Removing a load-bearing wall helps homeowners widen doors, expand rooms, or improve traffic flow.
Older houses especially have lots of walls and narrow doors.
Taking down a load-bearing wall can transform these segmented footprints into open-plan homes.
The Spruce / Margot Cavin
Few materials are required, making this an inexpensive project from the standpoint of purchasing materials.
Removing a load-bearing wall is mostly about planning, design, and skilled labor.
The Spruce / Margot Cavin
What Is a Load-Bearing Wall?
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
Removing a load-bearing wall andreplacing it with a beamis significantly different from removing interior non-load-bearing walls.
Why Remove a Load-Bearing Wall
Sectioning the house into separate rooms does have its advantages.
But removing walls and significantly widening doorways makes the house feel more open and airy and updates it.
The Spruce / Margot Cavin
Two rooms can be combined to form one larger room.
Traffic flow is improved.
DIY vs. Professional Wall Removal
Most homeowners choose tohire a contractorfor this heavy project.
Do-it-yourself homeowners must adhere to the local building code requirements and pass inspections, just like a commercial builder.
Since all municipalities are different, check with your local permitting authority or building department for guidance.
You may even need to submit a detailed plan regarding an alternative support system.
Large walls may require an architect’s drawing and/or an engineer’s stamp of approval.
Non-architectural LVLs are far cheaper than architectural versions.
Adding Posts to the Span
A horizontal structural beam of sufficient structural quality must replace the wall.
Other than the two ends, the beam with this arrangement has no vertical bearing points.
From a structural standpoint, the more vertical supports, the better.
The floor joists above may have their ends resting on the load-bearing wall.
This is because the floor structure above rests on top of the beam.
This makes beam sizing difficult for the do-it-yourselfer.
Some structural engineers may agree to work on a per-hour basis.
It’s acostthat is worth it in terms of passing the building inspection.
Common options are timber, laminated lumber, and steel beams.
It is important to exercise caution before removing a single stud from a wall that bears weight.
It could lead to structural damage or even collapse.
Improper placement of the window could compromise the structural integrity of the wall.
The challenge lies in the planning and preparation especially if it involves the installation of new support beams.
Article 210.52(A)(1).
How Much Does It Cost to Remove a Load-Bearing Wall?Angi.
