Home demolition advice

After several months on the real estate market, you’ve finally found your dream home. Unfortunately, one with quite a bit of work on it. But before you can effectively start renovation works, you probably need to strip or demolish part of the existing building. For these works, we offer a few helpful tips.

Empty the building

Chances are there are a few pieces of furniture left in the home. Those are pretty much in the way. So the first step is to empty the home. Broken pieces you do to the dumpster park, while furniture and accessories in good condition may go to the thrift store. Maybe you’ll earn a penny from these secondhand items?

Cut off utilities

An accident happens quickly. Especially when it involves gas or electricity. Therefore, it is a good idea to disconnect utilities before the demolition work. Contact your system operator to do this.

Safety first

Always protect yourself when you get to work. For example, by wearing safety shoes and a helmet. A sturdy pair of gloves, safety glasses and ear protection are also not a luxury. These personal protective equipment will not only prevent accidents, but may even save lives.

Rent a dumpster

The stripping or demolition of a house generates a lot of waste, such as bricks, plaster, tiles, wood… Because it is impossible to drive to the waste dump with a trailer time after time, it is best to have a waste container delivered. You rent those for a week or a longer period of time from companies like Remondis. Sometimes the rental price already includes the cost of disposal.

Work systematically

Maybe you planned to demolish room by room. That’s not a good idea, because then you’ll have different waste streams at each point in the works. It’s much better to proceed systematically. Start by breaking out the glassware. That way you avoid any accidents with a stone going through the glass at a later stage. Then tackle false ceilings and wood structures. This will also expose pipes. Only then do you start tearing down roofs and walls.

Careful with load-bearing walls

Speaking of walls, some walls are important for the structural stability of the building. It is important to inform yourself well in advance so that you know what is allowed/can be done and what is not. Get advice from your architect.