Taking down a load bearing wall in any part of your home is a big deal. You cannot simply remove it as you would a non-load bearing wall.
As a homeowner, you need to ensure that the wall is removed carefully, preferably by a load bearing wall removal specialist. They’re certified to do the job safely and keep your home standing strong, even after the wall is removed.
This post will present a few pros and cons of removing a load bearing wall in your home.
Advantages of Taking down a Load Bearing Wall
Even though load bearing walls are essential to your home, they may need to be taken down to make certain major improvements. When done properly, load bearing wall removal can significantly enhance your home’s layout without compromising its strength in any way.
Broadly speaking, homeowners tear down load bearing walls to add function, aesthetics, and convenience to their living spaces.
Removing a load bearing wall and creating an open layout can result in the following benefits:
- More light: The spread of the natural light coming in from your windows can be restricted by the walls in your house. This applies to creative artificial lighting as well. By removing the obstructing wall, you can open up avenues for more and improved light throughout your home.
- Bigger space: An open will make your house seem larger and spacious. Your mind is tricked into seeing more square footage, which may also help increase the value of your home.
- Easier flow of communication: An open home layout also improves the scope for better communication. Walls can hinder seamless face-to-face conversations among the residents of the house. This can be remedied by tearing down the wall and creating an open space.
- Improved home aesthetic: The process of removing walls is extremely strategic, and load bearing wall removal specialists know of the implications in terms of providing support to the house’s roof. Thanks to emerging technology, homeowners can choose from a variety of attractive design options when choosing the support columns.
- Added strength: Materials such as wood, fiberglass, rotocast fiberglass-reinforced polymer, and cellular PVC are used in creating beams/columns that can endure your house’s weight. You can also choose from various shapes and designs, such as square, round, octagon, and tapered and non-tapered.
- Embrace the latest trend: Removing a load-bearing walls can give your home a modern and sleek look. Large open spaces are being preferred by an increasing number of homeowners who don’t want their home to look (and feel) cramped.
It is important to realize that taking down a load bearing wall is not a DIY job. Identifying load bearing walls can be tricky, as can locating hidden items (such as electrical wires, plumbing pipes, ductwork) within them. Further, erecting support beams that can adequately withstand the weight of your home and uphold its structural integrity needs a high level of expertise. It is, therefore, always recommended to entrust the job of safe load bearing wall removal to the professionals.
Disadvantages of Taking down a Load Bearing Wall
While there aren’t any real disadvantages associated with load bearing wall removal, certain challenges may be involved. Let’s take a look at what they are.
- Cost to remove load bearing wall can be high: Demolishing plaster and lath walls in old houses can be time-consuming and hence, costly. Removing drywall or paneling, on the other hand, is relatively easier and, therefore, cheaper. Further, if your wall was supporting a huge amount of weight, you’ll need to install an equally robust beam, which can be expensive. Some homes may need a steel I-beam, which can be quite costly.
- Wall may contain fixtures: As mentioned, some load bearing walls may contain plumbing, electrical wiring, ductwork, and more. Tearing down such a wall not only takes more time, but also costs more. You will need to plan separately for the safe removal of all the wires and fittings.
- Matching textures might be challenging: If your home’s ceiling and walls are textured, with different flooring on each side of the wall, you might have to pay more for proper patching. You may also have to redo the entire ceiling and flooring, which can add to your costs.
- Remediation costs: If your house was built pre-1978, it is likely that its walls contain asbestos or lead-based paint. Remediation of these walls can result in delays and increased expenses.
Bring in the Load Bearing Wall Removal Specialists
As soon as you decide to take down your load bearing wall, you should seriously consider hiring a load bearing wall removal specialist as your first step. Only an experienced professional will know of the factors that go into tearing down walls safely, and retaining the structural integrity of your home.
Before removing it, you will need to install a beam for load bearing wall to support the weight of your house. A professional will devise a plan before removing any wall in your house, and ensure that your home is safe even after a prominent wall within in comes down.
Moreover, they will know how to correctly identify a load bearing wall as well as any objects that may be inside it. Of course, there’s always a chance of encountering a surprise once you take the wall down for real.
An efficient load bearing wall removal professional will put aside some part of the budget for unexpected costs as one can never be sure about this aspect until actually opening up the wall.
A seasoned load bearing wall removal specialist will also know about the necessary permits, building codes, and government approvals that are mandatorily required before bringing down any wall.
In Conclusion
Taking down a load bearing wall requires careful planning and execution by the experts. The effort and expenses can pay off once you see the final results. In fact, it can be considered an investment that helps transform the interior of your house. The above pointers should help you understand the pros and cons of load bearing wall removal, and make an informed decision in this regard. If you have any questions about the feasibility of the job in your home, get in touch with a load bearing wall specialist. They will help you make the best decisions in keeping with your unique requirements.
