How to take down a wall?

Sar28201411
by Sar28201411
I would like to take 2 small bedrooms, remove the connecting wall and make 1 large room but I don't even know where to start.

  14 answers
  • Nancy Turner Nancy Turner on Jul 29, 2017

    First thing is to find out if the wall is a load bearing wall, then go from there.

  • William William on Jul 29, 2017

    True! You will need to determine if the wall is load bearing or not. If it is load bearing you will need a structural engineer to properly size a beam to take up the load. If its not load bearing you can start by removing the drywall first. Any electrical and/or plumbing will need to be rerouted. Then remove the studs and go from there. Clean up the area as you do the demo.

  • Dfm Dfm on Jul 29, 2017

    start recruting help. some one in construction. you will need to know if a wall is load bearing or not. some renovations can cost you money when you go to sell. a realtor can help you there..it may benefit you to keep the bedrooms when you go to sell.

    • Sara Spaulding Sara Spaulding on Jul 29, 2017

      Not planning to EVER move again, so will not be selling the house. Thanks for the thought, though. :)

      Thanks

  • Elisabeth Elisabeth on Jul 29, 2017

    First step would be to find out if that wall is a load-bearing wall. If not and if the wall is sheetrock, punch a hole in the wall and start pulling away the sheetrock. Make sure to wear gloves and a mask. You don't want to breathe the dust. Once the studs and wiring are exposed you can look and see what steps you will need to take next.

    • Sara Spaulding Sara Spaulding on Jul 29, 2017

      Thanks Elisabeth! What I'm trying to find out now is with a cement slab foundation, how do you tell if it's load-bearing?

  • Jilly Jilly on Jul 29, 2017

    Please make sure that you do not have weight bearing walls. If you do you will need to put in support for the ceiling. You can do this by placing beams across the room. Best to ask a contractor first, the contractor might be able to do the support work at a reasonable cost. We did the same thing between our living room and small kitchen area but had to put in a large beam to bear the weight, this was supported with extra vertical 4X6 boards and the beam was also tied in using the attic area. Consultations are usually free, make sure that the person is licensed and if you have them do the work that they have good liability insurance. Call your states Licensing board to check the information.

    • Sara Spaulding Sara Spaulding on Jul 29, 2017

      Thanks, Jilly. Hope to do a good portion of the work myself, but hadn't thought about calling the Licensing Board to check out contractors! :O


  • Lauri zaker Lauri zaker on Jul 29, 2017

    First find out if it's a load bearing wall.

  • Charlene Charlene on Jul 29, 2017

    Make sure none of the walls are supporting walls 1st. Then just start removing them. Be careful of electrical wires etc.

  • Karen Krysowaty Karen Krysowaty on Jul 29, 2017

    Call in a specialist to make sure you are not messing with a load bearing wall first of all.

  • 17335038 17335038 on Jul 29, 2017

    To remove walls, to make an opening in a wall, or to enlarge an existing opening (such as a closet or doorway) in order to effectively cut straight lines in the drywall (sheetrock) you will need an electric reciprocating saw. These tools are Not light, and they get heavier as you are trying to hold on to it and cut at a height above your head. Along with the drywall, you will eventually need to cut away at the lumber (2x4's) inside the wall.


    So far no one has commented on the chance of their also being plumbing lines in between the drywall. If you want the space to be totally open, the lines will also have to be moved. This is not a simply job by any regard.


    It is possible to make two former small bedrooms into one larger one by "taking out the wall" in between, however, there are many considerations that may involve many different trades people, so make sure all is clear to go first,and that your budget can afford the finishing costs, before you start tearing anything apart.

  • Dfm Dfm on Jul 29, 2017

    Ya...I had that thought as well. Moved for a better job.

  • B. Enne B. Enne on Jul 29, 2017

    It costs a few $ for an expert's advice, but it will cost you so much more if you don't, and the wall is load bearing. Internet searches are good, but some things are better left to the experts.

  • Sar28201411 Sar28201411 on Jul 30, 2017

    Thanks so much for all the answers. Now to get busy! :)

  • Agnes Chrzanowska Agnes Chrzanowska on May 31, 2021

    First check if that is not a wall that should not be removed . What is your wall made out of ?