Dreaming of an open concept kitchen or a larger bathroom? Wall removal may (or may not) be the answer. But removing walls is not as simple as just hammering them down. It’ll take a lot of measurements, considerations, effort, and most importantly, permits.
Yes, removing a wall in your home will require a permit, but we’ll discuss more about this below.
Let’s see what are the pros and cons of removing walls, when to do it, and how will this impact your home’s safety.
Benefits Of Wall Removal
Dark rooms, cramped spaces and awkward floor plans are just a few of the reasons you may be considering knocking down a wall (or two).
For many, removing a wall could be the difference between falling in love with your home again or hanging the for sale sign. Often times, removing walls could help you achieve your desired outcomes and have that space you’ve been imagining.
Outside of the more obvious perks – more space and a smoother interior flow – here are some others:
- more natural light,
- improved aesthetics,
- the appearance of more space,
- an updated, more modern feel.
The Implications
HGTV has made wall removal look easy, fun, and quick but… is that reality?
Before you get your sledgehammer out and start smashing walls, consider what steps need to be taken first.
Is It A Load Bearing Wall?
First and foremost, is this a load bearing wall?
A load bearing wall essentially acts as large support, spreading the weight of the roof through each floor of your home and finally to your foundation.
By removing a load bearing wall, you are disrupting that balance of weight and creating safety hazards in your home. In order for your home to be structurally sound, weight needs to be balanced and load bearing walls are pivotal to this process.
The most common way to tell is to look at whether or not the wall you’d like removed runs perpendicular to your ceiling joists and your floor joists. If the wall in question runs perpendicular, there is a good chance that it’s a load bearing wall. If the wall is parallel, it often times is one that could be removed.
What happens if it is load bearing? Don’t be discouraged, there are many avenues that can be taken to ensure you still achieve your desired outcome in your home. Some possibilities include structural beams or posts. Designing and creating the space you envision can still be achieved with the help of a professional.
What Happens If It's A Load Bearing Wall?
Don’t be discouraged, there are many avenues that can be taken to ensure you still achieve your desired outcome in your home.
Some possibilities include structural beams or posts. Designing and creating the space you envision can still be achieved with the help of a professional.
What's Next On Your Wall Removing Journey
Great! You’ve determined the wall is not imperative to the overall stability and structure of your home. There are still a few other items to consider before removal including:
- Does it hide wiring, hvac, and/or plumbing?
- Is it helping with noise reduction?
- Would a permit be necessary?
What's Next On Your Wall Removing Journey
At times the layout, look and feel of a home can be improved without the need of a total wall removal.
Perhaps it is a doorway that can be redesigned or an archway that can be removed to combine two clunky spaces into one large, beautiful and usable space.
Our clients dreamed of a larger more bright kitchen, with the removal of this archway (and window), we were able to achieve this goal for them. However, it wasn’t as easy as tearing it out.
We did have to add additional support to the ceiling joists to support the large span and thus weight of the ceiling.
If you have to ask “is this going to be safe?”, then you should probably call in a professional!
Outside Of Wall Removal: Archways And Doorway Redesign
Final Thoughts
If redesigning the flow or layout of your home is in your future, Remodeling Journey’s team is equipped and ready to help with a seamless process that will make everything easier and better.
From determining which walls can be removed to designing your new space and bringing it to reality, we are here for you. Enjoy all the perks of working with a top-tier contractor and make the best decision for your home!
We offer high-quality bathroom, kitchen, and basement remodeling services to homeowners in Wausau, WI, and surrounding areas.
Give us a ring at (715) 551-7328 or request a free quote if you want to find out more about what it takes to remove walls from a room.