Given the important role that they play, you may find yourself wondering if the kitchen and dining room modifications are possible. You have been planning this for the longest time, and you want to avoid it being canceled because it involves a load-bearing part. But is it possible to knock down a load-bearing wall?
The quick answer is you can take down any type, including load-bearing ones.
However, you need to know that its removal is not as straightforward as repeatedly hitting it with a sledgehammer. Certain provisions must first be made so that the structure’s weight will still be supported through other means. At the same time, the demolition is ongoing, and when it is finally removed.
Do You Need Planning Permissions?
This task might be considered a major home renovation. You may wonder if you need planning permission before you can knock down the wall.
Whether load-bearing or not, you will likely need to secure a permit when it comes to removing them. In some cases, you may get away with breaking down a partition without the need for planning permission. The same cannot be said for load-bearing ones. This is because tearing them down or even adding new ones are considered structural changes that require permits.
The requirements to get the necessary permits will vary according to location. Still, it often requires submitting approved plans and the stamp of a certified structural engineer. If electrical and plumbing lines are affected, you may also be required to get permits for working on them.
Cost Associated With the Work
Before you start knocking down a wall in your house, you need to prepare your budget for it. It doesn’t matter if it’s load-bearing or not. It generally does not come cheap, even with DIY.
But first, we will talk about how much it costs to take down a non-load-bearing wall.
To remove a partition, expect to spend between $300 to $1,000 for it. If there are no utility lines and sockets to be removed, the process will be straightforward and cost less. Otherwise, you will need to include the cost of moving these utility lines elsewhere into your budget.
| House built | Percentage of homes with lead paint |
| Before 1940 | 87% |
| Between 1940 and 1959 | 69% |
| Between 1960 and 1977 | 24% |
The total cost will also depend on the following factors:
- Whether the home has multiple floors or not. Careful removal is needed on multiple level homes, even for non-load-bearing walls. It’s done to avoid affecting other sections or structures.
- If the home dates back to 1978 or earlier. The risk of lead exposure is high when it comes to removing anything on such homes. Testing and extra precautions are necessary for surfaces that may have lead-based paint. It is especially dangerous for women that are pregnant.
You can confirm the presence of lead using specific tests for the purpose. These will instantly give you the results. Consider buying tests in bulk, especially if you see any damaged paint elsewhere. A basic kit can only cover a room or two, and you need to test damaged paint ASAP.
Should lead be present in the paint, anyone who will take down the wall must be completely protected. Avoid acquiring the health hazards associated with lead.
- It is textured or has a special finish. Areas with a plain finish are much easier to remove, which makes their removal cheaper. Not only that, you will also need to refinish afterwards. Using paint is cheaper than refinishing a textured or wallpapered surface.
- Size of the area to be removed. The bigger the portion needing to be removed, the higher it will cost.
- Type. Certain types are easier to remove than others, so it will cost less to do so. Ones that are hard to remove will also require the use of special equipment. An example is masonry.
- Any repairs needed. While an area seems to be in good condition, there may be problems lurking underneath. It includes things such as termites and water damage. Even if you are removing the affected wall, you may need to address these issues to avoid damaging other parts of your home.
- Permits and other requirements. The cost of acquiring the necessary permits vary by location as well as other related requirements.
- Cleanup. Knocking down a wall will be messy, so cleaning up is required. The volume of debris from this task will affect the cost of its disposal.
Removing a non-load-bearing wall is a straightforward process. If utility lines are present, it is a lot cheaper to do so than to remove a load-bearing portion. And if you are well-versed in doing some construction work, you can even do it yourself to save money.
Just make sure to consult with a professional first if DIY work is doable or a risky undertaking and how you should do it.
Here is some safety gear needed when lead is found.
| Things Needed | What it’s for |
| Tape | You want to tape it off so that dust doesn’t go into other parts of the house. |
| Tarp | Put down a tarp to help catch dust. |
| Disposable clothing | Paint dust will settle in the clothing, so you’ll want to get rid of them afterward. |
| Lead paint respirator | A special respirator ensures the dust doesn’t go into your lungs. |
| Lead soap | Washing off lead dust can be hard. There’s special soap for it. |
| Goggles | They keep your eyes safe. |
