How do I remove a load bearing wall in my living room?

Emily Annette
by Emily Annette

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?

  3 answers
  • 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



  • William William on Aug 24, 2018

    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.

  • Sharon Sharon on Aug 24, 2018

    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.