Everything You Need to Know About Removing an Internal Wall

Wall removal can be an excellent solution for merging two small rooms into a spacious one, improving the flow of natural light, or enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of your home. 

According to a survey, homeowners who remove an internal wall to create an open floor plan can expect an average increase in home value of 5-10%. Additionally, 78% of real estate agents report that homes with open floor plans sell faster and for higher prices than traditional layouts, highlighting the significant financial and aesthetic benefits of this renovation.

Here’s everything you need to know about removing an internal wall, including key considerations and steps for a successful project.

• Understanding Wall Types: Load Bearing vs. Non-Load Bearing

The first and most crucial step in wall removal is identifying whether the wall you wish to remove is load-bearing or non-load-bearing.

1. Load Bearing Wall Removal

A load-bearing wall is essential to the structural integrity of your home. It supports the weight of the floors above, the roof, and other structural elements. 

• Signs of a Load Bearing Wall:

1. Location: Load-bearing walls are located in the centre of the house, along the basement, or above one another on each floor.
2. Orientation: Walls that run perpendicular to the floor joists are more likely to be load-bearing.

Before proceeding with load-bearing wall removal, consult a structural engineer or a qualified contractor. They will assess the situation and devise a plan to redistribute the weight, involving the installation of a beam or a support column.

2. Non-Load Bearing Wall Removal

Non-load-bearing walls, also known as partition walls, do not support any of the house’s weight. They divide spaces and can be removed more easily than load-bearing walls. Even with non-load-bearing walls, check for any hidden utilities like electrical wiring, plumbing, or HVAC ducts.

• Confirming a Non-Load Bearing Wall:

1. Inspection: Perform a thorough inspection or hire a professional to confirm that the wall does not support any structural load.
2. Blueprints: Reviewing your home’s blueprints can provide information about the structure and the purpose of each wall.

• Steps for Wall Removal

After determining the type of wall, follow these steps to ensure a safe and effective removal process.

1. Planning and Permits

Start by visualising the new layout and considering how it will affect your home’s functionality and aesthetics. If the work involves load-bearing wall removal, you might need to obtain permits from your local building authority. The requirements vary depending on your location, so it’s best to check with the relevant authorities.

2. Hiring Professionals

For load-bearing wall removal, hiring professionals is highly recommended. A structural engineer can create a plan to safely redistribute the load, while a contractor can execute the plan. Even for non-load-bearing walls, a contractor can help with the demolition and ensure that any utilities within the wall are properly handled.

3. Preparing the Area

Clear the area around the wall and cover furniture and flooring to protect them from dust and debris. Turn off the power, water, and gas supply to the area if necessary.

4. Removing Utilities

If the wall contains electrical wiring, plumbing, or HVAC ducts, they need to be safely disconnected and rerouted. To ensure compliance with safety standards and building codes, licensed electricians, plumbers, and HVAC technicians should perform this task.

5. Demolition

For non-load-bearing walls, you can start by removing the drywall using a utility knife and a pry bar. After removing the drywall, cut the studs and remove them. For load-bearing walls, the process is more complex. 

6. Installing New Supports

For load-bearing wall removal, the beam installation is critical. The type of beam (steel or laminated veneer lumber) and its size will depend on the load it needs to support. The beam is placed into the ceiling cavity or left exposed for an industrial look. 

7. Finishing Touches

After the wall is removed and the new supports are in place, the area needs to be finished. This includes repairing or replacing flooring, patching and painting the ceiling and walls, and reinstalling any utilities that were rerouted. 

• Considerations and Potential Challenges

• Cost: Load-bearing wall removal is more expensive due to the need for professional services and structural reinforcements. 
• Timeline: The project can take several weeks, depending on the complexity and whether permits are needed.
• Structural Integrity: Incorrectly removing a load-bearing wall can compromise your home’s safety. Always ensure that the work is done by qualified professionals.
• Resale Value: Consider how the wall removal will affect your home’s resale value. While open floor plans are popular, they might not suit every buyer’s preferences.

• Conclusion

Wall removal can dramatically enhance the look and feel of your home, creating open, inviting spaces. Whether you’re dealing with a non-load-bearing or a load-bearing wall, approach the project with careful planning and professional guidance. By understanding the differences between wall types, following proper procedures, and considering all necessary precautions, you can achieve a successful transformation that enhances the functionality and aesthetics of your living space.