Before You Demo: 5 Things Every Homeowner Should Know Before Starting a Restoration Project
At Lambertville Handyman & Home Restoration, we know that starting a restoration project is exciting. Tearing out the old and bringing in the new is the fun part — but before you pick up that sledgehammer, there are a few things every homeowner needs to know.
Skipping these steps can cost you time, money, and even put your safety at risk. Here’s what to keep in mind before your first swing.
1. Check Permits and Local Building Codes
Not all projects require permits — but many do. If you're opening up walls, touching structural elements, electrical, or plumbing, chances are good your town needs to sign off first.
Why it matters:
Working without permits can cause inspection issues when you sell, lead to fines, or worse — require you to tear everything back out.
Pro tip: We always help our clients navigate local permitting to make sure everything is done by the book.
2. Inspect for Hidden Damage First
Old homes especially can hide things behind walls and floors — like water damage, mold, or termite damage. Ripping out drywall without knowing what’s behind it can turn a weekend job into a nightmare.
Our process:
Before we start demo, we inspect the area and look for signs of moisture, sagging floors, or odd smells. If needed, we bring in licensed specialists.
3. Know What’s Load-Bearing
It’s tempting to open up a space and “knock out that wall,” but not all walls are created equal. Taking down a load-bearing wall without proper planning can risk the structural integrity of your home.
What we do:
We identify load-bearing elements and, if needed, bring in an engineer to create a safe plan using headers or posts — so your space opens up without compromising safety.
4. Set a Realistic Budget and Timeline
Restoration isn’t like a quick weekend DIY. Older homes come with quirks, surprises, and sometimes extra labor. Materials may take time to arrive. Inspections can delay timelines.
Our approach:
We give honest timelines and detailed estimates — no sugarcoating. We’d rather over-communicate than over-promise.
5. Hire the Right Team
Restoration requires a mix of old-school craftsmanship and modern know-how. Whether it’s matching vintage trim or dealing with crooked framing, not every contractor is built for it.
Why choose us:
At Lambertville Handyman & Home Restoration, we specialize in working on older homes with care and respect. We don’t just “fix things” — we bring them back to life.
Ready to Get Started?
If you’re thinking about a restoration project, let’s talk. We offer free consultations to walk through your project, assess potential surprises, and help you plan a smart, efficient path forward.
📞 Call or text us today to schedule your walk-through.
📍 Serving Lambertville, New Hope, and the surrounding areas.