Removing an internal wall might sound like an easy DIY project but think twice before you pick up that sledgehammer!
Before you remove a wall, you need to know if it is load-bearing or if it has any electrical wiring, plumbing, vents, or gas pipes inside.
Exterior walls are even more complex since nearly all exterior walls are load-bearing walls that have structural importance.
Read our checklist below before you start swinging!
What to Consider When Removing a Wall
Assuming your home has only a ground floor and you want to remove an interior wall, you need to know the answers to these vital questions before you begin.
- Is the wall load-bearing? A load-bearing wall provides support for structures above it, e.g. ceiling, roofing, or floors.
- Where are the joists in the ceiling? If the joists are perpendicular to the wall to be removed, then it’s possible that the wall is load bearing.
- Does the wall contain plumbing, gas pipes, or electrical wiring? Even non-load bearing walls can be tricky to remove if they have these utility lines running inside the wall cavity.
- If it does, where will these items be rerouted to? Will you need different interior lighting? You’ll need to hire other tradespeople, so you should include the plan and expense for these things in the overall job.
- Do you have the proper permit? Your simple wall removal project might require several permits, and failure to obtain the correct permit may result in big fines.
- What will you do with the ceiling and floor once you have removed the wall? Plan ahead about the ceiling and floor sections affected by the wall removal and include this in your plan and budget.
If you don’t have the answers to these questions, you should be prepared for anything to happen because chances are that you will be surprised by the unexpected!
How Do You Know If It’s Safe to Remove a Wall?
If it is not a load-bearing wall, then it is probably safe to remove it. You should still be prepared for electrical wiring, vents, plumbing, or gas pipes that could be hidden inside the wall.
Internal walls often hide these items and not only do you need to be careful not to damage them, but you also need a plan on how and where you will reroute these items.
One easy trick is to look at the wall. If there is an electrical outlet or a light switch on the wall, there is, at a minimum, electrical wiring that will need to be moved.
How Can I Tell If a Wall Is Load-Bearing?
One of the easiest ways is to go to the basement (or crawl space) or the attic and look at the joists.
Does the wall that you want to remove run parallel to the joints? Then it most likely is NOT a load-bearing wall.
However, if the wall runs perpendicular to the joists, it most likely IS a load-bearing wall. If you have any doubts, hire a
structural engineer or architect to avoid weakening your house’s structure.
Do I Need Permission to Remove a Wall in My House?
Yes, you do. You can read more about that here.
While permits are not complicated, finding the correct one can sometimes be confusing.
You can avoid this hassle by hiring Wall Removal Experts Perth. We handle all permits and permissions so you don’t get hit with a large fine later on.
What to Do Before Removing a Wall in Your Home
If you are certain that the wall is not load-bearing and that you have the skills necessary to reroute anything you might find inside the wall, our wall removal checklist can help:
- Get the necessary permits and/or permissions from the planning office.
- Disconnect all utilities before you start knocking down a wall. This means turning off the water, propane or natural gas lines entering your house, as well as turning off the electrical breakers.
- Protect your furniture, carpets, and hardwood floors. This is a dusty, dirty job!
- Create a partition to prevent dust and debris from entering other rooms.
- Remove any pictures, photos, decorative items, skirting boards, or moulding on the walls.
- Rent a dumpster for the debris- you’ll need it!
IMPORTANT: You should never attempt to remove a load-bearing wall without the help and advice of a structural engineer.
The wall will need structural support and the weight must be redistributed elsewhere. Do not attempt to do this on your own unless you are an architect or a structural engineer.
How Much Does It Cost to Remove a Wall?
This would depend on the size of the wall, whether it is a load-bearing or non-load-bearing wall, as well as what type of material the wall is made of.
You can expect to pay about $1350 for a timber wall and $1500 for the average brick wall.
Load-bearing walls cost much more, with the average price running about $4000.
These prices are for first-floor house plans. Second-floor work might cost more.
Before you get into more than you can handle, call for a free quote from the professional team at Wall Removal Experts Perth.
We Are Your Trusted Wall Removal Experts in Perth
Wall Removal Experts Perth is a family-owned and operated business with nearly two decades of experience.
You can trust our experts to tell you if a wall is load-bearing or not, whether the wall removal will affect the roof structure, and whether removing an interior or exterior wall will result in that new space you are trying to achieve.
Watching those DIY shows make it look like removing a wall is easy, but they don’t show you how they have rerouted important items found inside the wall. The videos often do not show you how they consulted with an architect or engineer to ensure that removal of a structural wall would not compromise the stability of the house.
There is a big difference between DIY and letting an expert handle the job.
We receive many calls each month from Perth homeowners who have gotten in over their heads trying to remove a wall in their homes.
Don’t waste your time and money trying to DIY with your brother-in-law. Call Wall Removal Experts Perth and avoid becoming a public liability!
Why Choose Wall Removal Experts Perth
We understand that you have lots of choices when it comes to wall removal services.
Wall Removal Experts Perth wants to be the name that comes to mind whenever you want to remove a wall or when you have other home improvement projects that you want completed.
We handle all the required permits, have structural engineers that can ensure the safety of your home, and make the entire process stress-free and hassle-free.
Request Your FREE Quote Today!
Why not call us today while you’re thinking about it?
We offer free on-site inspections and accurate quotes so you know exactly what it will cost to expand your dining room or create an open space.
Call our friendly staff today!
