What You Need to Know About Removing An Interior Wall

On this project we removed 2 walls (one was load bearing) so we could add an island to this home in Waverly Hills.

The Basics About removing a interior wall

Older homes were not designed for the way we live today. The rooms are smaller and the kitchen is usually closed from the living area.

While there is a slight trend towards priviate kitchens that are not open to the living area open kitchens are still very popular. Another big trend is adding a butler’s pantry or scullery as a kind of ‘second kitchen’ so they main kitchen can serve more as a gathering place.

To remove an interior wall requires careful planning and consideration as it can affect your flooring, storage, furnuture placement and other factors.

Is knocking down that wall the right move for your Tallahassee home? Here’s what you should think about before diving in.

Why Do You Want to Remove the Interior Wall?

Removing an interior wall can dramatically change the feel of your space. Before making this decision, think through how you’ll use the room without the wall.

Consider these questions:

• • Where will you place furniture?
  • Will you lose storage?
  • Is there electric or plumbing in the wall ?
  • Can you patch the floors or would they need to be replaced?
  • How will it change the workflow of the room?

A little planning can go a long way in making sure the change is exactly what you want. It’s a good idea to chat with a designer who can offer professional insight into how removing an interior wall will affect your space.

A Real life example of removing an interior wall

The Issue:

This home, built in 1981, had a typical galley kitchen, and the washer and dryer located in the garage. The couple enjoyed entertaining but found the kitchen being closed off from the living and dining areas inconvenient. They also wanted to move the washer and dryer out of the garage.

The Solution:

We removed some walls, including one load-bearing wall that required a large beam, and transformed the space into an open kitchen and laundry room. This not only improved the layout for entertaining but also relocated the washer and dryer to a more functional space.

The view from the living room after the wall was removed.

Is the Interior Wall Load-Bearing?

A load-bearing wall helps support the weight of your home, and removing it without replacing the support can cause structural problems.

An experienced contractor can often tell if a wall is load bearing or not but you will need an engineers report for permitting and to be 100% sure.

Some clues as to weather a wall is load bearing:

In general some walls are usually not load bearing

• • In general, closets and shower walls are not load bearing
  • In general, all exterior walls are load bearing

On a two story home, look at the downstairs ceiling joists (aka upstairs floor joists).

• • If the wall you want to remove runs parrallel to the joints then it’s likely not load bearing.
  • If it runs perpendicular then it could be load bearing

In single story homes you want to look at the direction of the roof framing.

• • • If wall runs parrallel to the roof framing there is a good chance it is not load bearing
    • It runs perpendicular, especially if its in the center of the home it likely is load bearing.

If the wall is load-bearing, it can still be removed, but you’ll need a structural engineer to design a replacement support system, like headers or beams.

What’s In the Wall?

Before you start removing an interior wall, think about what might be inside it. Are there electrical wires, plumbing pipes, or HVAC ducts running through the wall?

If so, these will need to be moved or capped by a licensed professional. This can add extra costs to your project, so keep that in mind when deciding whether to remove an interior wall.

Codes and Permits: Don’t Skip This Step

In most cases, you’ll need a permit to remove an interior wall, even if it’s not load-bearing. If you’re remodeling in Tallahassee, check out our guide on permits to make sure you’re following the right process.

Not getting the proper permits could lead to fines, problems with insurance, or issues when selling your home. It’s best to take care of the paperwork now to avoid headaches later.

Other Factors to Consider When Removing an Interior Wall

Removing an interior wall will change the feel of your entire home, so it’s important to think about a few other factors before moving forward.

Flooring Transitions

When you remove an interior wall, you’ll need to deal with the flooring underneath it. You might need to patch the area or replace the flooring throughout the room.

You could also add a decorative transition, like a tile strip, to make the change look intentional. Your designer can help you figure out what will work best for your home.

Drywall Repair

After removing the wall, the drywall on either side of the opening—and the ceiling—will need repair. This is often a skilled job that requires patching and painting.

If you were planning to repaint anyway, this will be a simple fix. But if not, it might take extra work to make the area blend seamlessly with the rest of the room.

Alternative Solutions to Removing an Interior Wall

If you’re unsure about removing a full wall, consider other options. Maybe you could remove the top part of the wall to create a pass-through or half-wall.

This will open up the space while still maintaining some separation. Alternatively, you could widen doorways to make the room feel more connected. Or, consider creative ways to use the existing wall space with shelving, artwork, or furniture that keeps the room feeling open.

Is Removing an Interior Wall Right for Your Home?

Removing an interior wall can be a game-changer in your home remodel. It can make your space feel brighter, more spacious, and more connected. While it’s a big undertaking, it’s well worth it for the right home.

If you’re in the Tallahassee area and are considering removing an interior wall, McManus Kitchen and Bath is here to help you make the best decision for your home. Contact us today to get started!