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

     




    • 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

      Fast service, excellent price. Picked up on the same morning that we called. Will definately recommend and call again. Sal was very professional. Guys who showed up at our home were professional as well. We prefer to use local companies and this is one we expect to keep on our list.

      T Seidel Avatar T Seidel
      July 8, 2019

      I had called them to remove an old couch.. not only did they accommodate at a reasonable rate, they had it removed within hours!! Called 2-3 different places, tied prices w 2, however the customer service was phenomenal!! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!! Thank you so much again!!

      Jennifer Mieczkowski Avatar Jennifer Mieczkowski
      January 22, 2021
    • 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

      Very nice to deal with. Showed up promptly. Worked throughout the entire day. Did a fabulous job! Would highly recommend.

      Sandra Hill Avatar Sandra Hill
      June 11, 2020

      Great company! They were able to come quickly on short notice. Excellent pricing. We added a bit from our initial quote and the cost changed very reasonably. Communication was quick, clear, and professional. Definitely recommend!!

      Kelly Stevens Avatar Kelly Stevens
      January 3, 2021
    • They cleaned out my grandmas house today in under 6 hours. And we had a lot of stuff! Friendly guys and great work!! Definitely recommend.

      Grace Baker Avatar Grace Baker
      July 25, 2020

      Incredibly professional and responsive to all of my questions. Each time I called I spoke directly with sal. No need to leave a voicemail and wait for a call back. Sal, Shawn and Mackenzie have been amazing to work with. I would highly recommend this company to anyone looking for dumpster rentals.

      Jennifer Bitters Avatar Jennifer Bitters
      May 17, 2020

      Very professional and efficient. Came on short notice. Very nice guys. Extremely good job done swiftly.

      Julianne Cusick Avatar Julianne Cusick
      May 27, 2019
    • The 3 man crew did a fantastic job in clearing out and disposing of several large and small items that still remained after a 2 day estate sale. Items removed included beds and mattresses, 3 couches, bedroom chest of drawers, old refrigerator and electric stove, computer desk, old and very heavy television, several tools plus much more.Very courteous workers and owner was great to work with. Highly recommend and you won’t be disappointed.

      Rich Winslow Avatar Rich Winslow
      August 21, 2019

      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 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!

      Daryl Williams Avatar Daryl Williams
      September 26, 2018
    • Absolutely amazing! Highly recommended! I recently moved to Pennsylvania and purchased a fixer upper in Luzern County. I had a large pile of debris from the house that I needed to get rid of. I called A+ Junk Removal and spoke with Sal. He was extremely professional and very personable. He was able to work with my schedule which was greatly appreciated. Sal also contacted me through text to remind me of my scheduled appointment. Joe and Andrew showed up on time to give me an estimate for my junk pile. They gave me a great price and got right to work. Both Joe and Andrew were very polite and extremely professional. Very friendly as well. They did an amazing job! I couldn’t have asked for a better crew to come and do this job for me. I am extremely appreciative for Sal, Joe and Andrew. I highly recommend this company and will definitely use them again on the future. Thank you so much A+ Enterprises!

      Rebecca DeKonty Avatar Rebecca DeKonty
      March 26, 2020

      One of the best companies I have ever dealt with. Professional, courteous, reasonable and efficient. Highly recommend.

      Lynette Villano Avatar Lynette Villano
      April 4, 2019

      Would definitely recommend this company for anyone needing junk removal! Super nice owner. He and another young man came to my home and were very efficient getting rid of our junk in about 90 minutes. If you’re looking for a junk removal service, definitely check out this company. Thanks, Sal!

      Shannon Meier Avatar Shannon Meier
      August 10, 2019