Structural Assessment After Demolition
Now that everything is torn out, you can finally see what you are really working with. This is the moment of truth - when hidden problems reveal themselves. About 60% of kitchen renovations uncover at least one surprise issue. Better to find them now than after you install new cabinets. This systematic inspection catches problems before they become expensive mistakes.
Quick Summary
Time needed
1-2 hours
Cost
$0 (inspection only)
Difficulty
Easy
Inspection Tools You Will Need
Bright Flashlight
To inspect dark corners and behind walls
Camera or Phone
Document everything - you will need photos
Moisture Meter ($20-40)
Detects hidden water damage in walls and subfloor
4-Foot Level
Check walls and subfloor for level and plumb
Notebook and Tape Measure
Record measurements and note all issues
Screwdriver
For opening electrical boxes and testing outlets
Systematic Inspection Process
1. Inspect All Walls for Damage and Mold
Examine every wall surface, especially areas that were hidden behind cabinets. Look for water damage, mold, cracks, or structural concerns.
What to Look For:
- •Water stains or discoloration on drywall
- •Mold or mildew growth (black, green, or white patches)
- •Soft or crumbling drywall when you press on it
- •Large cracks or holes that need patching
- •Walls that are significantly out of plumb
Mold Alert: Any mold larger than 10 square feet or black mold should be handled by professionals. Smaller patches can be cleaned with proper PPE and mold cleaner, but you must fix the moisture source or it will return.
2. Examine Subfloor Condition Thoroughly
Walk every square foot of the exposed subfloor. Test for soft spots, bounce, water damage, or structural problems. The subfloor must be solid before installing new flooring.
Subfloor Tests:
- 1.Bounce Test: Walk the floor and feel for excessive bounce or flex. Some movement is normal, but significant bounce means joists may be undersized or damaged.
- 2.Soft Spot Test: Push down firmly with your hand across the entire floor. Soft spots indicate rot or water damage.
- 3.Moisture Test: Use moisture meter in multiple spots. Readings above 16% indicate active moisture problems.
- 4.Level Test: Use a long level to check for dips or humps. Note anything beyond 3/16 inch over 10 feet.
When to Replace: Replace subfloor sections if you find soft spots, visible rot, delamination (plywood layers separating), persistent musty smell, or water stains. Do not try to patch seriously damaged subfloor.
3. Check All Plumbing for Issues
Inspect every visible pipe, connection, and valve. Now is the time to replace old, corroded, or code-violating plumbing before it is hidden again.
Plumbing Red Flags:
- 🚩Galvanized steel pipes (corrode from inside, need replacement)
- 🚩Polybutylene pipes (gray plastic, prone to failure)
- 🚩Visible corrosion, rust, or green buildup on copper
- 🚩Any active drips or moisture around connections
- 🚩Supply lines without shutoff valves (not to code)
- 🚩Drain pipes with slope issues or improper venting
Test for Leaks: Turn water back on temporarily and run it through all lines. Watch carefully for drips or seepage at connections. Small leaks now become big problems later.
4. Evaluate Electrical Wiring and Circuits
Examine all visible wiring for safety issues, code violations, or outdated materials. Kitchens have specific electrical code requirements you must meet.
Electrical Issues That Need Professional Help:
- ⚡Knob-and-tube wiring (old, ungrounded, fire hazard)
- ⚡Aluminum wiring (fire risk, needs special treatment)
- ⚡Missing GFCI protection near sinks and water sources
- ⚡Damaged wire insulation or exposed conductors
- ⚡Junction boxes without covers or improperly secured
- ⚡Circuits that need upgrading for new appliances
Modern Kitchen Electrical Requirements:
Code requires minimum two 20-amp small appliance circuits for countertops, plus dedicated circuits for:
- • Refrigerator (15-20A)
- • Dishwasher (15A)
- • Garbage disposal (15A)
- • Microwave (20A)
- • Electric range (40-50A if replacing gas)
5. Look for Pest Damage and Infestations
Check for signs of termites, rodents, or other pests. Now that walls are exposed, you can see evidence you could not before.
Signs of Pest Problems:
- •Termite tubes on foundation or wall studs
- •Wood damage with tunnels or galleries
- •Mouse droppings in cabinets or wall cavities
- •Chewed wiring insulation
- •Nesting material in walls
6. Document Everything and Create Repair Plan
Take photos of every issue you found. Create a prioritized list of repairs. Decide what you can handle versus what needs professionals.
Priority Repair Order:
- 1. Structural issues (rot, damaged joists, foundation problems)
- 2. Water damage and mold remediation
- 3. Electrical safety issues and code violations
- 4. Plumbing leaks and outdated pipes
- 5. Subfloor replacement or leveling
- 6. Wall repair and prep
Most Common Issues Found During Kitchen Demo
Water Damage Under Sink (Found in ~40% of kitchens)
Slow leaks from supply lines, P-traps, or garbage disposals cause subfloor rot and mold. Often unnoticed until cabinets are removed.
Fix: Replace damaged subfloor section, fix leak source, treat any mold. Budget: $300-800.
Outdated or Insufficient Electrical (Found in ~35% of kitchens)
Old homes often lack required circuits or have outdated wiring. Modern kitchens need significantly more electrical capacity.
Fix: Electrician adds circuits, upgrades panel if needed, installs GFCI. Budget: $800-2,500.
Mold on Exterior Walls (Found in ~25% of kitchens)
Poor insulation or vapor barriers cause condensation behind cabinets on exterior walls, leading to mold growth.
Fix: Clean mold, improve insulation/vapor barrier, repair drywall. Budget: $500-2,000.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common hidden problems found during kitchen demo?
The most common issues are water damage under sinks and around dishwashers, mold on walls behind cabinets (especially exterior walls), outdated or damaged electrical wiring, old galvanized or polybutylene plumbing that needs replacement, subfloor damage from leaks, and termite or pest damage. About 60% of kitchen renovations uncover at least one unexpected issue.
How do I know if I need to replace my kitchen subfloor?
Replace subfloor if you find soft spots, visible rot, water stains with a musty smell, excessive bounce when you walk on it, or delamination (plywood layers separating). Minor surface damage can be patched, but anything that affects structural integrity needs full replacement. A moisture meter reading above 16% indicates active moisture problems.
What electrical issues require professional help in a kitchen?
Call an electrician for: knob-and-tube or aluminum wiring, missing GFCI protection near water sources, undersized or overloaded circuits, damaged service panel, ungrounded outlets, or if you need to add new circuits for appliances. Most kitchens need at least two 20-amp circuits for countertop appliances, plus dedicated circuits for refrigerator, dishwasher, and microwave.
How much should I budget for unexpected repairs during kitchen demo?
Budget 10-20% of your total renovation cost for unexpected issues. For a $30,000 kitchen renovation, set aside $3,000-6,000 for surprises. Common repair costs: subfloor replacement ($800-2,000), mold remediation ($500-3,000), electrical panel upgrade ($1,500-3,000), plumbing reroute ($500-2,000). Having this buffer prevents project delays when issues arise.
Can I ignore minor mold found during kitchen demo?
No, address all mold before rebuilding. Small patches (under 10 square feet) you can clean yourself with proper safety gear and mold cleaner. Larger areas, black mold, or mold caused by ongoing moisture issues need professional remediation. The key is fixing the moisture source - just cleaning mold without fixing the leak means it will return.
Issues Identified. Time to Rebuild.
You have found the problems and created your repair plan. Demolition phase is complete. Next up: rough-in work starts with electrical upgrades and new circuits.