Doing the demolition work on one’s own may seem like a good option to homeowners who want to save money on home improvements. With DIY demolition, you can have fun while saving money.
However, DIY demolition projects carry several dangers, both in terms of health and finances. We’ll review some of the risks you run and why it might be best to bring in a professional.
DIY Demolition is Hazardous
It is the primary justification, and we can’t stress it enough. Asbestos, a naturally occurring material, has been linked to cancer and can be found in the walls and ceilings of many homes built more than 30 years ago. Exposure, even in small doses, is harmful to health. Asbestos removal contractors should handle this work. Lead paint, which you can find in older homes, is another potential health hazard. Silica dust exposure presents its risks. According to numerous studies, chronic bronchitis, silicosis, and even lung cancer have all been linked to silica exposure. You and others around you are in danger from falling objects, such as glass fragments.
DIY Demolition requires the right tools.
The sledgehammer you bought at the hardware store won’t be enough to tear down a building. Demolition crews and contractors have access to high-quality instruments that they use carefully around the property to avoid damaging any areas that require upkeep. Intentionally or not, you might break something if you start banging on items with an ordinary hammer. That leads us to our next topic.
DIY Demolition can damage your home.
Can you tell the difference between drywall and wetwall? Don’t try to undertake your demolition on a wet wall if you don’t know where the plumbing is, as this could cause serious harm.
Similarly, active electrical cables run through your building’s walls. If you hit one of those walls with a sledgehammer at the right or wrong angle, you may start a fire. These are just a few reasons to hire professionals instead of attempting a demolition job alone.
DIY Demolition can be exhausting.
Although wrecking things may seem like a good time at first, the reality is that it is a tiring and nasty job. A person of any age or level of physical condition might suffer serious injury from the repetitive strain of lifting heavy debris and pounding on a structure with a sledgehammer. A professional will have the right tools and insurance to complete this task safely and successfully.
Hire a Professional
What are your plans for clearing the site if you do all the demolition work yourself? Throwing hundreds or thousands of pounds of trash into a dumpster will eventually end up in a landfill. When hiring commercial renovation contractors to clear your property of demolition debris, you can rest assured that recyclables will be saved and put to good use.
If you hire experts to help with the renovations, it’s probably best to let them handle the demolition. While demolition may appear like a lot of fun on home improvement shows, it’s not something you should try if you don’t have the proper tools and training.
