This article is all about providing you with a guide on garage demolition and removal.

Out of several parts of a house targeted for partial demolition, the garage area may be focused on. Now, whether dealing with a small or large garage, the demolition process is pretty much the same.

How To Demo A Garage

A garage may either be demolished for purposes of remodeling or simply to create space.

Irrespective of what your specific needs are, one common thing is the need to have the garage removed. This is exactly what we’ll be helping you achieve.

By reading to the end, you should have no problem carrying out the process.

DIY Garage Demolition

It’s assumed that you’re reading this guide to perform implementing the demolition procedure yourself. A professional already knows what needs to be done or the processes to follow.

As such, this article won’t be useful to them.

However, our target is the homeowner interested in getting things done themselves but needs guidance. If you fall into this category, then you’re at the right place. DIY garage demolition isn’t a complicated process.

There’re basic steps you’ll need to follow to achieve your objective.

  • Should I go with DIY Demolition or Hire a Pro?

Lots of questions are asked regarding DIY and professional demolition practices. The truth is, the professional option is always the most reliable as trained demolition contractors or experts perform the procedure.

The outcomes tend to be more predictable and satisfactory than DIY demolition.

However, this isn’t to take anything away from DIY garage demolition as it has grown in popularity over the years.

With more information made available such as those contained in this guide, the homeowner can implement comprehensive guidelines towards a successful project.

One key advantage stands out when considering the DIY alternative.

It enables you to save money on garage demolition costs as you’ll be performing the procedure yourself. So, the choice rests solely on your shoulders.

Based on your needs, you’re able to choose what works best for you.

Going through this article, we’re assuming you’re more drawn towards DIY garage demolition than calling the pros. Whatever your choices are, we’re committed to helping you achieve them.

The Right Tools Are Necessary

For garage demolition and removal to be successful, certain tools are necessary.

These tools make the demolition process much easier and accurate. They include an adjustable wrench, hammer with ripping claw, heavy-duty broom, and a pry bar.

Other garage demolition tools include pliers, ladder, drill, drop cloths & tarps, drill, and handsaw. That isn’t all as you’ll need some safety gear or equipment such as work boots, glasses, and gloves among others.

Having obtained the right demolition tools, you’re now ready for action.

Start at the Top and Work Your Way Down

Garage demolition isn’t a haphazard process. It must follow or unfold systematically. Apart from windows, entrances, and exits, the general rule of thumb is that demolition should start from top to bottom.

How To Prepare For A Garage Tear Down

You need to decide what demolition strategy to adapt beforehand.

Two garage removal methods are common; deconstruction and demolition. Deconstruction involves a much slower and detailed process whereby a garage is taken down bit by bit.

This is done to salvage useful components of the structure.

These salvaged components are repurposed, reused, or recycled. They can also be donated to charity among other things. Demolition on the other hand seeks to tear down the structure.

It costs less and takes lesser time to complete. Having decided your preferred method, you’ll need to consider obtaining permits.

  • Obtaining Demolition Permits

What demolition permits are required for a garage tear down?

Local building departments might issue certain permits covering specific types of demolition jobs. Not that the term “might” was included to mean that this isn’t a necessity in every location.

Depending on the city you live in, you might be required to obtain demolition permits while other locations may not require much at all. It’s important to never assume.

Visit your local building department to find out what’s required.

  • Shutting Off Utilities

If your garage is connected to any utilities, these need to be turned off. You’ll need to find or locate electrical sub-panels to turn off the switch. Also, gas and water supply lines might pass through the garage.

If so, these should be redirected, disconnected, or capped off.

Are there wirings within garage walls? The presence of electrical wiring or other utility lines within walls will require rerouting. If you can’t perform such tasks yourself, consider having an electrician or plumber come around to get things done.

  • Hire a Dumpster

A dumpster is an important inclusion to your garage demolition requirements.

This helps with the easy collection of debris removed for onward disposal. When hiring a dumpster, it’s important to go with one that’s the right fit for the job.

Experience has shown that homeowners underestimate their dumpster requirements and go for smaller-sized ones. When hiring your dumpster, we recommend you ask for help.

The dumpster rental should be able to guide you through the right size needed for the job.

Of course, you’ll need to give them a rough dimension of the garage area to be demolished. With the dumpster in place, you’re ready to commence demolition work on your garage.

Demolishing A Garage Step-by-Step

The garage demolition process follows several steps. These include demolishing or removing the roof, removing trim, removing siding, tearing down drywall, and removing garage doors.

Next, you’ll need to pull out windows, remove framing and figure out what to do with the garage slab.

  • Demolishing A Garage Roof

Following the top-down demolition approach, roof removal or demolition is the first action to take. This will involve some climbing, thus making it a bit risky. Extra caution must be applied while performing this task.

First, you’ll need to lay plywood sheets and tarps to catch all debris resulting from roof demolition.

The ridge cap of your room should be the first target. This can be done using a pry bar, garden form, or claw hammer. With the ridge cap removed, the next action to take has to do with pulling up the shingles.

A sheet-by-sheet removal process should be followed.

This is where your dumpster comes in handy as debris will need to be emptied into it. It makes the work environment much safer too. This takes us to the next step;

  • Removing Trim

Is there a door or window trims? If there are, these should be targeted for removal. This action precedes the removal of siding. Trims can easily be removed by using a claw hammer or pry bar.

With these out of the way, you’re ready to proceed to side removal.

  • Removing Siding

The garage siding is next for demolition. You’ll need to take a look at its condition to determine if it has any reuse value or not. This will determine whether to salvage or demolish it.

The siding can be removed by using your claw hammer or pry bar.

  • Tearing Down Drywall

Drywalls could be installed in garage interiors. If this applies to your situation, then a teardown of this wall will be necessary. During the teardown process, the studs will need to be avoided.

Now, saw a line from end to end. This should be followed by careful removal by hand.

Typically, chunks of drywall sheets will come off. In some cases, large pieces will come off, making the process much easier. With the drywall removal process completed, what’s left is the removal of walls.

Some prying will help get the job done.

  • Removing Garage Doors

Your attention should be turned to the garage door(s). Here, additional help is required as it can be too much of a task for one person to perform. The door needs to be opened first and held open.

Locking or clamping it in place will prevent it from closing.

Now, the tension in the door cables needs to be safely and slowly released.  Next, remove the springs. This process must be carefully done to avoid any accidents resulting.

You may want to have a technician or handyman come around to handle the garage door removal process.

  • Pull Out Windows

Like other demolition actions listed, the need to have your safety gear on is important. Your safety goggles and gloves should be on. What you do with these windows after removal is totally up to you.

  • Remove Framing

Your hammer and pry bar will come in handy for removing framing. Get rid of any nails on the framing units as you have them removed.

  • Figure Out How Best to Put Slab to Use

Now you’re left with a concrete slab. Some homeowners may decide to erect a new structure on the slab while some others may wish to have it demolished. It’s up to you.

Based on your need, you can have such slabs broken down or reused.

This garage demolition and removal guide highlight key actions to take when performing a demolition procedure. While this is a comprehensive way to get the job done, not everyone will want to get their hands dirty.

For such persons, calling a pro will be an equally reliable method to have their garage demolished.