Bob Vila Radio: Dodge the Dangers of Demolition Work
Before you dive into demolition, understand a few things about how to safely undertake these types of jobs.
Demolition is one part of the remodeling process that most homeowners can lend a hand with. But there are some important points to keep in mind.
Photo: shutterstock.com
Listen to BOB VILA ON DEMOLITION or read the text below:
Before you start cutting into sheetrock, make sure you know where all your plumbing, electric, and cable lines are located. Same for heating and AC components.
If you’re planning to do anything with a wall, first check in the basement to see if the floor joists run parallel with the wall upstairs. If they do, chances are it’s a load-bearing wall, meaning it’s integral to the structure of the house and should only be altered by someone who’s qualified.
Having the right tools makes demolition jobs a lot easier. The basics include hammers, screwdrivers, pry bars, and a reciprocating saw. It’s also a good idea to have a dumpster handy to keep the work area clear.
And don’t forget safety gear—eye, ear, and lung protection are all important. So too is a hard hat. They’ll lessen chances your job will be postponed by a trip to the emergency room!
Bob Vila Radio is a newly launched daily radio spot carried on more than 60 stations around the country (and growing). You can get your daily dose here, by listening to—or reading—Bob’s 60-second home improvement radio tip of the day.
