The Tear-out and Prep

By Jack

The tear out is probably the most intrusive part of the entire process. It is loud, quite a bit of traffic and dusty. We try to keep things simple as possible to protect you and your home. Let’s get started and walk through the process.

  • All floors and the rest of the home have to be protected
  • Install carpet guard, 6mil polyethylene and drop cloths on the path to the work area
  • Install 6mil dust barriers on all openings to non work areas and seal with painters tape
  • Cover HVAC ducts or turn off HVAC system to prevent dust transfer
  • Next question is, was my home built before 1978 and if so, is my contractor a Lead Certified Renovation Firm
  • If your home was built in 1978 or earlier, you need a Certified Lead Renovator to take care of your project so lead safe practices are used
  • Once everything is covered and protected the tear out can begin.
  • If possible, remove as large of pieces as can be managed safely. This reduces sawing (dust) and beating (busting of cast iron tubs…).
  • At this point it may be a good idea to strip at least the exterior walls to the stud so insulation can be checked and installed if needed.
  • All the while the tear out is going on, the bath exhaust can be running, a window opened to help remove any dust and if a pre 1978 (lead test and lead safe remodeling).
  • After everything is tore out, clean the work area well.

Now lets prep the new bath:

  • Before any of the prep work begins we have a new design in place and know where the new fixture locations are going to be and how that is going to happen
  • Ideal lighting locations are selected
  • Necessary plumbing fixtures and faucets have been ordered, have arrived and have been checked before anything is torn out
  • Remove sub floor to relocate plumbing fixtures if that is part of the plan
  • After all plumbing and electrical is installed it is a good idea to take pictures so you will know where each is for future changes or repairs
  • Patch the sub floor and we always insert screws through the sub floor into the joist to help prevent squeaks
  • Install electrical for bath vent fans, special lighting and switching
Posted in Uncategorized