Why You Should Never Pick Up That Sledgehammer
Written by Shawn Bohler – Project Manager at Property ReVision
Several years ago, I was a freshly minted Doctor of Physical Therapy, eager to make my way in the world. But little did I know, my journey into home renovations would teach me more than any textbook ever could.
Like many first-time homebuyers, I pinched every penny to buy my first house—one that needed a lot of TLC. My plan? A full DIY renovation, tackling everything from demolition to drywall to finish carpentry. The goal was simple: improve my living space without breaking the bank.
Fast forward to my second fixer-upper, a much larger and more complicated project, and I learned more than I ever wanted to—mostly through failure. Repeated failure. It quickly became clear that the demolition phase wasn’t something to take lightly. Now, as a project manager overseeing 20-30 kitchen remodels, basement renovations and home renovations each year, I realize that demolition is one of the most crucial parts of any renovation. Executing it well sets the stage for a smoother, more efficient project.
In this post, I’ll explain why homeowners should never pick up that sledgehammer—and why leaving demolition to a professional contractor is one of the best decisions you can make for your remodel.
1. Welcome to the Dust Bowl
It sounds simple, but knowing how to contain dust and debris while protecting the rest of your home is harder than you’d imagine. This was a step I completely ignored during my first project, and I had no idea what a disaster it would cause.
Demolition is incredibly messy. Without proper precautions, dust will settle everywhere—inside vents, inside closets, and even in rooms you never stepped foot in. It can clog your furnace, spread through your ductwork, and leave a fine coating over every surface in your home.
Protecting your living space involves more than just putting up plastic sheeting. It’s a skill. Professional contractors use dust barriers, floor protection, negative air machines, and filters to contain the mess and minimize the chaos. A little planning upfront saves a lot of frustration later.
2. The Right Tool for the Job
My dad always told me, “Use the right tool for the right job.” I didn’t fully appreciate this advice until I tackled my first demolition.
One DIYer I spoke with thought taking down a wall using a chainsaw would be a great idea. He didn’t know about the water line hidden behind the last stud. A simple multitool would have allowed him to remove the drywall carefully and assess the structure before making a costly mistake.
The truth is, that demolition requires the right tools—and those tools aren’t cheap. A quality cordless reciprocating saw or multitool will cost $200-$300 with the right batteries and chargers, and you’ll likely need 10-15 different tools to do the job properly. Buying all of them might sound fun, but after one project, most homeowners realize hiring a pro is the better choice.
3. Plumbing and Electrical: The ‘Please Don’t Break Anything’ Zone
Cutting plumbing lines and capping electrical wires may seem like straightforward tasks, but trust me, they’re not.
I consider myself a jack of all trades now, but I only got to this point after making costly mistakes—like flooding my basement and frying my wire snips. The truth is, you don’t know what you don’t know, and you’ll learn the hard way if you take on a demo project without the right experience.
Is the frustration, risk, and potential repair costs really worth it?
4. Demo Is Way Harder Than You Think
Take this advice seriously: demolition is much harder than it looks.
Not only is it physically exhausting, but hauling debris up and down stairs makes it exponentially worse. It’s backbreaking work, and if you’re not used to lifting and moving heavy materials for hours, you’ll feel it for days.
Save yourself the pain. Let a crew of 20-year-olds with strong backs and boundless energy do the heavy lifting. Your body will thank you.
5. Hidden Health Hazards
You will cut yourself. You might break a toe. You’re definitely going to breathe in drywall dust. But that’s nothing compared to the asbestos lying dormant in that seemingly harmless floor tile or the lead lurking in old paint.
Professional contractors are trained to recognize and safely handle hazardous materials. The last thing you want is to unknowingly expose yourself and your family to toxic substances because of a DIY mistake.
Conclusion: Pay the Extra Money — Don’t DIY Your Demo
At first glance, demolition seems like an easy, cost-saving task. But the reality? The headaches, risks, and hidden costs far outweigh any potential savings.
From the chaos of dust to the dangers of hidden utilities, the need for specialized tools, and the physical toll, DIY demolition is a gamble you don’t want to take.
I’ve been through the trenches and learned these lessons the hard way. If you’re still tempted to grab that sledgehammer, remember: you’re not just tearing down walls—you’re setting yourself up for a lot of extra stress.
Professional contractors have the tools, experience, and muscle to get the job done right—and safely.
Don’t risk your time, safety, or budget on DIY demo. Hire a professional. Contact us today for a free estimate on your home renovation needs—whether it’s for a kitchen remodel, basement renovation, or demolition services, our team is ready to help.
Are you ready to build your dream home? Our renovation would be thrilled to work with you. Contact us today!
You can also visit our portfolio to see some of our completed renovations.
