| Removing a wall has become a popular home | | | | easier. But if there are electrical or plumbing |
| renovation project as homeowners increasingly | | | | components inside the wall to be removed, they will |
| prefer open floor plans and more connected spaces | | | | need to be rerouted so that your home remains |
| in their homes. A common project is removing a wall | | | | functional without the wall. The need to adjust pipes |
| to open a kitchen to an adjoining living or dining area | | | | and wiring is another reason that most homeowners |
| and create better flow throughout shared living areas. | | | | prefer to hire a pro to remove interior walls. |
| Walls are also removed to expand bedrooms and | | | | What will need to be done to create a smooth |
| bathrooms or rearrange living space. Because of the | | | | transition on the adjoining floor, ceiling and walls? |
| numerous factors involved, removing a wall is usually | | | | When you remove a wall, the adjoining wall(s), ceiling |
| better left to the professionals. Here are a few | | | | and floor will be exposed where the wall was |
| considerations for an interior wall removal project: | | | | previously affixed. Accommodating the gaps created |
| Is the wall load bearing or not? The most important | | | | as a result of removing a wall is an important piece |
| factor in wall removal is whether the wall is load | | | | of the project that should be addressed in the |
| bearing. A load bearing wall is a critical part of the | | | | project plan and allowed for in the budget. |
| home's structure because it supports the weight | | | | When you are breaking down a wall, you never |
| above. A load bearing wall can still be removed, but | | | | know what surprise obstacles you will encounter that |
| the weight it supports must be redistributed and | | | | must be addressed before the project can proceed. |
| supported in another way. Often, you can add a | | | | Unless you are experienced with similar projects as |
| column or two to support the weight while still | | | | well as electrical and plumbing work, hiring a |
| creating the open floor plan you are going for. If the | | | | professional for this type of project is advised. Even |
| wall is not load bearing, it may be removed without | | | | if you have the experience to tackle the job |
| affecting the structure of the home. | | | | yourself, getting professional advice before you begin |
| Are there electrical wires or plumbing pipes inside the | | | | may be helpful. |
| wall? If not, you are lucky and the job will be a little | | | | |