Living life in Vancity: Updates from the demo-zone

Our little "craptastic" house - pre-demolition

Some updates from the front line of the demolition zone: so after doing some reconaissance demo and getting the power pole up last week, we started into serious demolition this week and I had two guys from Embers come in to help out with the demolition. They started on the inside (and made good progress), but unfortunately, due to mis-communication, managed to punch through into the ceiling and expose the vermiculite to the main floor. That meant that when the contractors came to remove the vermiculite, they freaked out and wanted an additional $2K to contain the lower floor - more on this in another post.

Wow, what a nice power pole...note - trailers don't belong in (or fit well into) small front yards.

After a chaotic Tuesday, and a bunch of difficulty procuring scaffolding, things finally got underway on the outside (cladding removal) AND inside (hazmat).

The hazmat's supposed to be done tomorrow, while the "clean" demolition (all demolition is dirty and nasty) will continue until at least Wednesday I'm guessing.

So what are my thoughts on demolition thus far:
- we're down 2 walls, and have 2 walls left...and it is HARD work. I'm really sore and tired. I'm not sure if it's because there are two layers (stucco and cedar siding), or whether it's because there are about 10 zillion nails in the wall...or whether it's just that I'm really out of shape, but it's got me beat. I took off the lower level myself, and then had a helper (Dean) assist me with the removal of the upper level of stucco/cladding.
- If you're demolishing a house, get a bin. Don't futz around with trailers, or whatever, just go for the full hog. It will be cheaper.
- The sheathing (which is interlocking, horizontal fir planks), is in great condition, but may need to be removed unfortunately (not sure if it has the required shear strength).
- Loading/unloading stuff on the street is going to be critical...not sure how to solve that problem.
- The little stained glass window is very cute and we'll aim to use it somewhere in the house (though I'll need to refinish it - see pic below).
- Our neighbours are all very lovely and have been not only thoughtful but patient (let's hope it continues!)
- Removal of the cladding was probably a good thing since one of the walls was completely rotted out (see below).

So - some pictures of the last little while.

Picture 1/2: Living room "pre demo" and now.

Living Room 1: Some wood panelling removed...some still there for your viewing pleasure...

Living Room 2: All the panelling gone, some of the lath and plast off

Living Room 3: All of the lath and plaster off...but vermiculite exposed (the dangers of leaving workers unattended)

Shot of the basement and some of my early reco-demo

The exposed little stained glass window (crazy that they buried it, eh?). Going to see if we can convince the city to alter plans to allow us to keep it (though it would bleed heat). If not, we'll re-use it inside somewhere.

Closer shot of the stained glass window.

Picture of my early handiwork at the back. Love that smurf blue house colour!

Our lovely tree protection.

Fortis came and cut the gas line, but made a mess of the front yard and sidewalk lawn area.

Self-portrait of dirty demo man.

The start of the troubles with the vermiculite in the walls....

But even when there is pain, there are blue skies and flowers....

...which prepares you for more pain. Yeah - water damage - the wood you're seeing is the house's sheathing ...you can see clear through into the basement. Apparently the water spout was leaking.