Need partial demo for small basement in order to clear perimeter of basement for waterproofing. Over the last 2 months I’ve been unable to find a contractor or carpenter to do the demo at a reasonable price. I’ve contacted around 15 companies and I either don’t get a call back or they eventually ghost me. I’m getting frustrated to the point of just removing the walls myself!
The walls have metal studs, none of the walls are load bearing. I have 2 walls about 10 foot across with electrical sockets, a 5 foot wall with a doorway, and a 3 foot partial wall section. The ceiling is low so the walls are not tall, I have no moulding or base trim. There is no plumbing or vents in the walls, and no light switches. The metal studs are affixed to the cement flooring and the ceiling joists. My only huge concern is the 2 wall plugs. Should I hire an electrician? I am saving the plugs until I have drywall put back up, so they will have to hang there until the remodel is done.
I’ve never done diy work like this before and I only have basic tools. So what steps do I need to take to get this done and what tools are needed? Is this doable for a single person who’s an amateur to take on?
Replies
You shouldn't have any problems doing this yourself. If the electric makes you nervous hire an electrician otherwise turn those outlets off at the panel and leave them hanging. You can pop holes in the drywall and jerk it off the studs, then the studs will be easy to remove with a screw gun or hammer and bar.
You can do this. Get a power sensing tool which is the size of a large marker. Locate the breaker with a friend, turn it off and smash out the wall.
Cut wire right at boxes and leave wire and cover ends well with electrical tape.
Buy a wiring 101 book and review before re assembly.
Thanks Pilot. So I don’t just leave the wires hanging with the metal box they are in, I completely cut them? Honestly I’d probably just hire an electrician for that part. But what tools do I need for the metal studs? I’ve watched vids on wall removal for wood studs, but can’t seem to find anything regarding metal studs. I’m not sure if I even need to cut through the metal or if I just detach screws, if that is how they are affixed. And of course I realize I’ll need gloves, a dust mask, and googles. Also a special saw to section out the drywall for removal.
Jb,
Get a Stanley Wonderbar and a screwgun (or #2 screwdriver).
Most metal stud walls are assembled in place, not on the floor and raised. So you remove drywall, remove screws fastening the studs to the track (plate) which are likely fastened one side only.
If bottom track fastened to concrete with drive in or powder actuated fasteners (shot):
With the wonderbar or similar you should be able to drive under track at the fastener and pop up the track. Top track, unscrew.
If you put this back, reverse the steps. Might want to number the studs if they are different lengths as in metal stud work, the studs are usually short of the distance of the wall height. So some could vary quite a lot and might only fit as originally placed.
In the event you can slide out of the way the whole assembly to get the room you need, great.
But, most real waterproofing is done on the outside of the foundation.
Thanks Calvin. I have read that about the exterior foundation but the way my house is set up and the location there is no way they could get to the exterior of the foundation. I had 5 basement companies come over and they all recommended the interior drain connected to my sump pump with vapor barrier on the walls. It’s all good though cause the finished area needs to be redone anyhow cause I don’t like how the previous owners had it done.
Stanley Wonderbar.
Hopefully a picture or link.
Honestly, it took you longer to type this than it would take to demo that.