Help with a demolition project?
Jessica emails:
I'm looking for a local demolition crew to take down old walls and some ceilings down to the studs in a turn-of-the-century house. Some walls are lathe and plaster, some are covered in paneling or dry wall.
If you have someone/a company to suggestion, great. But if you don't, maybe you have some ideas about how Jessica could go about finding someone to help with this project. (As with so many things, there has to be a better way than Craigslist.)
So, got a suggestion? Please share!
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Comments
Where is local?
... said Carl on Jan 8, 2015 at 11:37 AM | link
If you are hiring out the renovation work, the same people will usually do the demolition work as well. The fact that they're familiar with the scope of the new project greatly aids in determining the boundaries for what stays / goes (and helps the workers be more efficient on both ends of the project).
Also, if any potential load-bearing walls are involved, you will DEFINITELY want to engage an architect or contractor to ensure that what you're removing is safe and done properly.
All of that unsolicited advice aside, I can't think of any companies that do mainly demolition jobs. :o/
... said Sean on Jan 8, 2015 at 12:38 PM | link
@Carl, in Troy.
... said Jessica R on Jan 8, 2015 at 1:41 PM | link
There are a few professionals in Troy that could probably point you in the right direction. Just do a Google search for Troy Architects or something. The larger companies probably won't be much help, but some of the other names would work.
... said Local Designer on Jan 8, 2015 at 1:57 PM | link
Won't disagree with Sean, but I heard "down to the studs" as just that, not that there'd be any structural removal. This kind of work doesn't require much by way of brains, as evidence by the fact I was doing it at around 14. As some others around here can attest, this is the kind of work my mother does (as well as lots of other assorted small construction work), but I'd have to ask if she wants to get into plaster and lath, in Troy.
Plan on finding wiring and pipes that you didn't know were there.
... said Carl on Jan 8, 2015 at 3:32 PM | link
By the way, sadly, we are now obligated to state WHICH century turned. Because old.
... said Carl on Jan 8, 2015 at 3:33 PM | link
don't know about NY demos and renos but in CA both lead based paint and asbestos containing builidng materials (ACBM) would be a concern for lath and plaster, I hope for your sake, there are no stingent regs or delayed inspections governing such projects.
... said jakethesnake on Jan 8, 2015 at 8:23 PM | link
The Beckmans from Historic Building & Restoration do fantastic renovations.
Here's a link to their contact info:
http://www.houzz.com/pro/wendymaries/historic-building-and-restoration
... said Jamie on Jan 9, 2015 at 10:39 AM | link
DIY Restore IT is located in Troy. They do building restoration, as well as antique. They do the type of demolition you've described and are trained in lead abatement. Their website is http://diyrestoreit.com/
... said Marie on Jan 16, 2015 at 11:14 AM | link