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

     




    • AMAZING!!! 30 years of junk in a HUGE truck garage. We could not have done this job without A+ Enterprises. Thanks to Sal, Joe and the entire staff. I've never met in this day and age such HARD WORKERS!!! Also extremely polite and professional. I HIGHLY recommend this company to everyone. My rating is A+++++++++++

      Bunny Degilio Avatar Bunny Degilio
      August 8, 2019

      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

      I hired Sal to remove a huge pile of dirt at the property. Sal and his team came on time and finished the job beautifully. They are reliable, honest, and excellent on their workmanship. I would highly recommend to anyone. Thank you Sal. AAA+++

      js js Avatar js js
      January 15, 2020
    • I highly recommend A+ Enterprises. Sal the owner called and was great. Joe and Richard were prompt, efficient, honest, respectful, kind and took their time listening to what I wanted done. They really went above and beyond to make sure I was satisfied. I couldn't believe they came, did the estimate started the job and were out of my house in under two hours! And I had lots of stuff to get rid of...lol!!! I will DEFINITELY recommend to others and use again. Thanks for a job well done!

      Lou Ann Naughton Avatar Lou Ann Naughton
      November 18, 2020

      Awesome company! My uncle passed away, and we were cleaning out his house. We had a lot of items to donate to the Salvation Army. I called the Salvation Army but they couldn’t pick up for a month. I called A Plus & they came two days later. The Two young men who came to pick up were polite, respectful & very efficient. The price was reasonable too. I will definitely use A Plus in the future.

      Kevin Kittrick Avatar Kevin Kittrick
      May 6, 2021

      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
    • 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

      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

      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
    • 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

      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

      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
    • Can’t thank the guy we spoke to enough! He was wonderful to us! We were in a last minute crunch to get rid of stuff and he worked with us and even went way out of his way to accommodate our needs! He truly has great customer support and was beyond generous! Can’t thank this awesome company enough! It meant a lot to us!! We highly recommend!

      Kaitlyn Szorady Avatar Kaitlyn Szorady
      July 11, 2020

      I would highly recommend this company. Very respectful employees. Worked efficiently, were conscientious and very careful. Fairly priced and made this cleanup of 50 years worth of “things” easy.

      Kathleen Doyle Avatar Kathleen Doyle
      October 10, 2020

      Omg you guys were very efficient and did such a n amazing job cleaning out all the junk our tenants left behind. Very friendLy staff and you’re pricing was very reasonable for all that you guys did. Thank you so much. Keep up the awesome work!! Highly recommend!!

      Jon Mcleod Avatar Jon Mcleod
      July 22, 2020