LOAD BEARING WALL REMOVAL: IMPORTANT INFO FOR A REMODELING PROJECT

Are there walls in your home that you wish weren't there? Perhaps between the kitchen and dining room? Or between two small bedrooms that could combine into a much larger sleeping space? You can remove walls during remodeling, even load-bearing ones. Learn what the wall removal process involves, and then talk to the experts at Honestly Handy.​

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What Are Load-Bearing Walls?

While the term itself is self-explanatory-the walls bear a load-understanding the mechanics helps you value their importance. These walls bear the weight and force of a home and transfer it to the ground. Walls are just one type of this structure, and both interior and exterior walls can qualify as such. Without these load bearers, the structural integrity of your home would be compromised.

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How to Identify a Load-Bearing Wall

Simply put: Unless you are a building professional, leave this task to the experts at Honestly Handy. An architect, engineer or experienced contractor can tell you which walls must stay and which can go, as well as the work that must be done to replace the load-bearing support, after a thorough inspection of your home.

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At Honestly Handy, we work with a local engineer and AutoCAD professional to get all the stamped drawing's required for permits. We can even help you apply for all the required permits and deal with all inspections. 

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What the Remodeling Process Will Involve

If you want to remove a load-bearing wall between your kitchen and dining room, for example, you will need to install new load-bearing and grounding points. You also will need a weight-bearing header between the two. These can come in the form of columns and soffit combinations. You won't have a completely open plan, but the structure will be safe. However, sky is the limit. If you want a completely open floor plan it can be done. It just comes at a very high cost since steel beams would be needed. 

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Once you come up with a plan for the space, Honestly Handy can take care of all the demolition. All of the drywall and interior framing must go, with sturdy bracing added along the way to provide temporary support until the new load-bearing and ground points are installed. What exactly they are will vary by structure of the home and the end result you want to achieve.

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DIY or Hire a Professional?

It should be clear at this point that removing a load-bearing wall requires the expertise of a professional-several, in fact. An architect or engineer can draw up plans that capture both your wants for the new space and its structural needs. Honestly Handy can handle demolition and construction. 

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Keep in mind that more work may be required such as electrical , plumbing and/or HVAC the wall you want gone has wiring or pipes running through it. And don't forget about paint! Honestly Handy can apply a fresh coat to the rooms so that they blend together.

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The cost of hiring Honestly Handy for this type of work proves well worth it. You not only get a polished look, but also the structural integrity needed to keep you family and belongings safe. You also won't run into any problems associated with the work if you decide to resell the house since everything was don't to code and all inspections were passed. 

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Many homeowners are choosing to open up spaces in older homes, especially ones built decades ago that feature small bedrooms and separation between the kitchen, dining room and living room. The trend in home construction and design continues to evolve, but great rooms in which the entire family can spend time together, without being on top of each other, will always be in demand. Create such a space for your family and for those to come after you move.