The tear out is probably the most intrusive part of the entire process. It is loud, quite a bit of traffic and dusty.
We try to keep things simple as possibly to protect you and your home. Let's get started and walk through the process.

All floors and the rest of the home have to be protected
1. Install carpet guard, 6mil polyethylene and drop cloths on the path to the work area
2. Install 6mil dust barriers on all openings to non work areas and seal with painters tape
3. Cover HVAC ducts or turn off HVAC system to prevent dust transfer
4. Next question is, was my home built before 1978 and if so, is my contractor a Lead Certified Renovation Firm
5. If your home was built in 1978 or earlier, you need a Certified Lead Renovator to take care of your project so lead safe practices are used

Once everything is covered and protected the tear out can begin.
If possible, remove as large of pieces as can be managed safely. This reduces sawing (dust) and beating (busting of cast iron tubs...).
At this point it may be a good idea to strip at least the exterior walls to the stud so insulation can be checked and installed if needed.
All the while the tear out is going on, the bath exhaust can be running, a window opened to help remove any dust and if a pre 1978 (lead test and lead safe remodeling).
After everything is tore out, clean the work area well.

Now lets prep the new bath

1. Before any of the prep work begins we have a new design in place and know where the new fixture locations are going to be and how that is going to happen
2. Ideal lighting locations are selected
3. Necessary plumbing fixtures and faucets have been ordered, have arrived and have been checked before anything is torn out
4. Remove sub floor to relocate plumbing fixtures if that is part of the plan
5. After all plumbing and electrical is installed it is a good idea to take pictures so you will know where each is for future changes or repairs
6. Patch the sub floor and we always insert screws through the sub floor into the joist to help prevent squeaks
7. Install electrical for bath vent fans, special lighting and switching

Visit our web site Conrad & Conrad Inc. to see some of our completed projects and give us a like on our Facebook page.

Our next post will cover the process of putting your bathroom back together.