Answers to FAQ on Wall Removal

When planning to create a more open area in your home by removing a wall, you may wonder if you can just start knocking it down with a sledgehammer, as you have probably seen done on television home makeover shows. The unequivocal answer is never, never, never. There are several factors to be considered before beginning a project of this scope. First, always check to see if any permits are needed before work is started.

The main consideration is whether it is a load bearing wall or not. If blueprints are not available, check placement of the roof braces, as they will run across load bearing walls and any walls that are parallel to the roof braces should be non-load bearing. Even if it does not appear to be a load bearing wall, it may still be providing support for ceiling joists and this must be taken into account. The wisest plan is to consult a structural engineer or architect as the first step, as this may save time, money and heartache if a mistake in this area causes ceilings to sag or damage to the entire home.

A good alternative to completely removing a load bearing wall would be creating an opening to provide a more spacious atmosphere. This opening can be as wide as eight feet or more and will require the installation of a header to carry the load instead. Another way to provide the support needed when a load bearing wall is removed is installation of decorative support columns, which will maintain the structural integrity and keep costs down. Regardless of the load bearing question, budgeting for floor and ceiling coordination of the two rooms must be taken into account. There will normally be a small gap or break between the rooms that will need to be bridged and concealed with decorative trim if you do not plan to redo the entire ceiling and floor.

Another important question is whether the wall to be removed contains any utilities. While rerouting electrical outlets and even switches is not too difficult for the average do-it-yourself addict, plumbing can be a much larger endeavour and may cause you to reconsider or redesign the project. If you are not skilled in electrical or plumbing, have this work performed by a licensed professional. Even if there does not appear to be any electrical connections, always turn the power off before beginning the demolition.

For non-bearing walls, once the utilities have been given proper consideration, begin the removal of the wall carefully, one layer at a time. Start by cutting along the edge where the wall joins the ceiling and also along both sides of the wall with a sharp knife, to reduce damage to the ceiling and adjoining walls during removal. With a hammer, knock a hole between the studs, large enough to accommodate your hand and begin removing the wallboard or panelling until any utilities are exposed, using a small pry bar. After relocating utilities, cut each stud midway and twist and pull to remove each section. Cut the floor plate with a saw, taking care not to damage the floor and do the same for the ceiling plate to which the studs were attached.

This should bring you to the point of dressing the exposed area previously used by the wall. If your budget permits renovation of the ceiling and floor as one continuous room, this is the point you wanted to reach. If not, the planned decorative trim will allow a smooth flow from one area to the other, creating the openness desired. While this project will not be a one day endeavour, it will certainly be well worth the time and effort in the finished open space design.

William Davies has learnt from his experience. Something is bound to go wrong if you start fiddling with your house and you have got adequate building and content insurance. Double check before you bash down that wall!