How do I remove a load bearing wall in my living room?
I have a 1960's style rambler and I would like to take out the wall between my living room and dining/kitchen area to create an open space. I would like to do the tear down myself, but need to know how to put up a support beam where the load bearing wall was. Any ideas?
Related Discussions
Vinyl plank flooring vs pergo (laminate)
I currently have stinky dirty carpeting in my living room and I want to replace it with a durable flooring that can stand up to dogs and kids.
How to remove popcorn ceiling that has been painted?
Does having a paint over a popcorn ceiling change how I'd remove the popcorn ceiling?
How do I remove sand paint from the walls of a small bathroom?
Thought it was clever and a great look until I realized that if you fall against the wall it would scrape worse than a fall on cement. My husband is elderly and the l... See more
How do I remove really old wallpaper glue from the wall?
I’ve tried everything to remove this very old wallpaper adhesive. To no avail. Please help.Thanks,Mslalo
Should I paint over the wallpaper in my mobile home or remove it?
Paint over the wall paper in this manufactured mobile home or do I remove it?
How do I remove wall heaters?
My home was built in the early '80s and has a few electric wall heaters around. I have central HVAC now so these are just eyesores. How do I best remove them and what... See more
How do I remove glued-on wall boards?
Older home with those decorative wall boards in my bathrooms. Want to remove them without destroying the walls they are glued to (I think liquid nails was used) . Any... See more
First things first. Have you consulted your local building code? Have you pulled your permit (required)? Have you consulted an architect to determine what will beam will be required to replace the wall you are removing?
I get wanting to do the work yourself as long as you have a proper plan and know what you are doing. It is risky business if you don't. And if something goes awary, guess what? Your homeowners policy will be void because you did not follow procedure and use licensed contractors. Think twice before you proceed.
Here are helpful sites on how to remove a load bearing wall and brace the structure pending a new support beam. Your house is not tinker toys or Lincoln logs.
https://www.thespruce.com/removing-a-load-bearing-wall-1821964
https://extremehowto.com/removing-an-interior-load-bearing-wall/
https://www.thisoldhouse.com/how-to/how-to-remove-load-bearing-wall
https://youtu.be/fZqPsSemn7k
You will need a structural engineer to determine the size of header needed to take up the load. You can remove the wall down to the studs. May need to reroute electrical, pipes, and ductwork if any is present. Build temporary walls on both sides of the wall to support the structure with room to work in.. Then the wall can be removed and new header beam installed. Then the temporary walls can be removed.
First I would get a consult with an engineer as you don't want your second floor or roof to implode on you. Sometimes it requires an engineered beam or even a steel beam to support the width of the span.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rZsS_4HiHT8
You also want to test the wall board and ceiling for asbestos before you proceed. You can get a kit at hardware or home stores. The 60s building materials frequently uses asbestos in building materials.