The Open Floor Plan Secret DIY Shows Never Tell You!
So, you bought that new dream home; or finally decided that this is the year for that renovation to take place. You have been eyeing that inconveniently placed wall that seems to only exist to funk up your functuay; and wonder what imbecile would have ever put that there. So, while sipping your morning coffee you channel your inner King Leonidas and scream something that makes your partner’s eyebrow raise, while plunging your foot through that soul-sucking space waster of a wall. And looking at the guts of the wall all over your kitchen floor, you wonder…….is this wall load-bearing?
Today, we will explore a topic that has probably crossed your mind if you've ever considered emulating that seemingly simple DIY show that takes every old, closed off floor plan and breathes new life into it by tearing down a bunch of walls. Renovating your home for an open floor concept: the removal of a load-bearing wall. The process may seem complicated, but with this guide, I hope to demystify it for you.
What is a Load-Bearing Wall?
Load-bearing walls are a critical part of your home's structure; they support the weight from the roof and upper floors, transferring it down to the foundation. Due to their crucial role, removing them necessitates careful planning and execution. Here's how it can be done in 5 simple steps!
Step 1: Identification
Firstly, it's vital to ascertain whether the wall you intend to remove is indeed a load-bearing wall. This is often easier said than done. Load-bearing walls usually run perpendicular to floor joists, may be located in the middle of your house, and are often thicker than partition walls. However, distinguishing load-bearing walls from non-load-bearing (or partition) walls can be tricky for the untrained eye. Here's a bit more detail on the various signs and characteristics to look for:
Perpendicular to Floor Joists: One of the most common ways to identify a load-bearing wall is by checking the direction of your home’s floor joists. These are the horizontal structures that support the floor of your home. Load-bearing walls typically run perpendicular (at a right angle) to floor joists. You can typically check this by assessing your home’s crawl space or attic.
Location: Load-bearing walls are often located in the middle of the house, as this is typically where support is needed to distribute the weight evenly across the foundation. However, this isn’t a hard-and-fast rule; some homes may have load-bearing walls along the exterior or in other locations.
Thickness: Load-bearing walls are usually thicker than partition walls. A typical interior wall might be made with 2x4 lumber and is approximately 4.5 inches thick when drywall is included. In contrast, load-bearing walls may be constructed with 2x6 lumber or might be doubled up, making them thicker than standard walls.
Continuous walls: If a wall runs continuously, vertically through the house, from the basement to the roof, it’s likely a load-bearing wall. This continuous path suggests that the wall is transferring load from the top of the house down to the foundation.
Blueprints or Building Plans: If you have access to your home’s original blueprints or building plans, these documents will typically indicate which walls are load-bearing. They are usually marked with specific symbols or notes.
Note: This is a crucial step in that dream of an open floor concept. If this step is improperly implemented your dream home may turn into a bed under the stars.
Step 2: Planning
Once you've determined that the wall you wish to remove is indeed load-bearing, creating a comprehensive plan is your next crucial step. This plan involves understanding how the load (the weight) that the wall is currently supporting will be transferred elsewhere. Why is this important? The weight that was once supported by the wall doesn't just disappear. If it isn't adequately redirected, it can cause serious structural problems, including sagging ceilings, cracked walls, and in the worst cases, a collapse.
First, let's discuss the temporary support structure, also known as a temporary wall or a support wall. This is a critical part of the process because it bears the load while the permanent solution is being installed. Essentially, it's like a placeholder that prevents the upper structure from caving in when the load-bearing wall is removed.
Building a temporary support structure involves erecting a stud wall close to the wall you plan to remove. The stud wall is usually constructed from solid wood and should be robust enough to handle the load. It should be noted that you may need to build two temporary walls, one on each side of the load-bearing wall, to provide sufficient support during the process.
Now, let's talk about the permanent solution. Since the load-bearing wall is going away, a new element must be introduced to carry the load that the wall once supported. That's where a beam comes in.
This beam, which can be made of steel or laminated veneer lumber (LVL), is installed in the place of the wall. Steel beams are incredibly strong and can support heavy loads over large spans, but they're also heavier and can be more challenging to install. LVL beams, on the other hand, are lighter and easier to work with, but they might not support as much weight as steel. The choice between steel and LVL will depend on several factors, including the load to be supported, the span of the beam, and practical considerations like ease of installation and cost.
It's important to note that the beam can either be installed below the ceiling line (a drop beam) or flush with the ceiling line (a flush beam). The choice between these two options will depend on aesthetic preferences and structural considerations.
This entire process requires precise calculations and knowledge of building codes and safety standards. Therefore, it's generally recommended to involve a structural engineer in the planning process. They can help you determine the exact specifications for the temporary support and permanent beam, ensuring that your home remains safe and structurally sound during and after the renovation.
Step 3: Approval
Before making significant structural changes to your home, like removing a load-bearing wall, it's not only crucial but also usually legally required to get approval from your local building department or permitting office. This step is fundamental because it ensures that your proposed changes meet local building codes and regulations, which are in place to ensure the safety and integrity of buildings.
Here's a more detailed look at this process:
Drawing Up Plans: The first step is to have detailed plans drawn up. These should clearly show the current structure and the proposed changes. For a task like removing a load-bearing wall, these plans would need to indicate how the load will be redistributed once the wall is removed. A professional, such as an architect or engineer, usually prepares these plans.
Plan Review: Once your plans are ready, you'll need to submit them to your local building department. A building inspector or engineer will review these plans to ensure they comply with local building codes. This process may take some time, depending on the complexity of the project and the workload of the department.
Permit Issuance: If your plans are approved, you'll be issued a permit that allows you to proceed with the work. The permit will likely come with conditions, such as the requirement for inspections at certain stages of the work.
Inspections: Inspections are typically required at various stages of the project to verify that the work is being carried out according to the approved plans and that it meets all relevant safety standards. For example, you might need to schedule an inspection after the temporary supports are erected but before the wall is removed. A final inspection will likely be required upon completion of the project.
Adjustments and Re-Inspections: If the inspector finds that some aspects of the work do not meet the required standards, you will need to make the necessary adjustments. Once these have been carried out, a re-inspection can be scheduled.
Remember that the specific process and requirements can vary depending on your location and the nature of the project. It's always a good idea to contact your local building department to get accurate information before starting a significant renovation project. This will help you avoid potential legal issues and ensure that your project proceeds smoothly and safely.
Step 4: Execution
Now comes the fun part! Now that you have identified the wall as load-bearing, coordinated with a qualified expert to get planning completed, and received approval from the local building department; you can get to work making that dream floor plan come to life.
During the actual removal, your first step will be to install temporary supports on both sides of the wall. These support locations and construction methods should be indicated on the plans provided by the engineer or architect.
Next, you will remove the drywall from the wall, exposing the studs. One by one, you'll cut and remove the studs, taking care not to damage adjacent walls, floors, or ceilings.
Finally, you'll install a new beam, designed to carry the load that was previously supported by the wall. This beam could sit in the same spot as the wall (a "drop beam"), or it could be nestled in the ceiling (a "flush beam"). Each has its pros and cons and might be chosen based on aesthetic or structural considerations.
Step 5: Finishing
After the beam is securely installed and the temporary supports are taken away, you're left with a clear, open space where the wall once stood. But, as you rightly noted, the work isn't quite finished yet. There are a few more steps to make the area look seamless and integrated with the rest of your home.
Patching the Ceiling and Floor:
You'll be left with gaps in both your ceiling and floor where the wall and temporary supports once stood. These gaps need to be filled and smoothed over to create a continuous surface.
For the ceiling, this process generally involves installing drywall to fill the gap, followed by tape and joint compound to blend the patch with the existing ceiling. After the joint compound dries, it will need to be sanded smooth.
The floor will have a similar process. Depending on the type of flooring, you may need to install new floorboards, tiles, or carpet to fill the gap. If you have hardwood floors, you'll want to match the new boards with the existing ones as closely as possible in terms of wood species, size, and color. Once installed, the new boards will need to be sanded and finished to match the rest of the floor.
Painting:
After patching, it's time to paint. The goal here is to ensure the patched areas blend seamlessly with the rest of your home. The new ceiling drywall will need to be primed before painting. If you don't have the original paint, you'll want to take a sample of your existing paint (from both the ceiling and floor, if necessary) to the paint store to get a perfect match. Remember to prepare the area properly, using painter's tape to protect areas you don't want to be painted and drop cloths to protect your furniture and floor.
Installing New Flooring (if necessary):
In some cases, you might choose to install new flooring in the entire open space, rather than just patching the gap. This could be an opportunity to update your flooring or ensure a perfect match across the entire area. If you choose this route, the process will depend on the type of flooring you select. It could involve removing the old flooring, preparing the subfloor, and installing and finishing the new flooring.
Remember, each of these steps requires careful attention to detail to ensure a high-quality finish that blends seamlessly with the rest of your home. Don't rush these final stages - after all, this is what you and others will see every day! If you're not comfortable with these tasks, consider hiring a professional. They have the skills and knowledge to ensure the job is done right.
A Final Word of Caution
While this blog post outlines the general process, it's important to reiterate that removing a load-bearing wall is not a typical DIY project. It requires a thorough understanding of your home's structure, careful planning, and often the consultation of professionals. Even small mistakes can have serious consequences, including structural damage to your home or even a catastrophic collapse.
Remember, when in doubt, always consult a professional. Happy renovating!
