Most homeowners picture a sledgehammer and a dumpster. The good crews spend more time on what isn't coming out: the drain under the tub, the gas stub behind the range, the cabinet wall the new one will hang on. In older South Florida houses, the surprises are usually water damage, old cast iron pipe and tile set in a thick mortar bed.
Step by step
How a kitchen or bath tear-out should go
Test first
Older floor tile, black mastic, popcorn ceilings and drywall compound can contain asbestos. Test before anything gets broken.
Shut off and cap
Water supply valves off and capped, circuits turned off and labeled at the panel, gas shut and capped by someone qualified.
Protect the rest of the house
Floor protection on the path out, plastic over doorways and vents, and the AC return in that room closed off.
Fixtures and cabinets out
Toilets, sinks, appliances and cabinets come out whole where possible. Many are worth donating.
Tile and walls
Wall tile, backer board and drywall come down to the studs or block. Floor tile comes up last, and the drain openings are covered so nothing falls in.
Clean and inspect
Broom and HEPA clean, then a look at the framing, block and pipes now that they're exposed.
Common surprises
What's often behind South Florida walls
Water damage and mold
Years of small leaks around tubs, showers and sinks show up as soft subfloor, rotted framing or mold.
Cast iron drains
Many older houses have cast iron drain lines under the slab that are cracked or scaled. A plumber's camera now can save tearing up a new floor later.
Mortar-bed tile
Older tile was often set in a thick bed of mortar, which is heavier and slower to remove than tile on backer board.
Old wiring
Ungrounded circuits, splices outside of boxes and undersized wire are common in older kitchens.
Plan ahead
Before you schedule the tear-out
Permit
Kitchen and bath remodels that touch plumbing, electrical or walls usually need a permit, and the demolition is part of it.
What you're keeping
Mark anything staying, like a tub, a vanity or the cabinets going in the garage, before the crew starts.
Line up the next trade
An open bathroom with no plumber scheduled is a bathroom you can't use. Book the remodel before the demo.
Related
Keep reading
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to demolish a kitchen?
Usually two to four days for a typical kitchen, depending on the size, whether the floor tile comes up and what's found behind the walls. A single bathroom usually takes a day or two.
Do I need to test for asbestos before a bathroom demolition?
If the house is older, it's a good idea. Old floor tile, the black mastic under it, popcorn ceilings and some drywall compound can contain asbestos, and breaking it up without testing can spread fibers.
Can the plumbing be saved during demolition?
Usually, yes. Supply and drain lines that are staying get capped and protected before the tear-out, and the crew works around them. Old cast iron drains are worth inspecting while the floor is open.
Do I need a permit to demolish a kitchen or bathroom?
If the remodel involves plumbing, electrical or walls, a permit is usually required, and the demolition is covered by it. Check with your building department.
This article is general information. Permit requirements vary by city. Asbestos and lead testing should be done by licensed professionals.