Take a Load Off Your Walls
April showers bring May flowers…and just maybe some home improvement projects. May is National Home Improvement Month. Spring’s warmer weather and longer days make it the perfect month to tackle some home renovations. So, if your heart has been yearning for an open floor plan, more breathing room, and an updated look for the old homestead, here are a few must-know tips before you go tearing down walls.
Types of Walls
Your home has two types of walls – load bearing and non-load bearing or partition walls. When you see the hosts of those home-improvement shows having fun busting down walls with a sledgehammer, be assured those are non-load bearing walls. Load bearing walls are an entirely different animal. They support the weight of the floor or roof structure above them and distribute that load across the foundation. Casually take your sledgehammer to one of those guys, and your entire house is likely to cave in on top of you!
Determining a Load Bearing Wall
How do you determine if a wall is load bearing? One way is to check the basement or attic to find out which way the joists run. Walls that run perpendicular to the joists are most likely load bearing. A wall with a beam, column, or another wall directly below it or following the same path is most likely load bearing. Walls over six inches thick or running in the center of a building or home are also usually load bearing. However, it is not good enough to guess.
Wall Removal Options
Properly identifying and removing load bearing walls is a complex project, requiring careful planning and professional expertise. This is a job best left to a reliable, licensed contractor since removing these walls without proper support can cause severe damage to the building, including structural collapse. The first step is to consult a structural engineer or architect who can assess the wall's load bearing capacity and recommend the best course of action. In some cases, it may be possible to remove the wall entirely, while in other cases, it may be necessary to install additional support structures to maintain the building's stability.
After the load bearing wall has been removed and the new support system installed, the area can be finished to match the surrounding walls and floor. Work may include patching and painting the walls, installing new flooring or carpeting, and adding any necessary trim or molding.
Wall Tear-Down Cost
Removing a load bearing wall can average from $6,000 - $12,000 depending on the length of the support beams needed and what might be hiding inside the wall, such as electrical wiring, plumbing, vent pipes and HVAC ductwork. In most cases, those items have to be disconnected or relocated by a licensed professional.
So remember, non-load bearing walls are safe for the accomplished DIYer to tackle, but those that are load bearing require professional help and experienced expertise. As always, let us know if we can help in any way. And happy National Home Improvement Month!