Interior Remodel Preparation - Tearing Down Walls

Undertaking any type of demolition is one type of interior remodel that can create quite a mess. If you prepare properly, however, you can prevent dust from your project from traveling all over your home.

Seal Off Your Demolition Area

Your first step is to isolate the demolition area from the rest of the house. Pick up some plastic sheathing from a home improvement store. The larger the number of mils indicated on the box, the thicker the plastic (and probably the higher the cost). Plastic sheathing with a thickness of 2 to 3 mils is more than adequate.

Use blue painter's tape to hold up the sheathing instead of duct tape, which may leave residue on the wall. Seal off all the entrances and open areas to enclose the demolition area. Tape down along both sides of doors all the way to the floor. Don't worry about leaving yourself an exit: when you need to leave the room, the tape will be easy to peel off. 

Protect the Floors

The process of the demolition can ruin your floor and cause the cost of your interior remodeling project to double. Protect your floor according to the material from which it's made.

Drop cloths are ideal for rugs and vinyl floors since these floors are scratch resistant. 

For wood floors and ceramic tile floors, lay a sheet of Masonite over the drop cloths. Masonite is a cheap, thin and lightweight material that comes in 4-by-8-foot sheets and is available at most building suppliers.

Use the Proper Safety Equipment

As with any remodeling project, it’s always important to have the proper tools and safety gear. When tearing down walls, you’ll need a good pair of heavy-duty gloves along with a hard hat, dust mask and safety goggles. It’s also a good idea to have a first aid kit on hand for any cuts or other minor injuries.

Tearing down walls can save you money by eliminating the need for a demolition contractor. Although it’s hard work, it can be a fun, stress-relieving project. Making sure you’ve adequately prepared will ensure a quick, safe remodeling.