Hey everyone! We just moved into a house that came with a pretty scary brick shed (it's in bad shape—check it out [here](https://imgur.com/a/brick-deathtrap-zQvJvek)). The mortar is crumbling, the bricks look like they could fall at any moment, and there are termite issues with the wood frame. We were initially planning to tackle this right away because it's a hazard, not just for us but for our neighbors too.
However, since we've had some unexpected expenses recently, we're wondering if it's realistic for us to handle the demolition ourselves instead of spending the roughly $6k we've been quoted for professional help. We're new homeowners and don't have much experience with this kind of work, so what do you think? What should we look out for, and how can we do this safely? We've seen some online tutorials, but most of them assume the structures are still in decent shape, lol.
3 Answers
First off, definitely hire an electrician to safely disconnect the power going to that shed. You don’t want any surprises with live wires, especially since it sounds unstable. A dumpster rental will be necessary too because you’ll have a lot of debris to dispose of.
If it’s truly as shaky as you describe, consider using a rope to pull down the wood structure safely. A wrecking bar and reciprocating saw will be your best friends for breaking it down into smaller pieces. Once the wood’s gone, knocking down the bricks should be easier, and you can just toss them in the dumpster. Just be careful out there!
Always weigh your safety against the cost. From my experience, DIY demolition can be a bit risky if you're not equipped and prepared. Make sure to wear protective gear—seriously, goggles, gloves, and sturdy boots are a must.
If you’re not sure about the asbestos issue, it might be smart to have a pro check it out. They can guide you better on your options and whether it's worth the DIY route. Sometimes, it's cheaper (and safer) to let the professionals handle it, even if it means shelling out more initially!
Honestly, I think the $6k quote is on the high side. This type of job, assuming it's straightforward and you can access it well, shouldn't cost that much. If there's any chance to get a truck or equipment in close, you could save big bucks by doing some of the work yourself. But just make sure you approach things carefully and get any necessary permits if you're planning for a rebuild down the line!
Yeah, if you want to put something new there, it’s good to think about permits. Starting fresh might be easier on the paperwork than trying to salvage any part of that shed.