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Demolish external structure

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  • 17-11-2020 4:01pm
    #1
    bubbatj
    Registered Users Posts: 32 ✭


    We bought a house at the end of last year knowing a few things needed sorting including demolishing a shed-like structure outside. Unfortunately, we're now having problems with a drainage pipe. We got a drains company in and they did a CCTV review that found a pipe was collapsing under the structure so it's going to have to go sooner than expected. It's wired for electricity and this will need to be disconnected before demolishing.

    The overall external structure is 10’2’’ x16’8’’ and 8’8’’ tall. At the back (a 10’2’’ section) the wall is built on top of the property-dividing wall. It has wooden decking type flooring and stands on paving but doesn't appear to have foundations. The structure is wooden with corrugated iron flat roof and plastic covering internally in the larger area. I've included a few pictures below.

    Is this something someone with very limited DIY experience could tackle if we got an electrician in to disconnect as I don't fancy trying that. If not who should I be trying to get in, tried a couple of builders but no luck. We're in Kildare near Leixlip so also close enough to parts of Dublin. We've got sinks and toilets backing up so we need to get this sorted as soon as possible. As I said above there's a few other things need doing so I'm sure I'll be a regular enough poster over the next while. Thanks for any help!


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    #2
    Dudda
    Registered Users Posts: 1,541 ✭✭✭Dudda


    I see no reason why you couldn't take that down. Just be careful and use common sense. Get a friend / brother / other to help you lift and take down larger parts.


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    #3
    bubbatj
    Registered Users Posts: 32 ✭bubbatj


    Thanks for the reply Dudda. Moved here from an apartment so I'll have to pick up a couple of things I'm guessing. I have a 'inside' tools but guessing I'd need decent gloves, a ladder and crowbar? Anything else? And rent a skip of course!


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    #4
    Victor
    Registered Users Posts: 78,290 ✭✭✭✭Victor


    Make sure to agree with the neighbours as to what is happening - you may have obligations under the Land And Conveyancing Law Reform Act 2009.

    Make sue you dispose of the materials responsibly.


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    #5
    monseiur
    Registered Users Posts: 1,215 ✭✭✭monseiur


    Strip off internal 'skin' first, remove metal barges then get a good heavy duty reciprocating saw with correct blade, preferably working off mains (better than battery ones) Cut it up in strips that'll fit in skip. As it's treated timber it may not be suitable to burn in open fire.


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    #6
    bubbatj
    Registered Users Posts: 32 ✭bubbatj


    Thanks Victor, whether I do it myself or get someone in I'll be leaving the brick built walls untouched so shouldn't impact on the neighbours but I'l let them know what we're planning to do before starting. I'll check out the legislation too so thanks for pointing it out.


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    #7
    bubbatj
    Registered Users Posts: 32 ✭bubbatj


    Thanks Monseiur, is the saw for the wood on the sides only? I'd been planning to remove the roof first and now that I think about it I'm not sure how best to go about it. I'll have to check if the corrugated iron roof is one piece or not when I pick up a ladder.


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    #8
    dathi
    Registered Users Posts: 1,391 ✭✭✭dathi


    https://www.screwfix.ie/p/erbauer-impact-hex-nut-driver-set-3-pack/3477D?gclid=Cj0KCQiAqdP9BRDVARIsAGSZ8AkeimEpjPn_uBTOwf81EYGtHEkkTE6JcJiHasnN0lOvnOsqzJ_uEcEaAtsYEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

    you will need a tek screw bit similar to above and a battery drill to remove the screws holding on the roof sheeting would guess there will be about 4 sheets on roof


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    #9
    10pennymixup
    Registered Users Posts: 516 ✭✭✭10pennymixup


    Can't help wonder if it would be worth your while first putting it up on Adverts for free. Get someone else to do the majority of work dismantling it.

    Insurance might be an issue but there is a major demand for work from home, home gym type structures. The insulated shed companies are back logged and most are booked out until April next year at least.


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    #10
    bubbatj
    Registered Users Posts: 32 ✭bubbatj


    Thanks, but I think they'd really need to know what they're doing. It originally housed a hot tub apparently so one side is fairly open still and I think at least some of the boards are starting to rot.


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    #11
    GreeBo
    Registered Users Posts: 27,095 ✭✭✭✭GreeBo


    If its an extension then it should have its own breaker at your "fuse" board, so you should just need to turn off/pull the breaker and the whole place will be without power.
    Obviously confirm this before you go ripping into stuff!


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    #12
    GreeBo
    Registered Users Posts: 27,095 ✭✭✭✭GreeBo


    looking at the pics again, if it was me I would probably take up the floor and address the drainage issue before I went about pulling the whole thing down...
    Once you have fixed the drain then a sheet or two of OSB will have you back up and running and you still have a very useful storage space until you actually need/want to remove it.


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    #13
    bubbatj
    Registered Users Posts: 32 ✭bubbatj


    I'll be getting a drainage specialist in to sort the pipes so I might run that past them I'd just assumed that they wouldn't dig if there a closed structure over them.


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    #14
    GreeBo
    Registered Users Posts: 27,095 ✭✭✭✭GreeBo


    bubbatj wrote: »
    I'll be getting a drainage specialist in to sort the pipes so I might run that past them I'd just assumed that they wouldn't dig if there a closed structure over them.

    If you can get the floor and any joists that are in the way out then they shouldnt mind, be nicer for them to work indoors too :)

    You will have to brace the floor if you are removing/cutting lots of joists and then of course replace them when you are done (if you want) but it would be easier IMO than knocking and skipping the whole thing.


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    #15
    Calahonda52
    Registered Users Posts: 12,237 ✭✭✭✭Calahonda52


    It would be a pity to demolish it just for that.
    Can you pinpoint the exact location of the blockage and what depth?

    You would be better off taking up the floor and may even do some of the digging your self to get down to the pipework and then fixing it will be easier for all concerned.

    “I can’t pay my staff or mortgage with instagram likes”.



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    #16
    bubbatj
    Registered Users Posts: 32 ✭bubbatj


    Not sure exactly where the issue with the pipe is or how far back the problem goes. We wouldn't be keeping it up anyway as it takes up a big chunk of the garden and the wood is rotting in a few places. I might try and keep the back shed bit of it if possible but will have to see with the roof.


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    #17
    Calahonda52
    Registered Users Posts: 12,237 ✭✭✭✭Calahonda52


    you are missing a full middle hinge on the house door.
    the power to the shed looks like it comes down the wall?
    is that cable TV at the back, black cable?

    “I can’t pay my staff or mortgage with instagram likes”.



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    #18
    monseiur
    Registered Users Posts: 1,215 ✭✭✭monseiur


    bubbatj wrote: »
    Thanks Monseiur, is the saw for the wood on the sides only? I'd been planning to remove the roof first and now that I think about it I'm not sure how best to go about it. I'll have to check if the corrugated iron roof is one piece or not when I pick up a ladder.
    I guess it's stating the obvious but you dismantle in the reverse order you build, but first isolate the power supply.
    Strip the roof first, then the roof joists, strip the internal skin, then take down all external fittings & fixtures. Remove door & window frame etc.
    Use hand saw / reciprocating saw to cut the sides in strips starting for top, cut between uprights well away from nails.
    You may need a step ladder, once the roof is removed the structure may be too unstable to rest a ladder against.
    No need to buy electric tools like reciprocating saws etc. for a once off job, hire them from the likes of HSS Hire or better still borrow them for the day !
    Don't forget PPE, safety glasses, gloves etc.


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