ClickCease
Kitchen Remodel Philadelphia, PA

Project Log #2 – Demolition

Upon completion of the installation of the dust and dirt protection the “fun” part of the project is set to begin. The reason that demolition is looked at as fun is because you don’t necessarily have to worry about too much. Ripping, sawing, scraping, and pulling out the old finishes is like tearing the top sheet of paper off of a sketch pad. What you will have left is a clean canvas on which to create the dreams of the client.

In saying that, there are some areas that need to be taken into consideration as the demolition phase of the project progresses and some of these things need to be addressed or decided upon prior to the first day on site. Let take a look at a few demolition concerns.

1. Who is responsible of the demolition phase of the project?

Some clients choose to do the demolition themselves. There has to be a clear understanding on the part of both parties as to what that looks like and what needs to be done and when. Deadlines need to be established with non-compliance penalties if they are not met. Don’t start off on a bad note.

2. Which items are being disposed of and which items need to be saved to either be reinstalled or re-used or recycled?

What Needs To Go?

Most of the time, this issue is addressed right in the contract so that everyone is on the same page. Just make sure that the workers doing the demolition know the particulars before even entering the home. It is better to talk it through a few times than make the mistake of disposing of an item that the client wanted or needed.

3. What methods are being used to remove the debris from the jobsite?

Are you getting a dumpster delivered to the jobsite? Where is it going to be placed?

Are you bagging the debris and utilizing the client’s trash disposal service?

Is the client cleaning up and handling the disposal of trash and debris to save a little money?

Are you hauling everything away in your trailer and delivering it to the dump each day?

Daily Trash Trailer

4. Where are the potential hazards during the demolition phase?

Is there lead paint present that needs to be dealt with prior to continuing the project?

Do the workers need to utilize dust protection and breathing apparatus due to conditions during demolition?

Hidden Pipes & Wires – Be Careful!

Are there potential concealed water and drain pipes, electrical wiring, HVAC ducts, etc. that need to be reworked for the project? Even with due diligence in the design and estimating stages of the project, workers can encounter unforeseen or concealed items that will need to be addressed before the project can proceed.

5. What condition is the site to be left in during and following the demolition phase?

What has been expressed by the client as their expectations for the daily maintenance of the jobsite?

Have you agreed to keep the jobsite free from dirt and debris as to keep the family as safe from harm as possible?

 

Clean Jobsite After Demolition

Has the client agreed to clean up each evening to help keep the costs down somewhat?

Not a Good Arrangement – Piles of Trash

Agree as to the condition in which the jobsite needs to be in order for the family as well as the workers to enjoy safe and productive conditions.

Answering these and some additional questions prior to starting the project will help to alleviate the need for stopping the project to clarify the needs and responsibility of each party involved.

Happy Remodeling!

Next Time… Project Log #3 – Rough-In 

Q&A&C – Questions and Answers and Comments are expected and welcomed.

YOUR STORY – Tell us about your remodeling experiences, good or bad. We all have had them and perhaps you can help someone else have a great remodeling experience or avoid the issues that you encountered. Remember…keep it clean and civil or we can’t publish it.