Safety First
Interior demolition involves significant safety hazards. Always wear appropriate PPE, check for asbestos in older homes (pre-1980), and turn off utilities before starting. When in doubt, hire a professional.
In This Guide
1. Planning Your Demo
Good planning prevents problems and keeps your project on schedule.
Before You Start
- •Check for permits. Many jurisdictions require permits for interior demolition, especially if you're removing load-bearing walls or affecting electrical/plumbing systems.
- •Identify load-bearing walls. Never remove a load-bearing wall without proper engineering support. When in doubt, consult a structural engineer.
- •Test for hazardous materials. Homes built before 1980 may contain asbestos in flooring, insulation, or popcorn ceilings. Lead paint is common in pre-1978 homes.
- •Order your dumpster. Have a dumpster on-site before you start to keep debris organized and your work area clear.
💡 Recommended Bin Size for Interior Demo
- • Single room (bathroom/laundry): 10-yard
- • Kitchen demo: 15-yard
- • Whole floor gut-out: 20-yard (or multiple)
2. Safety Equipment & Setup
Required PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)
- • N95 or P100 respirator mask
- • Safety glasses or goggles
- • Work gloves (leather or cut-resistant)
- • Steel-toed boots
- • Long pants and long sleeves
- • Hard hat (for ceiling work)
- • Ear protection (for loud tools)
Essential Tools
- • Pry bar and crowbar
- • Sledgehammer (8-12 lb)
- • Reciprocating saw ("Sawzall")
- • Hammer
- • Utility knife
- • Screwdrivers (flathead and Phillips)
- • Shop vacuum with HEPA filter
- • Heavy-duty trash bags
Site Preparation
- 1Remove furniture and personal items from the work area.
- 2Cover HVAC vents to prevent dust from spreading throughout the house.
- 3Hang plastic sheeting to contain dust and isolate the work area.
- 4Set up a clear path from the demo area to your dumpster.
3. Shutting Off Utilities
Always shut off utilities before demolition to prevent injuries and damage.
Electrical
Turn off breakers for all circuits in the work area. Use a non-contact voltage tester before cutting any wires.
Plumbing
Shut off water supply valves for sinks, toilets, and appliances. Open faucets to drain remaining water.
Gas
Turn off gas at the meter or appliance shut-off valves. Call your gas company if you're unsure.
4. Demo Sequence
Follow this order to work safely and efficiently.
Step 1: Remove Fixtures & Appliances
Take out sinks, toilets, cabinets, appliances, and light fixtures. Disconnect carefully—some items can be donated or reused.
Step 2: Remove Trim & Doors
Use a pry bar to carefully remove baseboards, door frames, and window trim. Remove doors from hinges.
Step 3: Take Down Ceiling
Remove ceiling fixtures, then work from one corner. For drywall ceilings, knock out sections between joists. For drop ceilings, remove tiles and grid.
Step 4: Demo Walls
Start at the top and work down. Cut drywall into manageable sections for easier disposal. Be careful around electrical and plumbing.
Step 5: Remove Flooring
Remove carpet, tile, or hardwood as applicable. For tile, work in sections using a floor scraper or demo hammer.
5. Debris Disposal
Efficient debris management keeps your project on track.
- Load as you go. Don't let debris pile up. Make regular trips to the dumpster throughout the day.
- Break down materials. Cut drywall sheets, break down cabinets, and flatten boxes to maximize dumpster space.
- Separate recyclables. Keep metals separate for recycling. Some areas also recycle clean drywall.
- Schedule swaps proactively. If you're filling up faster than expected, text us for a swap before you run out of space.
Ready for your demo?
Order your dumpster now and have it on-site before you start.