But there is no such thing as removing a wall as a stand-alone project.
And wall removal necessitates a considerable amount of floor, wall, and ceiling repair to complete the project.
A common mistake is to think that only exterior walls are load-bearing, but this is not the case.
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
If you have blueprints of your home, they usually will make it clear which walls are load-bearing.
Or, you’re able to consult with a builder or architect to identify the load-bearing walls.
Very few DIYers are qualified or skilled enough to do this kind of work.
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
This may involve removing wires or pipes and capping them off in a code-approved manner.
Or, it may require rerouting them above or below the removed wall to their destinations.
Municipal trash collection services usually don’t handle demolition debris.
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
After verifying that the power is off, disconnect and remove the wall switches and outlet receptacles.
Then, slide the entire jamb frame out of its opening in the wall.
When you remove drywall, this will prevent peeling of the paint and drywall paper on the adjacent surfaces.
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
Enclose the work area with clear plastic sheeting to contain dust.
Hang the sheets from the ceiling so they extend all the way to the floor.
confirm any exposed HVAC vents are covered with plastic.
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
Punch Starter Holes
Punch, cut, or drill a few starter holes in the wall surface.
Cut Between the Studs
Install a demolition blade into a reciprocating saw.
Drop the removed pieces into a bin or set them in a stack for removal.
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
A metal-cutting blade in your reciprocating saw does this work fairly easily.
Electrical boxes can be pried or unscrewed from the studs.
Or, they can be terminated inside an approved electrical junction box, provided it remains accessible.
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
This may be a job for an electrician.
The electrical code does not allow for circuit wires to simply be capped off outside an electrical box.
Any plumbing lines you remove must be capped off or rerouted in a manner approved by the building code.
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
Changes to HVAC ductwork are similarly best left to a professional.
If your project involves rerouting these mechanical lines, verify the work is reviewed by a building inspector.
Do the same with the bottom plate, prying it away from the subfloor.
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
Leaving even a single nail sticking out of wood is an accident waiting to happen.
The entire length of the stud will come free once the nails are severed.
Begin cleanup by removing nails, electrical boxes, plumbing pipes, and any other metal items by hand.
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
(these items may be recyclable.)
Finally, sweep up the bulk of the dust with a broom before vacuuming with a shop vac.
Taking down the plastic sheeting is the last step in cleanup.
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
