Looking to remove an interior wall? This is one of the more common requests we get when meeting with a homeowner looking to remodel their home. Removing an interior wall can be a great solution to “open up the space,” but sometimes, it’s a little more complicated than just taking a sledgehammer and swinging away. First and most importantly, we need to find out if the wall is load-bearing by having an engineer perform a site inspection. If so (Hint: It usually is), the engineer needs to size a new beam to transfer the load above according to the span of the new opening. The wider the span and heavier the load, the larger the beam. In some cases, the span is so great and/or the load above is so heavy that the size of the new beam prevents a flush ceiling. In this case, a dropped header is required. Next, you have to reinforce everything below by installing a new structural pier with a concrete footing. This will help prevent settling and future cracks in the drywall. 
 
So now you’ve taken care of the structural implications of removing a wall, but what about all those electrical and plumbing lines that were hidden in the wall? Obviously, these need to be rerouted or relocated, which is always a challenge but usually feasible with a little creative troubleshooting.

Now that you’re past the hardest part, what’s next? Hint: Look up and look down. That’s right, the ceiling and the flooring. In almost all cases, when removing a wall, you have to patch in flooring and drywall to fill the voids of the old wall. Hardwoods can be tricky. Depending on the type of existing floors and the direction they’re running, you may be forced to sand and finish a large area to blend everything in. The ceiling is less tricky, but always plan for drywall patching and painting. Hopefully, there’s a good break, otherwise, you may need to paint the ceiling from room to room. The last big challenge is tying in the trim, including any base, shoe, crown, and casing that may run into the adjoining spaces.

These are just a few of the obstacles you may come across when removing a wall, which can ultimately prove to be very difficult, time-consuming, and expensive. These are also some of the MANY reasons why you should hire a professional when considering a major remodeling project or something as “simple” as a wall removal. For more information on the Dos and Don’ts of remodeling, check out the rest of our blog.

Recently, we completed a kitchen renovation in South Charlotte, where the existing space was dated and enclosed from the main living area. The existing peninsula and wall made for an awkward layout and barrier to other areas of the home. Our clients wanted an open floor plan with ease of function and flow for entertainment and everyday life. 

By removing the existing peninsula and wall, our design team was able to integrate the living room and kitchen, creating an efficient new layout. This was not an easy task, as engineering called for the installation of a 22-foot steel I-beam to support the floor above. In the end, our team of skilled professionals was able to execute this daunting task, allowing for much-needed space to expand the kitchen with an impressive new island, perfect for entertaining. Take a look at this beautiful new kitchen featuring the new and improved layout!