mess. It's also essential to determine whether a wall is load-bearing and is being used to hold up the ceiling. If the wall is load-bearing, you will need to install a beam on the ceiling that is supported by two beams on the ends before taking down the wall.

Remove Items from Wall

• While you might be tempted to take out the sledge hammer and begin swinging, it's important to take down the trim from the edges of the wall. You may also need to remove any light switches, door hinges and other items connected to wall. A crowbar can be used to take these items down.

Demolish the Wall

• You have many options when demolishing a wall. While smashing through a wall with a sledge hammer is one option, another one is to use a crowbar and remove the wall piece by piece. A sledge hammer will do the job more quickly, but a crowbar may be safer and more efficient.

Cleanup

• Once the wall has been demolished, the cleanup process must begin. Whether you want to pick up the pieces as you go, or wait until the wall has been demolished, safety is imperative. Removing the debris as the demolition progresses ensures a safe working area. The pieces are going to contain dust and paint, so it's important to wear a mask to protect your lungs. Also, gloves should be worn to protect your hands from jagged edges and nails.