What is the best way to remove my lath and plaster wall in preparation for my remodel?

If you are preparing to remodel your bathroom, kitchen, or any room for that matter and you live in an older house, chances are you are going to run into some lath and plaster walls.  You can stare at them for days, but they're not going to come down on their own.  Let me give you some tips to make the process as smooth as can be.

First off, grab the best respirator you can get your hands on.  The cheap ones will work, but if you are in need of a respirator a few times a year, it would be a good idea to buy something with a little more protection.  The home improvement stores sell some for around $30.

Next grab your demo tools.  (Hammer, 2lb sledge, sledge hammer, pry bar, wonder bar, nail puller, etc.). 

Are you waiting for the trick that is going to make this job easy.  Unfortunately there isn't one.  Clear the area you are deconstructing so that you don't accidentally break something around you.  Pay special attention to what is on the other side of the wall you are taking down, so that you don't pound right through or knock a picture off the wall. 

To start, break a small hole in the wall you are removing with a hammer.  You are looking for any plumbing, electrical or HVAC materials that may be hidden behind the walls.  If you are in an empty cavity just use your demo tools to start breaking and pulling the wall apart.  I prefer to take down bigger chunks then to have a pile of rubble, so try to pull at the lath and bring down bigger chunks.  You will need to remove nails left over, but some will come down as you pull and pound.

This stuff is heavy too, so have your big trash barrel next to you and be sure to empty the barrel or take out the bag before it's too heavy to handle.

Not much more too it.  Biggest things to remember are to be aware of the other side of the wall and watch out for plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems inside the wall.  WEAR YOUR RESPIRATOR!  This is a dusty job.  It would be a good idea to hang plastic around your work area to keep it from spreading throughout the house.  Good luck.