Part two of our Grimsby HMO blog series focuses on how we removed walls and opened up existing rooms. This process was easily the most labour intensive part .... as well as the dirtiest.
Removing brick walls inside a building is a significant undertaking that requires careful planning, the right tools, and adherence to safety protocols. Below is a detailed guide outlining the steps we took when opening up rooms at the Grimsby HMO.
Assessment and Planning:
- Before starting any demolition work, we had to assess the structure of the wall we were going to take out as well as the surrounding area. This determined if the wall is load-bearing or if it contained any utilities such as electrical wiring or plumbing.
Obtain Necessary Permits:
- As mentioned in our previous blog post regarding planning, we had ensure all local building codes and regulations were being followed and if needed obtain any necessary permits before proceeding. Luckily, none of the walls we removed were load bearing so beams were not needed.
Assemble Safety Gear and Tools:
- As we knew this would be a dirty job, we made sure the guys had all the correct PPE available and ensured they knew how to use it. This included safety goggles, heavy-duty gloves, a dust mask/respirator and sturdy work boots.
Starting the Demolition:
First thing we did was make sure we safely disconnected any electric wires before proceeding with demolition.
Next step was to remove any plaster on both sides of the wall to expose the brickwork. This then allowed us to use a sledgehammer to carefully break through the mortar joints between the bricks. We did this by starting at the top of the wall and working our way down in sections, taking care to avoid damaging adjacent structures or surfaces.
Once the mortar was sufficiently weakened, we used a pry bar and chisel to leverage individual bricks away from the wall. Working methodically to remove bricks one at a time, ensuring stability and minimising the risk of collapse.
Dispose of Debris:
- As the demolition progresses, we cleared away debris to maintain a safe work area by using heavy-duty containers ect.
Finish Work:
- Once the wall was fully demolished and debris cleared, we made sure the areas we worked in were completely clean and tidy so the next stage of the renovation could start.
To conclude, the process of removing any internal brickwork requires careful planning and expertise. By following the steps outlined above, including assessment and planning, obtaining necessary permits, preparing the work area, using appropriate safety gear and tools, and properly disposing of debris, we ensured the demolition work went smoothly and efficiently.
If you'd like to create more room in your house either by having a wall knocked down or a chimney breast removed, contact us for a no obligation quote