I'm looking to finally take down an old shed that came with my house. It's sitting on a concrete slab in the backyard, and it has some serious issues—there's a hole in the roof from a tree branch hitting it, which has led to mold growth inside. I want to get rid of it so I can build a patio on the slab, but I've never handled anything like this before. This isn't a light plastic shed; it's built with real wood, siding, shingles, and has actual windows.
I have some basic tools like saws, hammers, and a crowbar, and I'm fully planning to wear PPE (masks, gloves, good boots) since mold isn't exactly healthy. My main questions are: what specialty tools should I get? And is there a specific order I should follow when taking this down, starting from the roof?
1 Answer
Honestly, considering your inexperience, I’d recommend finding someone with some construction or demolition experience to help you. Safety is key when taking down a structure! If you decide to go solo, make sure to grab a reciprocating saw with demo blades. Start by disconnecting any utilities if they exist (though you mentioned there aren’t any), then take out windows and doors. Work from the top down—take off the roof sheathing first, then the trusses, before going for the walls. Remember to brace any standing walls as you remove others so they don’t collapse unexpectedly. Good luck!
I get that it's a bit daunting! I've taken down smaller structures before, but this one seems more solid than what I'm used to. Luckily, my dad's shown me the basics, but I'm just looking to see if I might have missed anything important. I'll definitely keep your advice about bracing in mind! Appreciate the concern!