As a homeowner heading into a remodel, you are probably more than ready to take that sledgehammer to that unsightly wall. Even if you are not doing the dirty work, the thought of getting rid of that nasty carpet and popcorn ceiling is satisfying.
Be that as it may, the demolition process comes with a lot of surprises. We’re not talking about taking out your flooring and finding buried treasure, but rather some of the more unpleasant obstacles that can arise during a home demolition.
1. Structural Problems
Open floor plans have been increasingly popular, creating a need for homeowners to knock down every wall in sight. However, experts urge you to check which walls in your home are load-bearing and which are cleared for takedown. A load-bearing wall is one that supports the foundation of your home.
If one of the walls you need to get rid of supports a structural beam, this could easily tear a $10,000-dollar sized hole in your wallet to reframe the house accordingly.
2. Flooring Issues
If you are remodeling an old home, it may be likely that there are several layers of flooring you must go through to get to the original foundation. Keep this in mind because, usually, this problem does not arise until the demolition process has begun.
Another issue homeowners face is dry rot. This is the result of moisture seeping into the wood and causing it to break down, which can affect the structural integrity of your home.
3. Termites and Pests
You may find out you and your family are not the only ones living in your home. It is not uncommon to find termites during the demolition process. Termites and rodents can often be found underneath the siding and window frames.
To add further to the disgust this may bring you, the pests may or may not be alive. You may be surprised at how many dead rodents could be living in your house and you are completely unaware. These uninvited tenants often cause thousands of dollars in damages.
4. Asbestos
One of the major horrors that can be hiding inside the major workings of your home is Asbestos. It can commonly be found in siding, flooring, and other areas of your home. Rectifying this issue could be costly but leaving it untouched can lead to health and safety concerns. You do not want to cut corners on this issue.
“When asbestos and mold are identified, it is important for a contractor to bring in an abatement company to remove and encapsulate the toxins in order to prevent contamination and spreading,” says Andy Lindus, chief operating officer at Lindus Construction, in Baldwin, WI.
5. Electrical Complications
You can pretty much expect to encounter at least one electrical issue during demolition. The severity of which ranges drastically.
The most common of which include homeowners finding live wires hidden behind walls, or wires that violate electrical codes. The risks involved being electrocution and house fires. These risks are increased by the flammable debris and exposed wood during demolition.
Also, keep in mind that a full home re-wire can cost you up to nearly $20,000.
6. Plumbing Problems
If you are considering tearing down an interior wall, always check to see if the plumbing is running through it. Plumbing is not always associated with the bathroom or kitchen; any interior wall can have a water pipe located inside.
If you do not properly assess this situation, you can very likely knock through a pipe and flood your home. This damage can easily skyrocket to $10,000 worth of repairs, depending on how long it takes to shut the water off.
7. Ductwork
Ductwork is the tubes used to transfer air throughout your home. Figuring out where these tubes are located is crucial to your home demolition. If you absolutely need a wall gone where ductwork is present, you will need to opt for installing a second heating and air conditioning unit elsewhere to make up for the loss of that unit.