Let the Demolition Begin!

So, you think the idea of demolition sounds fun, right? Everyone says that this sounds fun, but I totally disagree. Sure, there’s something savagely satisfying about tossing around a sledgehammer and watching drywall disintegrate before you. But this isn’t easy work and it’s rife with booby traps. Electrical lines, plumbing, gas lines are a few obvious things to avoid. But there’s also the chance of insects, rodents or other things that have taken up residence – especially in my case: a house in the woods in poor condition that has been vacant for the better part of a year. You’re also going to breathe in dust and debris, likely be walking on nails (literally) and be swinging that sledgehammer near windows.

I took this effort seriously. So I donned boots, jeans, long sleeves, a mask and goggles. (The headlamp isn’t for safety, but it’s one of the best “assists” you can hope for when you need to light your workspace.) And then there’s a little fun swinging the hammer. But more of the effort is twisting, pulling, prying and trying manipulate things like drywall away from wall studs. Only to be followed by the oh, so exciting effort of removing each and every drywall screw.

“Fun!” Right?

Fun or not, I was able to take down all the walls in one bedroom and two walls in the kitchen. This will allow my electrician to come back to do the service upgrade while I continue with the demolition.

But, alas, all was not roses. Near the end of the kitchen section, I hit to wall with the hammer and heard a distinct buzzing sound. There was a wasp nest inside the wall and I hit it squarely – making for some pretty pissed off wasps. Luckily it wasn’t a huge nest and I only suffered two stings (they had no trouble flying up my sleeves) so I’m no worse for wear. And I’ll live to demolish another day.