How do i rip down a wall to make my house more open.

bring a contractor in for a free consultation and ask him how much...you don't have to hire him...just pick his brain...

Picking a contractors brain for free is unethical.

you can figure this out for yourself.

Is it an outside wall? Probably not, but if your house has been added on to a lot, it could have been at one time.

Is it a wall that seems to go all the way across your house? Even though it is interrupted with doors, does it go from side to side or front to back?

if you answered yes, then it’s probably load bearing.

You can still remove a load bearing wall if you put in a sufficient header.

Think it through and go for it!

First, is it a load bearing wall? That doesn't mean you can't remove it, it just means that you will need to restructure the support beams (and there are town codes involved). Once you have determined what you have to do, get out the sledge hammer and start hacking. You may have to put support posts in prior to taking it down.

Besides determining if it is weight bearing - Remember you have to consider heating duct work, electrical outlets and such. Is there wiring I the wall? Is the thermostat located on the wall? Removing a wall can also change the manner in which heat / air conditioning moves in a room (if you have hot air forced heat) - you may have to add additional return ducts and such. You cannot just start hitting away, and think of these things later. Hiring a contractor later to clean up a situation can be a lot more expensive. Plus if there is wiring present (and you have not turned it off) you could be hurt. Perhaps hire a contractor for an hour of his advice first. Also see if your local community college offers a course in home repair / construction for home owners.

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