Load-Bearing Wall Removal

The demo part of a renovation project can be a lot of fun, but when it comes to load-bearing wall removal, can you do it yourself or should you leave it to the pros? Before you start swinging your sledgehammer, learn more about what this type of project entails in this DIY Network video:

Taking down a load-bearing wall is considered a structural change, and structural changes in your home require a fair amount of planning, not to mention permitting and inspections. These can be a bit intimidating for the average homeowner, but a licensed contractor knows the ropes and can easily handle this part of the project for you.

Another issue to be aware of when demoing a wall is that there’s always a chance you’ll discover unexpected plumbing and electrical wiring that needs to be re-routed. Aside from the technical difficulty of this, be aware that this could also affect your budget. So the more you know before you demo, the better; another reason why a pro can save you time and money.

Also, keep in mind load-bearing walls do just that – they bear the load. So before any part of the wall is removed, a contractor will shore up the area, basically building temporary two by four walls on either side of the wall that’s going to be removed. Otherwise, during the construction process, the weight of the home’s roof could cause the ceiling to sag, or, worst case, fall in.

Once the drywall and studs are removed from the area, the next thing you can expect your contractor to do is to install a properly sized wood, laminate or steel beam header. This will span across the entire opening to ensure the load is properly distributed across the new beam, down the vertical studs, and into the home’s foundation.

By letting a pro handle this type of demo, you’ll save yourself a lot of potential headaches, and you’ll ensure the job gets done right.