7 Things to Do Before Smashing Through That Wall

Load bearing walls run perpendicular to floor joists and are typically situated towards the center of a home. Floor joists can be viewed from a basement or crawlspace. Keep in mind that a load bearing wall on the first floor will extend up to the top floor.

Exterior walls are always load bearing. If an addition has been added, an exterior wall may not be as evident, but it still bears the weight of what is above it.

Consult with an engineer or contractor to determine which walls are OK to remove.

Create less mess and work later by scoring the area between the wall that you are tearing down and the ceiling. This will prevent the sheetrock that you are removing from the wall taking down pieces of the ceiling with it.

Walls that contain any plumbing, electrical outlets, or HVAC vents, should be taken down with caution. Always check both sides of the wall for these issues. Shut off the main power if there is live electricity running through the wall and take care when removing walls with existing plumbing. Put down the sledgehammer and use a saw to cut out the drywall to reveal the pipes behind it. Turn off the water main and consult with a plumber before removing any pipes.

Place a drop cloth or cardboard on both sides of the wall you are tearing down and cover the furniture in each room with sheets or plastic. Wood and drywall particles will get everywhere so prepare for that. If your home was built before 1978, make sure you have it tested for asbestos. Asbestos insulation should be removed by a professional.

After covering your furniture, protect yourself by wearing safety goggles, gloves, and a respirator mask.

A sledgehammer is fun to swing a few times and can bust wall studs with ease, but a more efficient way of removing a wall is by using a reciprocating saw with a bi-metal/demolition blade. These will do all the hard work for you, and can cut through wood and nails without breaking a sweat.