Technically, you may not physically need a structural engineer if you are 100% certain the wall is non-load-bearing, but pulling one in is highly recommended. Many municipalities require a structural assessment or certified drawings to issue the proper permits, and having documentation is crucial to avoid issues if you ever sell your home.
If the wall is not load-bearing, you can proceed with your plans with relative peace of mind. However, if it is load-bearing, the structural engineer will provide a detailed plan for how to safely remove or alter it.
Removing a non-load-bearing interior wall typically costs between $300 and $3,500, depending on whether it contains hidden utilities. A simple teardown without utilities is the cheapest, while a complex job with electrical, plumbing, and drywall repairs trends much higher.
In contrast, non-load-bearing walls don't support anything above them. In other words, they carry just their own weight, so they're relatively easy to remove: “A sledgehammer and some degree of common sense is pretty much all you need to get started,” says Jo.
Characteristics of Non-Load-Bearing Walls:
Simple Purpose: Functions as a room divider rather than a structural element. Usually Parallel to Joists: These walls typically run parallel to floor joists or ceiling rafters.
Usually, if a wall runs parallel to the floor joists above, it won't be load-bearing. Meanwhile, if it runs at a 90-degree angle to the joists, there's a good chance that it is. Just bear in mind that this won't always be the case! It runs all the way through your home.
A non-load bearing wall is primarily called a partition wall or a non-bearing wall. These walls divide interior space and support only their own weight, not the structural load of the roof or floors above. They are often called partition walls because they are used to create rooms, closets, or hallways.
Costs of Removing a Wall
For a typical 4-metre wide opening supported by a steel beam, you can expect builders to charge around £2,000 plus VAT. This typically covers the temporary supports, demolition, repairs to the masonry, installation of the steel beam, and fire protection.
Do You Need a Permit to Remove a Load-Bearing Wall? Yes, permits are typically required when altering a load-bearing wall since these walls are integral to your home's structure. Most cities and counties require homeowners to obtain building permits to ensure that the structural changes meet local building codes.
Check the Blueprints If You Have Them
Original construction drawings (if you can get them from the city permit office or the original builder) will typically indicate structural walls. They may be shown as thicker, labeled as "bearing wall," or shown with specific structural connections.
In a best-case scenario, a non-load-bearing wall in a relatively new home can come down in a single day, whereas older residences or more complicated walls can take several days—or even longer—to be fully removed and cleared.
Quick Answer: Most Walls Can Be Removed, But Not All
The short answer is encouraging: approximately 60-70% of interior walls in typical residential construction are non-load-bearing partition walls that can be safely removed with proper permits and precautions.
Consequences of Removing a Load-Bearing Wall:
Compromised structural integrity. Sagging floors. Possible catastrophic collapse.
The average cost to remove a wall in your home will be around $3,000, though you may spend between $500 and $15,000, depending on a few different factors, like whether the wall you're removing is load-bearing or non-load-bearing. If it's load-bearing, it'll likely cost more.
Hire a structural engineer to inspect the desired walls, determine load bearing walls, and provide you with a scope of work that your contractor can use to perform the work SAFELY.
Yes, you must always speak to a structural engineer before removing a wall. They will determine how much weight it's bearing and advise on how to remove it safely. They can also design a replacement – especially handy for walls with support beams.
Non-load bearing walls
But every situation is different, and we advise you to employ a professional to assess and carry out such work. In most cases, taking down non-load bearing walls does not need Building Regulations approval – but there are exceptions.
Removing a load-bearing wall requires professional intervention and strict adherence to safety and building codes. Never attempt to take it down without consulting a licensed structural engineer and pulling the required local permits. Here is the process to do it correctly.
After all, in most homes you can remove as much as you wish of a load-bearing wall, but it has a lot to do with what's inside the wall, and how you plan to redistribute the weight. Load-bearing walls are critical to the structure of your home.
Cost Overview:
The average price for removing a load-bearing wall is typically between $5,700 and $6,760, while the cost to replace a load-bearing wall with a beam usually ranges from $1,300 to $5,000.
On average, it takes around 2 to 3 days to remove a load-bearing wall. However, the timeline can vary based on the project's complexity and size, with some larger jobs extending to 1 to 2 weeks.
One of the biggest perks of removing a wall between kitchen and dining room is that it creates an open space with no walls separating any areas. This makes cooking meals and gathering around a table far more sociable than before. An open concept also helps improve the overall flow of the house.
Most interior non-load-bearing walls measure about 10–12 cm (4–5 inches). Exterior walls, which need to account for insulation and weatherproofing, commonly reach 20–25 cm (8–10 inches). Load-bearing walls often range from 15–30 cm (6–12 inches) in thickness, depending on the building material and structural demands.
Non-load-bearing walls carry only their own weight and may be any one of the types discussed under load-bearing walls. This type of wall is used to close in a steel or concrete frame building. It is usually carried by supports, normally steel shelf…
In nonload-bearing walls and partitions, that are not part of a braced wall panel, studs shall be spaced not more than 24 inches (610 mm) on center. In interior nonload-bearing walls and partitions, studs are permitted to be set with the long dimension parallel to the wall.