Demolition Safety 101

While demolition projects can be fun, they can quickly turn dangerous if safety is not a top priority!

Northeast Pennsylvania Porch Demolition

Before swinging the first hammer, get yourself into the mindset that demolition is a project in itself, not just a means of getting to the “real” project, whether it be a bathroom remodel, kitchen upgrade, or new construction.

Once demolition is safely completed, you can proceed to the remaining stages of your project.

Set aside time just for demolition.

Many people are eager to get their renovation project started and underestimate the time and attention to detail demolition work requires.

Depending on the extent of your project, you may want to schedule a whole day for demolition or an entire week. Devote this period of time, however long, to only demolition.
Don’t put too much pressure on yourself regarding the steps that follow demo; just focus on one thing at a time and be as safe and efficient as possible.

Safe and efficient demolition oftentimes calls for a professional, so call the highest-rated demolition company in the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre area! A+ Enterprises Demolition Services

Protect your property.

Regardless of the type of demolition project, you will want to protect your property in some way or another.

Dust is sneaky and finds its way into every nook and cranny, so simply closing a door and calling it good won’t cut it. You’ll want to seal the area as best you can.
If your project involves interior demolition, you’ll want to hang plastic sheeting and tape around the edges to keep the dust within the work zone.

Turn off all power.

Stay safe, and turn off any and all power within the immediate work area.

Run an extension cord from a safe location with power. This may be a generator or a side of the property outside the demolition zone. You can use this power source to run utility light(s) and any necessary demolition tools.

Confirm what’s behind the wall (or ceiling).

It likely goes without saying, but blindly tearing down walls or drilling into a ceiling isn’t a good idea.

There are a number of things to be cautious of when performing demolition, including:

  • Live electrical wires
  • Water pipes
  • Gas lines
  • Asbestos

A stud finder can help you precisely locate studs where cables may be run. Cut exploratory holes and use a flashlight to safely see what’s behind a wall.

Pick up after yourself as you go.

Demolition NEPA
Cleaning up after a demolition project is very important!

Generally speaking, it’s a good rule of thumb to make sure you pick up after yourself as the demolition progresses. It keeps your workspace clean, which in turn ensures it is safe and easy-to-navigate.

On the flip side, some people prefer simply charging ahead with the demolition work and then picking up all the debris at the end. That’s fine, too.

If your demolition project is of a decent size, renting a dumpster is easily the most cost-effective and convenient method for removing debris. Whether you clean up as you go or once all the demolition is done, a dumpster has you covered.

Hauling services are another option for demolition clean-up, but they are less cost-effective than renting a dumpster when it comes to large cleanups. However, junk removal services can be great for demolition projects that are too small for a roll-off.

It really depends on your preference, but whichever debris disposal method you choose, make sure you make safety a top priority.

Make sure you’re prepared.

When it comes to construction, you wouldn’t start a project without getting the right tools and supplies first. The same goes for demolition.

If you’re tackling the job yourself, make sure you have the right tools for the job, like:

  • Sledgehammer
  • Large crowbar
  • Prybar
  • Clawhammer
  • Gloves
  • Protective eyewear
  • Respirator or dust mask
  • Heavy duty boots

Call us today! 570-373-9996

     




    • A+ Enterprise . . .gave an accurate estimate. . .did a PROFESSIONAL job. . .the team was "on-time" completed the work on schedule. . . very easy to work with. . . Highly Recommend!

      Wes Coates Avatar Wes Coates
      January 22, 2020

      Requested a free estimate and they called me back in seconds! They were much more affordable than other big name companies in the area and provided service the day I requested. The movers were friendly and awesome! They moved out my awful bulky sofa with no issues! Absolutely would recommend to anyone! They are efficient and completely organized!

      Jennifer Kobeski Avatar Jennifer Kobeski
      April 6, 2019

      This company is not just professionals at their work but also very kid and hardworking. During the scheduling the staff was very helpful and were able to work with my last minute call with no issues. I received a reminder of my appointment witch was very helpful. The team that arrived to the job took care of business before I knew it it was all done. Very respectful and hard working team. Will definitely recommend anyone and will definitely use this company on my next project.

      Edisson Fajardo Avatar Edisson Fajardo
      February 16, 2020
    • Three men came and took everything I wanted to get rid of. They were professional and very nice. I couldn't have asked for a better experience. Thank you. I'll be calling again.

      Elaine Hungarter Avatar Elaine Hungarter
      June 23, 2020

      A+ is a first-rate, highly professional outfit. They offered courteous, efficient, same-day service at a more-than-fair price. I recommend them with great confidence.

      Joel Shuman Avatar Joel Shuman
      July 8, 2019

      I would rate over 5 stars if I could. A+ Enterprises is definitely A+! When we called them we were surprised to hear that they do same-day service, and they arrived quickly. The owner, Sal, is a wonderful guy who is honest and friendly. Everybody works very efficiently and is professional. Can't recommend them enough!

      Tara Piech Avatar Tara Piech
      February 23, 2020
    • I can't say enough about Sal. He was very patient, knowledgeable, and went out of his way to ensure my company was taken care of. I absolutely recommend anyone to use this company. They get in and out very quickly and offer a great price. They also stick to their word which is very rare now-a-days!

      Mark Van Dyke Avatar Mark Van Dyke
      October 25, 2019

      I would highly recommend them they did a great job and the men were very hardworking and very nice I intend to get them back for more at another time

      Regina Pokrifka Avatar Regina Pokrifka
      August 11, 2020

      Highly recommended. Very punctual and professionally done cleanup of burned barn debris. Use this company confidently. I highly recommend!! Dan

      Daniel Lycholaj Avatar Daniel Lycholaj
      April 8, 2021
    • Hard working guys got the job done in one day. I recently bought a foreclose property and have A+ Enterprises help do the clean up. Its a 3 bedroom house full of junk, and everything was gone at the end of the day. Image a house hoarders live in, 3 bedrooms, each with bed, dressers, night stand, TV and many other trash, you do not want to be in the room more than 1 minute. Kitchen full of dirty dishes, appliances and dining table with chairs. At the end of the day, whatever not bolted down was gone, including most of the nasty carpet. I will definitely use their service again. Great service and the hard working people.

      Calvin L Avatar Calvin L
      April 7, 2021

      I got a 100% accurate estimate from the owner and he dispatched a crew to clean out my house the next day (!). The guys were professional and very nice and personable, making a tough situation much easier to handle. Moreover, they worked until the job was done way over my expectations. This company has the best prices in our area and they are complete pros. I would recommend them to anyone...don't hesitate and call A+ first! They will be my first call in the future! Added 3/1/2020: So 18 months later I had to clean out a 2nd floor apartment and 3rd floor attic. This attic was stuffed floor to ceiling with junk and the apartment full of furniture. Sal had a crew there within 24 hrs of my call and cleaned it out in ONE DAY! They even swept up and went through with garbage cans to completely clean the house. I value good service and A+ always delivers...I recommend them to my friends and family and have now used them 3 times. Each time the price is far less than I expected and the work is way better than I'd expect. If you have a job that you're afraid to deal with...call them!!!!! It is the best call you'll ever make! They have always come through for me. Thank you!!!!

      Daryl Williams Avatar Daryl Williams
      March 2, 2020

      This is an excellent company to deal with. I highly recommend! They were punctual, friendly and communicative throughout the entire process. From the first call, to the estimate, to the contract details, to start day/time, to what to expect day of and clean up day. It is very hard to find this level of customer service anymore! We hired them to tear down an old cinderblock/wood garage. It was right on the property line and didn’t have much room for error. A+ took the garage down no problem and did a great job with haul away and cleanup. You can tell they know their stuff. Sal always returned calls and emails. We got a fair price and a job well done! I definitely recommend and would work with them again if the need ever arises.

      Alura B Avatar Alura B
      April 14, 2021
    • I called and it was picked up immediately and scheduled the service with ease. Crew arrived and job was completed as promised. Crew was professional, friendly and courteous. Very impressed.

      A Thur Avatar A Thur
      March 13, 2021

      Sal really helped us out. We needed some junk removed right away and he got there within a couple of hours, was very professional and polite and did not charge an arm and a leg. He has a customer for life in us now!

      Margaret Esopi Avatar Margaret Esopi
      December 24, 2018

      EXTREMELY PLEASANT AND PROFESSIONAL! Gave them a call to remove some old furniture and assorted boxes of junk. They said the had a crew in my area the next morning and could be here at 9am. Arrived right at 9 on the dot and got straight to work. They battled through all my cobwebs and work quick and efficiently. No trouble or damage from moving some big items in narrow areas. The price they quoted was great value for all the work they did. I have already and will continue to HIGHLY recommend them.

      Michael Machion Avatar Michael Machion
      August 3, 2019