How Much Does it Cost to Demo an Interior?

Many homeowners feel confident about tackling interior demolition on their own. With the right tools, it may be possible to do simple jobs like removing a non-load-bearing wall or removing an old bathroom vanity in order to replace it with a newer version. However, larger projects often call for professional assistance. When removing a number of appliances that are hooked up to electricity or plumbing, more can go wrong. Although the likelihood of flooding the home or causing an electrical fire is slim, it may not be a chance worth taking.

It may also be a good idea to hire a professional when homeowners don't have any tools for demolition. In some cases, it may be cheaper to hire a contractor than it would be to buy tools. Additionally, if there is an asbestos in a wall or a ceiling, then only those professionals who are trained to deal with hazardous materials should complete any demolition. Finally, load-bearing walls should never be removed by a homeowner. Only contractors and other carpentry and building professionals can deal with this without risking the structural integrity of the entire home.

What Interior Demolition Involves

Demolishing the interior of a home can be a large project or a very small task depending on what needs to be done and the intent of the homeowners. Some of the most common projects completed as part of an interior demolition include ripping existing cabinets out from the wall, removing flooring, removing appliances or knocking down separating walls to turn two rooms into one large space. In some extreme cases, interior demolition refers to gutting the entire home so just the studs and carpentry framework remain. This is only necessary for massive remodeling jobs. The most common tools used in interior demolition include pry bars, hammers, screwdrivers and an electrical reciprocating saw, but many professionals will rely on an arsenal of supplies to get the job done.

Demolition vs. Deconstruction

In many circles, the words demolition and deconstruction are used interchangeably, but they refer to two very different things. Demolition is, essentially, removing what is no longer needed in a home. It may mean ripping entire ranges out of the wall, knocking down drywall with a sledgehammer or getting whatever is not needed out of the house. Although in some cases homeowners might try to salvage or keep certain items, demolition generally refers to the act of getting rid of things that have been determined to no longer have any value.

In sharp contrast, deconstruction is a controlled action where a home is literally taken apart piece by piece. In deconstruction, there may be the intention of saving the lumber, flooring or appliances, so the entire process is slower and more deliberate. In a way, deconstruction is just like construction, only the steps are performed backwards rather than in the traditional way.

Getting Permits for Interior Demolition

If the demolition in the interior of a home is being done as part of a larger remodel or construction job, the overall construction or building permit will generally include the right to complete interior demolition. However, many cities also offer interior demolition permits. In order to receive this permit, homeowners will have to show that they understand all utilities need to be shut off, there is no water going to the home, and they have contacted their immediate neighbors regarding the demolition. When the permit is secured, placing it on the front door is best so that any passersby are aware that what is going on within is completely legal. If asbestos is present in the home, there may be additional permitting requirements needed as the removal process will be contained and require contractors with asbestos training and special clothing.

Salvaging and Waste Removal Services

After the interior demolition of a room or an entire home is complete, there will be a lot of debris left over. In some cases, much of what is removed can be salvaged. If a home is being remodeled simply because the desired look is changing, then things like kitchen appliances, cabinets and even flooring may be salvaged. Many demolition companies will actually pay a minimal fee in order to keep these salvageable materials, and they go on to sell them to builders and private buyers. Of course, homeowners can also sell the materials themselves if desired. In most cases, however, little of what is demolished can be salvaged and resold. Most will need to be disposed of, which can be a big job. Hiring a junk or waste removal service can cost upwards of $500, but this cost can sometimes be included in the total price of professional demolition.